Why is Nasa sending people around the moon?
Nasa is preparing to send people further into space than ever before. Why is the Artemis II mission happening now? And why are climate scientists shipping ice to Antarctica?
The space science world is buzzing. In the next few days, NASA is expected to begin the rollout of its Artemis II rocket to the launch pad with the launch itself expected as early as February. Science journalist Jonathan Amos explains why NASA is interested in travelling around the moon now? And what we will learn from sending humans further into space than ever before.
Penny Sarchet, Managing Editor at New Scientist brings Tom Whipple her pick of the best new science this week.
And why are scientists shipping ice cores from around the world to a frozen cave in Antarctica? Dr Liz Thomas, head of ice core research at the British Antarctic Survey explains the science behind the Ice Memory Sanctuary as it officially opens.
To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk, search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.
Presenter: Tom Whipple
Producer: Kate White, Katie Tomsett, Tim Dodd and Clare Salisbury
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
Last on
Featured
-
.
Broadcasts
- Thu 15 Jan 2026 16:30BBC Radio 4
- Thu 15 Jan 2026 20:32BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean, UK DAB/Freeview, Online & Europe and the Middle East only
- Thu 15 Jan 2026 21:32BBC World Service except Online, Americas and the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East & UK DAB/Freeview
- Fri 16 Jan 2026 05:32BBC World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean, South Asia & East Asia only
- Fri 16 Jan 2026 09:32BBC World Service
- Fri 16 Jan 2026 13:32BBC World Service Australasia, East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa only
- Mon 19 Jan 2026 00:32BBC World Service except Europe and the Middle East
- Mon 19 Jan 2026 20:30BBC Radio 4
Explore further with The Open University
Podcast
-
BBC Inside Science
A weekly programme looking at the science that's changing our world.
