We're meeting the team behind National Geographic new documentary, The Space Race,

this week on planetary radio. I'm Sarah Alahamette of the Planetary Society with more of the human adventure across our solar system and beyond.

Space is for everyone, but for much of our short time as a space-faring species, that has not been the case.

Today we'll get a peek behind the scenes at National Geographic's new documentary called The Space Race.

It celebrates the triumphs and struggles of the first African-American space pioneers and

astronauts, and the long road it took to get to where we are today. We'll be joined by the co-directors,

Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortez, space pioneer Ed Dwight, and astronaut Leland

Melvin. But first, Casey Der, the Planetary Society's chief of space policy,

and Jack Curley, our Director of Government Relations,

will give us an update on the budget gridlock that's caused the recent layoffs of hundreds of people at

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

This could impact other NASA facilities and space agencies around the world.

And on Friday, February 23rd, planetary radio is teaming up for a stream with our friend

Mu Hoodles on Twitch.

She'll pop in to share a little bit about the growing group of science communicators on live

streaming platforms and let you know how you can

watch our stream together. We'll close out our show with What's Up with Bruce Betts and a new random

space fact. In honor of Leland Melvin's passion for rescue animals, Bruce and I will share a little bit about our rescue pets.

And happy Lunar New Year to everyone around the world that celebrates it.

If you love Planetary Radio and want to stay informed about the latest space discoveries,

make sure you hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcasting platform.

By subscribing, you'll never miss an episode filled with new and awe inspiring ways to know the

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