Science Friction

INTRODUCING — Dead and Alive 01.07.2026 5хв

Quantum computers could be the next giant leap in technology — transforming how we heal people, how we grow food, how we get around our cities. So how close are we to the quantum future we've been promised? For Science Friction on ABC Radio National, Jacinta Bowler unpacks how the weird world of quantum physics could change everything. Hear about the surprising twists, the quantum cat-fights and the plucky heroes that have defined humanity's effort to build nature's most unpredictable machine. Dead and Alive is a four-part series from Science Friction on ABC Radio National. Episode 1 is out Wednesday July 8th.

12 | Artemis Explained: What a ride 15.04.2026 17хв

The Integrity astronauts are back on Earth recovering from their journey, while NASA prepares for Artemis III. Belinda and Jacinta answer some of your questions in the wake of a successful moon orbit mission. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

11 | Artemis Explained: Mission accomplished 11.04.2026 17хв

There wasn't a dry eye in mission control as the Artemis II astronauts safely returned in what NASA called a "perfect" splashdown. Belinda and Jacinta relive the historic re-entry, and dig into the wild physics associated with blasting through Earth's atmosphere and plopping into the ocean. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

10 | Artemis Explained: Countdown to splashdown 10.04.2026 17хв

Nine days down … only one to go. The Artemis II mission is currently hurtling through space back to Earth, and is expected to land in the Pacific Ocean off the Californian coast tomorrow morning, Australia time. Belinda and Jacinta find out what the four astronauts on board have been doing as they make their approach, including being sent on an impromptu scavenger hunt, and what they can expect to feel as they re-enter Earth's atmosphere. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

09 | Artemis Explained: Next stop, Earth 09.04.2026 15хв

With under two days to go, the Artemis II astronauts are making the most of their remaining time in space. Belinda and Jacinta take a look at what they've been up to in the lead up to re-entry, and what they can expect to feel as they return to Earth. And if you've ever wondered what urine looks like as it's sprayed into space, well, we have you covered. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

08 | Artemis Explained: Homeward bound 08.04.2026 17хв

After the high of the lunar flyby, the four Artemis II astronauts are now on the return leg of their mission while scientists pore over the thousands of images sent back to Earth so far. Belinda and Jacinta delve into some surprising observations from the flyby, and answer more listener questions about everything from space navigation to the need for belts in weightlessness. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

07 | Artemis Explained: Moon flyby success 07.04.2026 17хв

It’s been a big day for the Artemis II astronauts. They broke a 56-year record for the furthest distance humans have travelled from Earth, successfully looped around the Moon, and capped off the flyby with a solar eclipse. Belinda and Jacinta break down what the crew saw as they gazed upon the Moon’s far side and why they lost contact with mission control for 40 minutes. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

06 | Artemis Explained: Moon joy 06.04.2026 15хв

We’re at the pointy end of the Artemis II mission now: It’s the eve of the lunar flyby. With the four astronauts now looped into the Moon’s gravitational clutches, they’ll have an intense few hours observing the lunar surface, taking photos, and breaking Apollo 13’s record for humans furthest from Earth. Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email sciencefriction@abc.net.au To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

05 | Artemis Explained: Science in space 05.04.2026 11хв

Alongside taking snaps of Earth, chatting with mission control and fixing the toilet, the Artemis II astronauts are also taking part in all kinds of scientific research. So what experiments are running on the Orion capsule, and what do Australian lasers have to do with anything? Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email sciencefriction@abc.net.au To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

04 | Artemis Explained: Halfway to the Moon 04.04.2026 16хв

The Artemis II astronauts have passed the halfway point between Earth and the Moon, and still have around another day's travel time before they approach their lunar flyby. So what do they get up to while they’re hurtling through space? And how do astronauts go about their daily routine in a cramped Orion capsule? Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email sciencefriction@abc.net.au To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

03 | Artemis Explained: No turning back 03.04.2026 13хв

Just over a day after blasting off, four astronauts encased in an Orion capsule have veered away from Earth and are now on course to fly around the Moon. Bel and Jacinta unpack what the "trans-lunar injection" manoeuvre involved, and take a look at some of the highly relatable challenges faced by the astronauts during their first day in space. Because when you're flying towards the Moon, email problems should be the last thing on your mind. Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email sciencefriction@abc.net.au To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

02 | Artemis Explained: Lift off 02.04.2026 14хв

And we have lift off! Four astronauts successfully blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center and have started their journey to the Moon. But it wouldn't be a Moon launch without a couple of hiccups. We walk through what went down (and up!). Artemis Explained is a daily podcast from ABC Radio National. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email sciencefriction@abc.net.au The new moonshot In pictures: Artemis II NASA’s first mission to the Moon in decades To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

01 | Artemis Explained: Before the launch 01.04.2026 15хв

For the first time in 50 years, humanity is on the cusp of returning to the Moon, with the Artemis II lunar flyby mission set to launch in the coming days. But if we've already been to the Moon, why bother going back now? And who will be on board when the spacecraft blasts off? Welcome to the first episode of Artemis Explained. From lift-off to splashdown, we'll bring you daily Artemis II mission updates and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. If you have a question about the Artemis mission you'd like Belinda and Jacinta to answer in a future episode, email sciencefriction@abc.net.au To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler about the Artemis II mission to the moon, search ‘Science Friction: Artemis Explained podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Credits: Presenters: Belinda Smith and Jacinta Bowler Senior Producer: Shelby Traynor Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove This episode was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples.

