Modern Australian
The Times

What's the next 'giant leap' for humankind in space? We asked 3 space experts

  • Written by Sunanda Creagh, Head of Digital Storytelling

You’ve probably heard that this week marks 50 years since humans first set foot on the Moon – a feat that still boggles the mind given the limitations of technology at the time and the global effort required to pull it off.

If you’re as fascinated as we are about the history and future of space exploration, check out The Conversation podcast, To the moon and beyond, a five-part podcast series from The Conversation. We’ve featured a little taste of it on Trust Me today.

Through interviews with academic experts around the world – from space scientists to historians, lawyers, futurists and a former astronaut – science journalist Miriam Frankel and space scientist Martin Archer look at the past 50 years of space exploration and what the 50 years ahead have in store.

Episode two features Australia’s own space archaeologist, Alice Gorman, in conversation with Sarah Keenihan about why Apollo 11 landing spots could become heritage sites for future generations of visitors to the Moon.

Read more: To the moon and beyond 2: how humanity reacted to the moon landing and why it led to conspiracy theories

But today, The Conversation’s Molly Glassey sits down with a panel of astrophysicists to ask the big questions about space, like: what’s the next big thing that’s happening in space research, the thing that will blow us away or bring us together the way the Moon landing did back in 1969? And what’s the likelihood we’ll be living on Mars or the Moon in future?

Today, Molly chats to astrophysicists Jonti Horner and Belinda Nicholson from the University of Southern Queensland and planetary scientist Katarina Miljkovic from Curtin University.

You can find all the episodes of To the moon and beyond on your podcast app, or on our site here.

New to podcasts?

Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click here to listen to Trust Me, I’m An Expert on Pocket Casts).

You can also hear us on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Trust Me, I’m An Expert.

Listen on Apple Podcasts What's the next 'giant leap' for humankind in space? We asked 3 space experts

Stitcher Listen on TuneIn

Listen on RadioPublic What's the next 'giant leap' for humankind in space? We asked 3 space experts

Credits:

To the moon and beyond is produced by Gemma Ware and Annabel Bligh. Sound editing by Siva Thangarajah. Thank you to City, University of London’s Department of Journalism for allowing use of their studios for To the moon and beyond, and to .

Music: Even when we fall by Philipp Weigl, via Free Music Archive

Fallen Stars by Ketsa, via Free Music Archive

Apollo 11 and 17 audio from NASA

Additional audio

Kindergarten by Unkle Ho, from Elefant Traks.

Images

Pixabay/WikiImages

Authors: Sunanda Creagh, Head of Digital Storytelling

Read more http://theconversation.com/whats-the-next-giant-leap-for-humankind-in-space-we-asked-3-space-experts-120428

Understanding the Role of an I/O Controller in Industrial Automation

Modern industrial systems depend on accurate communication between sensors, machines and control systems. An I/O controller can help manage this commu...

How the Right Mining Hose Supports Demanding Operations

Mining environments place considerable demands on equipment used for material transfer, water management and processing. Hoses operating in these co...

Simple Ideas for Making Social Gatherings More Memorable

We have all been to those parties where everyone just stands around the kitchen island, staring at their phones, waiting for someone else to make a mo...

Outdoor Wall Lights: Improving Exterior Lighting Around Your Home

Lighting can influence how a room looks, feels and functions, so the right fitting should be selected according to both appearance and practical req...

Commercial Office Cleaning: Combining Routine Office Cleaning With Melbourne Service

Keeping a workplace clean requires a service that can accommodate everyday tasks as well as the particular needs of the business. Professional comme...

Caravan Sales in Queensland: How to Find the Right Caravan for Sale QLD

Caravan ownership is about more than having somewhere to sleep while travelling. For many Queenslanders, it is one of the best ways to explore regio...

What Sir Walter Buffalo Turf Actually Costs in 2026 (And Why Quotes Vary So Much)

Two quotes landed on a Hills District homeowner's kitchen table last spring for the exact same 80-square-metre backyard. One said $12 a metre. The o...

Nearly 1,300 NSW Hospital Beds Are Occupied By People Who Are Ready To Go Home

1,276 people in NSW hospitals have been medically cleared for discharge but remain in hospital because they're still waiting for NDIS or aged care sup...

National Survey Launched to Measure Operational Impacts of Federal NDIS Policy Reforms

The effects of recent NDIS reforms are beginning to move beyond policy papers and into day to day service delivery. A new national survey is asking ...

Beyond the Nappy Cake: Baby Shower Gifts That Get Used

What new Australian parents unwrap, keep, and quietly thank you for months later. Six weeks after my daughter was born, I did an audit of the baby sh...

Parent-Advocates Are Reshaping Frontline Disability Service Delivery

Parents have always been part of the disability sector. They advocate, coordinate services, challenge decisions and often become the person holding ev...

Vista Cruises Enters "Two-Flagship Era" as Vista Aurora Completes Inaugural Voyage

Vista Aurora Sets Sail along the Yangtze. (Photo courtesy of the company)YICHANG, China — August 5, 2026 — Vista Aurora, a high-end interprovinc...

A Digital Preparation Checklist For International Medical Conferences

An international medical conference compresses many responsibilities into a few days. A delegate may need to present research, move between venues, ...

The Growing Popularity of Lab Grown Diamonds in Sydney and Hong Kong

The diamond industry has changed significantly in recent years as more buyers seek ethical, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to mined diamon...

Modern AI SEO Agency vs Traditional SEO: What’s the Difference

Search engine optimisation has changed dramatically over the past few years. Search engines have become smarter, user behaviour has evolved, and bus...

Caravan Travel for Modern Australian Getaways: Plan a Comfortable Holiday

A family road trip is one of the best ways to explore Australia together. And, travelling by caravan gives you the freedom to take your time, stop a...

Mini Excavator and Trailer Package for Sale: What I Buy as One Deal in 2026

The first client who asked me for a mini excavator and trailer package for sale wasn’t trying to save a few hundred dollars on shipping. They we...

Make Dad a Guest in His Own Home This Father’s Day

Father’s Day can accidentally turn Dad into the unpaid event manager of his own celebration. He lights the barbecue, finds extra chairs, checks wh...