10/10/2025

World Space Week And Promising Climate Tech Companies

It’s World Space Week, and we’re fueling up the rocket for a tour of some missions and projects that could provide insights into major space mysteries. Astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi joins Host Flora Lichtman to celebrate the wonders of space science, from the recently launched IMAP, which will study the solar environment, to the new Vera Rubin Observatory, and big physics projects like LIGO.

Plus, the latest in climate tech: MIT Technology Review has published its annual list of climate tech companies that show great promise in work ranging from producing sodium ion batteries to recycling rare earth magnets. Host Ira Flatow talks with climate reporter Casey Crownhart about trends in climate tech and what companies she’s excited about.


Down to Earth SciFri EducateExplore SciFri Educate’s Down To Earth Program!

Ready for an out-of-this-world adventure? Join Science Friday during World Space Week (October 4-10) for Down To Earth—a free program that connects space station innovation to solving environmental challenges in your community. Get daily activities, join livestreams with experts, and more. Fun for everyone and no spacesuit required.

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Segment Guests

Hakeem Oluseyi

Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi is an astrophysicist and author of the upcoming book, Why Do We Exist? The Nine Realms of the Universe That Make You Possible, and host of the video podcast “Particles of Thought.”

Casey Crownhart

Casey Crownhart is a senior climate reporter for MIT Technology Review in New York, New York.

Segment Transcript

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Meet the Producers and Host

About Rasha Aridi

Rasha Aridi is a producer for Science Friday and the inaugural Outrider/Burroughs Wellcome Fund Fellow. She loves stories about weird critters, science adventures, and the intersection of science and history.

About Charles Bergquist

As Science Friday’s director and senior producer, Charles Bergquist channels the chaos of a live production studio into something sounding like a radio program. Favorite topics include planetary sciences, chemistry, materials, and shiny things with blinking lights.

About Ira Flatow

Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science FridayHis green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.

About Flora Lichtman

Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.

Explore More

Down To Earth: Space Science For Community Change

Use science and innovation from the International Space Station and beyond to solve real-world environmental challenges in your community for World Space Week, October 3-10, 2025.

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