StarTalk Podcast: Mars Perseverance with Jim Green, NASA Chief Scientist

This week the Mars Perseverance rover will attempt to land on the Martian surface. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore NASA’s latest rover and its red planet mission with NASA Chief Scientist Jim Green.
Why send another rover to Mars? You’ll learn how previous rover missions inform the next. Jim tells us about the necessary redundancies that are in place when building a rover. Discover why “enabling the future” is an important aspect of the Perseverance mission.
You’ll learn how Perseverance will land on the surface of Mars and how rover landing procedures have evolved over time. Jim gives details on the robotic helicopter, Mars Helicopter Ingenuity, attached to the Perseverance rover. Then, it’s time to dive into some fan-submitted Cosmic Queries. Were there any instruments Jim wanted on the rover that didn’t make it?
Find out how Perseverance’s microphones will make us able to listen to Mars for the first time. Will there be any live footage of Perseverance? What will we see on camera? Jim explains Perseverance’s sampling mission and why we might be able to find signs of past life in the rocks beneath the surface.
Lastly, we explore how NASA picks a landing spot for each rover. And, what happens to all the other rovers on Mars? Is Perseverance one of the first steps toward humans terraforming Mars? All that, plus, we discuss the expanding collection of rovers being launched from all over the globe and what Martian exploration will look like going forward.
Thanks to our Patrons Nina Barton, Yancey L Sanford, Tyrel Carson, Peter Jacobs, Laura Inger, Samuel Watts, Joshua Allen, Tom Hegedosh, Connor Haberland, and Abhay Joshi for supporting us this week.
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

[@davefreeman8928]

It’s been very interesting to see the evolution of this show. In the beginning, chuck was the comedian and Neil was the scientist. Even though their roles have remained the same, I see chuck thinks a lot more scientifically and Neil thinks more comedically.

[@denasharpe2393]

And it is wonderful!!!!

[@therealhhent9841]

They're a great team

[@melanatedqueen]

That's what they mean when they say "show me your friends..." our "soul" rubs off

[@yusufjaihoon4618]

Exactly

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

I could do without the constant interruptions and laughing at their own dad jokes. Step away form the joke, dad! {:-:-:}

[@Skyle42]

Jim Green is an excellent guest! The enthusiasm and energy he brings to his answer is so enjoyable, and they're incredibly informative!

[@urduib]

Just weird he said, that there was no camera in the skycrane looking down at the rover descending ? Because there was

[@pedroadonish]

I have the feeling every person they bring to the show has the same enthusiasm and energy for the matter they're talking about. I guess working with science makes people happy.

[@urduib]

@@pedroadonish Working with science makes you less confused about life and the Universe. I guess that brings stability to your thoughts and life. Purpose and happiness springs to mind

[@MM-oj2pf]

OWEN WILSON REALLY TURNED HIS LIFE AROUND COMPLETELY! RESPECT! ❤

[@mdeluxe1929]

I got to meet Jim Green a few years ago at SDCC. I was waiting for a panel Jim Green was supposed to be on. And took a break during a previous panel. This was because the panel was so popular you had to wait through two or three panels prior. Getting a bathroom pass, I saw him getting a pretzel and noticed his NASA logo and recognized the name. I introduced myself and asked if he was going to be in the panel. He was totally cool and we had a nice talk about his job before the panel. He had no idea how popular his panel was going to be. At first he was encouraging me to attend until I pointed out that there were a thousand or more trying to get in and that the room was capped. He was shocked at how popular it was going to be. If I remember correctly, this was the first time NASA was at SDCC. Since then, their panels are always popular and max out their rooms. Makes me proud to be a part of the scientific community.

[@sarenareth689]

Proud of the scientific community :)

[@georgekanidis2503]

The landing of ''Perseverance'' is another one important moment of humanity! Congratulations to NASA!

[@pirateroberts1472]

If they even found anything they would never tell us plebs... what does this matter...

