StarTalk Radio Return to Venus with David Grinspoon
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Feb 3, 2026 David Grinspoon, planetary astrobiologist and author involved with NASA’s DAVINCI Venus mission, discusses returning to Venus and the science driving new missions. Short takes explore Venus’ hostile atmosphere, plans for descent imaging and surface measurements, the debate over possible life in the clouds, and how space history and culture shaped our exploration goals.
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Growing Up With Carl Sagan
- David Grinspoon grew up knowing Carl Sagan because Sagan and his father were close friends.
- He watched Sagan become famous while knowing him personally, which influenced his path into science.
How Venus Lost Its Greenhouse Myth
- Venus was widely imagined as Earth-like until Mariner 2 showed it was extremely hot.
- Radio astronomy and early probes overturned century-old assumptions about Venusian habitability.
A Renewed Global Push To Venus
- NASA is returning to Venus with complementary missions: DaVinci (entry probe) and Veritas (orbiter).
- Multiple agencies including Europe and India are planning Venus missions, signaling renewed global interest.