BONUS | The Challenger Legacy: Q&A 25.02.2026 42хв

What's the point of space exploration? Would you fly on a space shuttle? How did they fix the joints after the Challenger disaster? For this special bonus episode of The Challenger Legacy, hosts Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Fiona Pepper answer your questions. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Fiona Pepper and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki about the legacy the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster left on culture, space exploration and high-risk decision making, search ‘Science Friction: The Challenger Legacy podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Guests: Peter King Correspondent for CBS News Radio Wendy Whitman Cobb Space policy expert at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies Tony Antonelli Retired NASA astronaut Credits: Presenters: Fiona Pepper and Karl Kruszelnicki Reporter: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Series Producer: Jonathan Webb Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove Sound Engineer: Emrys Cronin This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.

05 | The Challenger Legacy: Apollo on Steroids 18.02.2026 30хв

NASA is gearing up for the Artemis II mission — where it will send astronauts around the moon for the first time in 50 years. While space exploration is never without risk, a retired astronaut is warning that NASA is "playing Russian roulette" with the lives of the crew. So have lessons been learnt from the Challenger and Columbia disasters? To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Fiona Pepper and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki about the legacy the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster left on culture, space exploration and high-risk decision making, search ‘Science Friction: The Challenger Legacy podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us: sciencefriction@abc.net.au. Guests: Peter King Correspondent for CBS News Radio Wendy Whitman Cobb Space policy expert at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies Charlie Camarda Retired NASA research engineer and astronaut Howard Berkes Former investigative reporter, NPR Leslie Ebeling Daughter, Bob Ebeling Brian Russell Former engineer, Morton Thiokol Credits: Presenters: Fiona Pepper and Karl Kruszelnicki Reporter: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Series Producer: Jonathan Webb Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove Sound Engineer: Simon Branthwaite Archives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael Osmond This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.

04 | The Challenger Legacy: The Devil You Know 11.02.2026 26хв

In the wake of twin disasters two decades apart, how do we make sense of why they happened? In episode four, we find out what happened on the very first flight after Columbia — and ask whether NASA changed at all. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Fiona Pepper and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki about the legacy the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster left on culture, space exploration and high-risk decision making, search ‘Science Friction: The Challenger Legacy podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Mike Ciannilli Former Columbia integration systems engineer, NASA Miles O'Brien Aerospace correspondent, CNN Adam Higginbotham Author, Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space Mark Maier Distinguished professor of leadership, Chapman University, California Eileen Collins Former astronaut; commander, STS-114 Credits: Presenters: Fiona Pepper and Karl Kruszelnicki Reporter: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Series Producer: Jonathan Webb Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove Sound Engineer: Tim Jenkins Archives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael Osmond This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.

03 | The Challenger Legacy: Columbia 04.02.2026 23хв

In 2003, close to two decades after the Challenger disaster, seven astronauts were killed in another space shuttle accident. History has repeated itself and NASA faces another reckoning — the parallels between the two disasters are undeniable. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Fiona Pepper and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki about the legacy the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster left on culture, space exploration and high-risk decision making, search ‘Science Friction: The Challenger Legacy podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Miles O'Brien Aerospace correspondent, CNN Jon Clark Former NASA physician and husband of Laurel Clark Mike Ciannilli Former Columbia integration systems engineer, NASA Julie Payette Former astronaut, NASA Credits: Presenters: Fiona Pepper and Karl Kruszelnicki Reporter: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Series Producer: Jonathan Webb Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove Sound Engineer: Tim Jenkins Archives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael Osmond Special thanks to the Clark family for sharing their family archives. This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.

02 | The Challenger Legacy: Five Lepers 28.01.2026 33хв

In a conference room in Utah, space shuttle Challenger engineers watch in horror as it explodes live on TV. These engineers are more than 3,000 kilometres from the launch site - but they're about to become the centre of this story. Because they had tried to stop the launch from happening in the first place. To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Fiona Pepper and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki about the legacy the 1986 space shuttle Challenger disaster left on culture, space exploration and high-risk decision making, search ‘Science Friction: The Challenger Legacy podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Leslie Ebeling Daughter, Bob Ebeling Brian Russell Former engineer, Morton Thiokol Adam Higginbotham Author, Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space Howard Berkes Former investigative reporter, NPR Credits: Presenters: Fiona Pepper and Karl Kruszelnicki Reporter: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Series Producer: Jonathan Webb Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove Sound Engineer: Tim Jenkins Archives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael Osmond Archive Credits: The Footage Company/Nine Network Australia, National Public Radio (NPR). This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.

01 | The Challenger Legacy: Launch Fever 21.01.2026 26хв

It's the morning of January 28th, 1986. On board the space shuttle Challenger are seven astronauts, including teacher Christa McAuliffe. She is set to be the first ever teacher in space. But Christa never makes it to orbit. In the wake of an unprecedented disaster, questions start to be asked. Should this mission have been launched in the first place? To hear more podcast episodes from hosts Fiona Pepper and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki about the legacy the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster left on culture, space exploration and high-risk decision making, search ‘Science Friction: The Challenger Legacy podcast’ from Radio National (RN) on the ABC Listen App (Australia), or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: John Tribe Retired shuttle engineer Steve Nesbitt Former NASA public affairs officer June Scobee Rodgers Widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee Adam Higginbotham Author, Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space Credits: Presenters: Fiona Pepper and Karl Kruszelnicki Reporter: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Series Producer: Jonathan Webb Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove Sound Engineer: Tim Jenkins Archives Research: Lisa Chidlow, Michael Osmond This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.

INTRODUCING — The Challenger Legacy 12.01.2026

Forty years ago this January, the Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated on its way into orbit. All seven astronauts on board were killed. In the days after the tragedy, the world wanted answers. What really caused the shuttle to explode? And should the launch have been stopped altogether? For season five of Science Friction, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Fiona Pepper investigate how the Challenger disaster unfolded – and what that has meant for space exploration from 1986 to now. The Challenger Legacy is a five-part series from Science Friction. Episode 1 is out Wednesday 21st January.