[@CricketTheDragon]

@@pirateroberts1472 whether or not there are things that we don't know about under NASA' say so. It's important that we have this understanding of our universe and Mars especially. We have the potential to inhabit another planet which is cool. And Mars has many benefits to it aswell. The reason the people don't get to know everything is because people can't handle the truth.

[@suzannebrown2505]

If you guys read this, Earth is not my favorite planet, because of the “Humanity” that rules most of the countries Without compassion, without respect or concern, without patience, with anger and prejudice, and a lack of trying to understand and change things for the better and trying to develop cooperation with all life and its ecosystems and cooperation with all other people and countries, so that we can, ultimately, learn from each other, get together to work for innovations in technology so that we can afford to create and achieve what is necessary to grow in our civilization status and future knowledge to enable us to know more physics and conquer our weather and travel through interstellar space and understand more about dimensions and be able to bend, or warp, spacetime to travel beyond light speed. However, I am in love with most non-human animals, trees, and plants. Those humans that have passion, respect, and concern about our planet and all the wonderful things on it and try, as we can, to love and protect what we have, are my kind of people. My dream is mutual cooperation, respect, and compassion for all on a planet where everyone cares and nobody has hate or fear. Utopia? I don’t think so. Stress occurrence: Minor that has resolution is normal. Illnesses that can be controlled? Yes! No homelessness and no starvation for all: Yes! ❤️

[@badcornflakes6374]

@@suzannebrown2505 I love Earth.

[@zsigzsag]

I keep thinking about, "The Andromeda Strain 1971". Any microbe, virus kept in check by Mar's environment could get out of hand on Earth. Invasive life on this planet, perfect example. They can't even keep indigenous viruses contained.

[@alanguzman6971]

Did anyone else catch the “They will be back” joke that Jim Green gave after Chuck did the Terminator reference! That was gold! Green is a legend!

[@peterbarratt8699]

Yup.

[@vojtechpilar5809]

Everyone did mate

[@MegaSkills9]

@@vojtechpilar5809 ;-)

[@allenprickman747]

@@peterbarratt8699 fcc cia fbi "alien" ceo clowns walk the trail of tears upon wall street and make chief sun Navajos land green as it was before the tea bag invaded ceo pays for food in reports..........grim

[@allenprickman747]

@@vojtechpilar5809 fcc cia fbi "alien" ceo clowns walk the trail of tears upon wall street and make chief sun Navajos land green as it was before the tea bag invaded ceo pays for food in reports..........grim

[@Daniel_Borisov]

Neil, Chuck, you have to catch up on The Expanse first! The most sciense-accurate and realistic show. Please do a Star Talk episode on The Expanse.

[@shaunakkulkarni502]

whos here after successful landing???

[@MaiElizabeth]

Almost forgot about it to be honest until I saw the news. Haha

[@jynx2501]

@@MaiElizabeth same. I wish Nasa still had the coverage as it did in the 60s.

[@kholdanstaalstorm6881]

@@jynx2501 They need the money for it. If they had the same percentage of the national budget now as in the 60's, who knows what space tech the US and hopefully the world would reap the benefits from.

[@MegaSkills9]

I came here twice. Right after it....and again now. (See my 2 separate comments.)

[@allenprickman747]

@@MaiElizabeth fcc cia fbi "alien" ceo clowns walk the trail of tears upon wall street and make chief sun Navajos land green as it was before the tea bag invaded ceo pays for food in reports..........grim

[@MrJoeFuego]

This couldn’t be more perfect. They lined it up so we can watch the 7 minutes of terror right after!!

[@mahamehmood5769]

didnt get that..!?

[@rob5232]

@@mahamehmood5769 has something to do with the time delay 😁

[@PronatorTendon]

_Seven minutes of terror_ is the title of the video of the landing and JPL reaction

[@MissVV100]

Just finished watching the spectacular event. Congratulations to NASA and the JPL! Well done!

[@dlaity107]

14:20ish: Gotta say, Chuck is the one that keeps me coming back every episode.

