#28 - October 2014

The Discussion: Enjoying dark skies at the National Trust, Paul’s
astronomy outreach endeavours with Sirius Astronomy and
predictions for the upcoming AstroCamp.


The Tour: In this special episode, Ralph and Paul bring record
from the Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey in
Guildford. We tour this world leading centre of excellence for
low cost satellite design and innovation and explain the sights
and work being conducted in the Ground Station and laboratories
from where 30 satellites have already been launched and many more
are currently in design.


The News: In the news we have the latest on the European Space
Agency’s ambitious Rosetta spacecraft as it circularises its
orbit around Comet Churyumov Gerasimenko; Japan’s Hayabusa2
mission to return pristine asteroid samples; watching asteroids
colliding 1,000 light years away and yet another reminder of the
asteroid lottery we’re playing.


The 5 Minute Concept: Recording from the UK centre of satellite
design and construction, what else should Paul be talking about
this month, but the physics and history of satellites.


The Interview: This month the seat is filled by the Surrey Space
Centre’s Head of the Planetary Environments Group, Professor
Craig Underwood as we discuss satellite innovation, the UK space
industry and the future of space exploration.


Q&A: Listeners’ questions via email, Facebook & Twitter
take us on a journey into the astronomy issues that have always
plagued our understanding or stretched our credulity. This month
Ralph & Paul answer:


I understand Jupiter has no solid mass inside, so how come
it’s classed as a planet and stays planet shaped? Mike Joy from
Wales via Facebook

Can you guys successfully explain the proton-proton chain in
under 20 seconds?? Vicky Dews, @Woozydewsy via Twitter