Mars Phoenix being prepared for launch. Image courtesy NASA/United Launch Alliance

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A NASA report, yet to be released, says that an internal investigation found evidence of ‘heavy use of alcohol’ by astronauts within the12 hours prior to flight, according to an article published by Aviation Week and Space Technology. The article was published the same day that NASA announced it was investigating a worker for deliberately sabotaging a computer bound for the International Space Station. We'll get the latest on the situation at NASA.

Then, we'll move out to Mars. The Mars Rovers are caught in the worst storm scientists have ever seen on the red planet. Swirling dust threatens to cover the solar panels on the long-running rovers, choking off their energy supply. Join guest host Joe Palca in this hour of Science Friday for an update on the rovers. We'll also look ahead to a new Mars mission, Mars Phoenix, set to launch next week. If all goes well, Phoenix will land on the red planet in 2008, and will study the soil in the northern arctic region of Mars, testing for water.

California red-legged frog. Image Cathy Johnson,
Fish & Wildlife Service

Finally, we'll talk with journalist Daniel Greenberg about science and politics, and whether they've ever really been separate. This week, the Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it will review eight decisions on endangered species made under the direction of Julie MacDonald. MacDonald resigned from the agency in May amid charges that she tampered with the science behind decisions regarding the amount of protection several species deserved under the Endangered Species Act. We'll talk about the review, and other potential instances of politics mingling with scientific decisions. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
David Malakoff
Supervising Editor/Correspondent, Science Desk
National Public Radio
Washington, DC

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Jim Bell
Professor of Astronomy
Science Leader, Mars Rover Pancam Team
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

Dave Spencer
Deputy Project Manager, Phoenix Mission to Mars
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Pasadena, California

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Daniel Greenberg
Science Journalist
Author, "Science for Sale: The Perils, Rewards and Delusions of Campus Capitalism" (University of Chicago, 2007)
Washington, DC

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Science for Sale: The Perils, Rewards and Delusions of Campus Capitalism" by Daniel Greenberg. University of Chicago, 2007.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Annette Heist