[@ryanforgo3500]

Now we all doubt your science same way we doubt chuck's science !

[@dlaity107]

@@ryanforgo3500 LOL! That's fair (to be honest, these two have, of late, joined my list of 'who would you invite to dinner if it could be anyone', but it would have to be both, because I do love a mixed party) & I'd be honoured to wear it. I am an arts-based professional with a degree in Divinity married to a physicist and magician, so I'll let you draw your conclusions there. ;)

[@TwinsenR]

I was hoping this way going to be a live feed so we could get Neil and Chuck's reactions, lol!

[@JacobHayden911]

That would have been great! Maybe they'll surprise us, who knows

[@vikramsurya6051]

U just said I was looking for an hour

[@danielvermeer3619]

Was** lol

[@waynepooley6950]

I always appreciate Jim Green coming on StarTalk.

[@Chatillgbt]

My wife, kids and I are soooo excited for the landing!!! The kids have already drawn their own rovers too lol

[@badcornflakes6374]

Indoctrination

[@NicksSkillz]

I laughed so hard I'm crying at Martian crickets being a Martian comedian's worst nightmare

[@murtaza-6]

I didnt get it oop

[@Gerard1971]

@@murtaza-6 I have to admit that I didn't immediately get it either, but absolutely brilliant! It is when someone says something and there is absolutely no response (like in this example of a comedian: people laughing), it is so quiet that you only hear the sound of crickets.

[@murtaza-6]

@@Gerard1971 woahh I see. That's a pretty clever joke

[@allenprickman747]

@@murtaza-6 fcc cia fbi "alien" ceo clowns walk the trail of tears upon wall street and make chief sun Navajos land green as it was before the tea bag invaded ceo pays for food in reports..........grim

[@allenprickman747]

@@Gerard1971 fcc cia fbi "alien" ceo clowns walk the trail of tears upon wall street and make chief sun Navajos land green as it was before the tea bag invaded ceo pays for food in reports..........grim

[@sritejcanchi]

The moment when Neil says, "Chuck's still in training and we will debrief you after the show" lol

[@simateix6262]

So happy you dedicated a whole episide to the mission. Cant wait till touchdown !

[@jungtarcph]

It was about time. And why do they pretend like none of us, know anything.... Startalk viewers are quite informed already..

[@simateix6262]

@@jungtarcph agreed. however we also have to consider that there are viewers who doesnt know as much, despite that would welcome more scientific depth into the mission along the general information

[@toantran6519]

I love you, Neil. I’ve learned a lot from you.

[@thepleiades6992]

And he learned from Carl Sagan

[@toantran6519]

@@thepleiades6992 yeah Carl was one of the brightest minds ever to lived on this planet.

[@Vdji5889gjh]

@@thepleiades6992 Actually no...he didn't. He just met Carl Sagan a couple times. He's clarified on numerous occasions that the stories about his closeness with Carl and Carl being his mentor are exaggerated.

[@jacobharris5894]

AFRIKA 549 Yeah but you don’t have to know someone personally to learn something from them. I’ve never talked to Neil, I’ve been in a big lecture hall with him, but I’ve learned a lot from him none the less.

[@thepleiades6992]

@@jacobharris5894 exactly

[@jorgea.garzav4650]

I love NASA, I love Jim, Neil and Chuck. This is so fascinating and inspiring.

[@Strifegar]

Agreed, I absolutely adore NASA! They have sparked my imagination from birth!

[@petrmasek4506]

As Neil said, people love NASA not just in terms of the U.S. but also around the World. I'm from Czech republic, and I cannot what they have prepared for the future. Keep lookin' up!

[@williamdavis4542]

I've heard it many times now, but I still laugh when Neil tells me he's my personal astrophysicist.

[@buddy.abc123]

I want Jim to live forever and spawn other Jims just like him. Great guy, super personality

[@ronrod992]

Thanks to Neil and Jim for making all this information bearable.

[@kawtherz.3472]

I've never imagined I would have this much of fun and information in the same 53 minutes.. Thank you StarTalk!

[@lordonad]

Neil! you're in my top 5 list of interesting people still alive today. You are great.

[@agusmolfino]

the info, the insights, the laughs, the passion - this is the best.

[@gudmunduringigudmundsson9287]

You guys rock! Thanks so much for all these very entertaining vids. I can't wait for Perseverance to send back confirmation tonight. Rock on! 👊🐺☀️🌎🌘🧙‍♂️👍

[@brucedicampli7231]

I love starting and finishing the day laughing and learning with you guys.

[@jeffsiegwart]

Neil, you are the best thing to happen to the education of Astro Physics. Congratulations!

[@mwmiddleton]

We all know Neil is a genius and we learn so much from him, but I think what makes him special is his sense of humor. The fact that he can be serious one minute, and goof around and chuckle like a 10 year old is what makes him relatable.

[@asmakitto]

I am sooo happy to watc this today. I actually played the audio in class for 1st,2nd and 3rd graders and that got them in awwww beyond the video of the landing or the explaining of what we know about the planet. Listening to the sound of another planet just got all their eyes (and ears) open wide!. we also used the function of "You on Mars" to record our collective voices and play them as if we were on the red planet. So thank youuuuuuuuu Mrs Green. this was perfect last activity to send them off to spring brake.

[@randomAsh108]

Amazing timing of this. What a week in history to have lived through...

[@lucas.hahn2027]

I can’t wait to watch the perseverance rover land on Mars! I’ve been watching NASA TV for the last 6 hours straight and forgot to check if Neil made a new amazing episode of Cosmic Queries! 🪐

[@agapitometuerzo1506]

🤣🤣🤣

[@cosmicsciencewitholiver7328]

I love the silliness of this show. It's so easy to listen to and learn ☺️🌌🚀

[@mikaeljacobsson1437]

I have been a science enthusiast for a long time, and i love watching shows about different topics. The reason though that i started watching StarTalk is Eugene Mirman, and the reason why i keep coming back is Chuck Nice. The science topics and guests are a sweet bonus. Thanks, y'all! ;)

[@gleadr6869]

I could listen to Jim talk this stuff all day, need to check out that podcast.

[@paulm.newitt3246]

WE DID IT!! Landed a Cadillac Escalade on Mars! YES!!!

[@Gerard1971]

A little exaggerated, a Escalade weighs 2.5 x what Perseverance weighs..

[@jamezbond0074]

More like a mini-cooper.

[@badcornflakes6374]

Tesla model X

[@vincedemo2752]

@2:55 Thank you Chuck. I have found something to binge-watch for this weekend. 🖖🏿

[@roarkegriffon5657]

Martians look at mission drone "They fly now? They fly now!"

[@thepleiades6992]

" copy "

[@Kurama_Is_here]

“Roger that, HQ out”

[@Kurama_Is_here]

Martian Operator: “Objective 4 has been accomplished sir” Martian Director: “Copy” Martian Head General: “6 decades, 4 objectives accomplished out of 100. Okay, 96 more to go before they could reach our technological capabilities.”

[@Nick_Barone]

There are no Martians.

[@bastisantiago9789]

Martians seeing simultaneous missions from the UAE, US and China: IT'S AN INVASION

[@jeroenjager8064]

Watching this just before the landing. Excited!

[@boyprince6544]

One of the best episodes ever educational and funny. I think this was a whole semester!!

[@houdadihaji20]

From Morocco! My name is traveling with PERSEVERANCE ROVER!

[@blueaxe1]

From Washington State. Me too!

[@houdadihaji20]

@@blueaxe1 COOL!

[@jordanrivera1563]

Love from Chicago to Morocco to Mars

[@houdadihaji20]

@@jordanrivera1563 thanx!

[@houdadihaji20]

@@jordanrivera1563 can i have your instagram or something?

[@rhysbaker43]

would love a Chuck edition! where we explore what Chuck wants to know, unless its already been done :')

[@ashtreylil1]

This is an awesome idea

[@femineity]

I really love that I found this channel! I needed it SO badly! It's like 'Space Talk For Dummies'! Thank you, SUPER SMART PEOPLE, for breaking this stuff down into understandable terms for folk like myself. I really mean it. Thank you!

[@Ashs290]

At 25:33 Jim mentions there will NOT be a camera looking down on the rover from the skycrane. NASA just just released that exact angle shot !

[@viienn]

I guess there are somethings he doesn't know about.

[@Ashs290]

@@viienn haha indeed I am not implying anything here. Just an observation and hopefully we can see a bit more of the crane action pictures and videos soon.

[@viienn]

@@Ashs290 we are gonna get the videos in one day, there is a live stream schedule on NASA channel, really excited for that.

[@Ashs290]

@@viienn oh that’s awesome I think I have a reminder for JPL stream but I’ll keep an eye out for NASA too

[@nativealien1859]

Just saw the landing and first pictures from the rover 😍

[@TheRealMrMagic]

To Chuck and Neil, Just wanted to stop by and say thank you and I love you and I hope you have many years of success and happiness. #Respect

[@MegaSkills9]

Added information for viewers. The Oxygenator device on the rover takes the CO2 ( Carbon dioxide ) in the air and splits into Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Oxygen (O2) in the diatomic form, and stores it for later use as breathable Oxygen. If this works well it will be a huge plus for future Mars habitats.

[@eagle___shadow]

Okay

[@genyszhemavibracija]

And that photo shot of the Rover descending we actually do have! It's amazing.

[@zapp7938]

Jim is just beaming the whole time. I love it!

[@countrysideaquaticsfiltrat2004]

I love this chanel. Neil is an absolute legend. The comedy in learning is just autstanding. I've even managed to get my children to now enjoy listening and watching. Well done everyone 👏👍

[@danielgiraldoguzman]

31:20 That genuine Chuck's laugh

[@pejko89]

I admire people who ask all that great questions. They are as smart as I will never be...

[@Wwise_sounds]

love these videos! thanks to everyone who makes this possible

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thank you, Jim Green, for all the interesting info!

[@vapandrei]

Great episode. Wish you could get in more questions though.

[@shinobi111782]

The most enjoyable cosmic queries to date.... Epic!

[@bitelogger]

How Neil could be this cool and express so smoothly!!!!

[@NJovceski]

This was an absolute joy to watch, and I love the enthusiasm and wonder in the chief's eyes. It's true what they say, love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life, it's just pure passion and awe! Love it, thank you! Ps. The arni oxygenator line was on point! 👌😎 love the show xo

[@alesscav99]

I came from the future to say Perseverance rover has landed successfully on Mars surface and has already sent images confirming everything went absolutely as calculated.

[@jasper265]

Almost everything. Some of the images were made using the uncalculated skycrane camera 😉

[@ninja-mc2ir]

“turn on the oxygenator” 😂I laughed out loud

[@Chatillgbt]

Wooohooo huge success on the landing!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@snake1250]

chucks on fire, really enjoyed this one. thanks Dr. Tyson & Jim.

[@marcosgonza]

We want to here more from Jim Green! He rocks!

[@allanw9206]

I love how Chuck thanks us for giving money. It's wonderful

[@Dad-bv6hw]

I haven't watched star talk in so long due to health issues but I haven't laughed and learned so much in years. I really missed you guys :D

[@stevesmith4600]

Jim's super cool. Great guest. Great interview. Great podcast!

[@nicoleeaves2153]

Yes. Release this Just as the live stream is going to start

[@StaffanNilsson1]

I love this. Science is supposed to be fun and comedy has a natural place in it!

[@saketh79]

Jim Green is full of energy and passion towards science

[@bitelogger]

Guys great video, each of you added the right energy, great combination on people in one stage , have a great time!

[@kainissen]

I'm hopping between startalk and the live feed of the rover landing

[@Subzizzle]

im loving all the posting lately guys!

[@thatflatdude4451]

I love the guest. He's such a lovable man ❤️

[@matteomanara4518]

This podcast is amazing!!! I love the job of Neil de Grasse Tyson And the job of Chuck Nice!!!!! But can you put the subtitles in italian? PLEASE!!!!!!! Greetings from Italy!!!!!!! Live PERSEVERANCE!!!!!

[@susanjimenez5500]

Me wondering how the Martian atmosphere is going to change how the sound comes through... and then NDT asks that exact question!!!! That was awesome! Thanks for anticipating our questions! 😁

[@SpencerEdgards]

same here!

[@DRob70]

Great episode. A lot of information. Thank you

[@daverdz7348]

Mr. Neil and Chuck are the best!!. Mr. Green thank you for landing another expensive box on the surface of Mars!!

[@barbaralachance5836]

I'm happy they mentioned the UAE's Hope capsule. I live in Dubai and people here are extremely proud of this considering they were a population living in tents 60 years ago. 😍

[@RamonddeVrede]

I enjoyed this episode a lot! fun and science in one! thanks for this. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@jasonsangwin4006]

My kids love both of you, thank you for you work

[@adlerfg]

I'm watching the live stream from Nasa. Now. It would've been fun to see Neil and Chuck on that live stream 😊

[@nicolailillelund1981]

As a Dane it is not without a serious degree of pride that the two microphones mentioned are Danish:

[@jjackomin]

That's great. International cooperation and support is the only way we're going to go even further.

[@pritamjyotiborah2391]

This is brilliant discussion; got energized.

[@eeveegon]

Neil is the coolest guy in this universe

[@Pugs_are_cool]

These podcasts need more views

[@grimformation]

Mr green made it seem like what we saw (the landing) wasnt going to b seen. Kudos to Nasa. Super dope!!

[@kmb_jr]

Exactlyy

[@michelerossi7121]

I’m sooo glad I found this channel

[@LexLifeRaj]

Love startalk!!!!! ✊🏽💯💕

[@Gamerproinc]

This is super exciting honestly

[@ActionJackson669]

Chuck: "I'm starting to think you scientists are planning on taking a trip and leaving us all behind." Neil :"Ha, keep going Chuck."

[@StefanHendriks]

timestamp?

[@TheEscapingFate]

@@StefanHendriks 40:22 It wasn't verbatim, but close enough. Chuck: "I'm starting to get the feeling that you scientists are planning a trip without the rest of us. I'm just saying, it's a little frightening." Neil: "Chuck, keep going."

[@StefanHendriks]

@@TheEscapingFate ah yes, there it is. Missed that. Wonderful! :)

[@Mongezi44]

These are the real superstars of our civilization.

[@artofcodeystevenson7758]

This is gonna be awesome!!

[@MM-oj2pf]

OWEN WILSON REALLY TURNED HIS LIFE AROUND COMPLETELY! RESPECT! ❤

[@jynx2501]

We can hear Mars?! This actually makes me the most excited!

[@iwannaseenow1]

so now if a martian tree fell...

[@AgbanagbaTega]

I love this show.

[@dee6469]

Nice green tyson,such a great team. Green, really great info.

[@capeverdeanmedia]

Wow lov these guys...motivation

[@br_andn]

12:06; tell me neil doesnt look incredibly high I lie. He looks high the entire time haha

[@jondrew55]

He’s self medicating to forget what he did to Pluto

[@br_andn]

@@jondrew55 Pluto wont forget what he did to Pluto, and it's a non-sentient body

[@markallen8022]

That is what it is!!! I just thought it was all the space talk that had him "high".

[@prezbige]

With all that knowledge being high is natural

[@gyozakeynsianism]

It's the eyebrows.

[@ChristianRodriguez-tv4ct]

You all are so great!