Best Space & Astronomy Podcasts (2026)
Between Artemis missions, private space stations and new telescope data rewriting what we thought we knew about the universe, there has never been a better time to follow space. These 8 podcasts cover everything from astrophysics to mission updates, and they make complex science genuinely enjoyable.
Waking up with a podcast on iOS
Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.
1. StarTalk Radio
Neil deGrasse Tyson pairs astrophysics with pop culture, comedy and celebrity guests. StarTalk makes big science accessible without dumbing it down, and the mix of comedians and researchers keeps episodes unpredictable. One of the most popular science podcasts for a reason.
2. Planetary Radio
The Planetary Society's flagship show interviews the scientists, engineers and astronauts behind current missions. Their coverage of the Artemis program has been excellent, with direct access to the people building the hardware. Essential listening if you want to understand where space exploration is actually heading.
3. Houston We Have a Podcast
NASA's official podcast from Johnson Space Center goes behind the scenes on ISS operations, Artemis mission planning and astronaut training. Hosted by NASA's own communications team, it's the closest you'll get to a seat in mission control. Unfiltered access to the people doing the work.
4. The Infinite Monkey Cage
Brian Cox and Robin Ince mix physics with comedy in this BBC panel show. Space topics come up frequently — black holes, the search for life, the fate of the universe — and the panel format means you get proper scientific debate alongside genuine laughs. Smart and entertaining in equal measure.
5. Astronomy Cast
Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela Gay have been methodically working through the universe since 2006. Each episode takes one topic — neutron stars, dark energy, planetary formation — and explains it clearly without scripts or notes. Over 700 episodes and still going strong.
6. SpaceTime with Stuart Gary
A weekly news show covering the latest in space science, astronomy and space exploration. Stuart Gary delivers three or four stories per episode with just the right amount of detail. Great for staying current on launches, discoveries and mission updates without wading through press releases.
7. Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe
Particle physicist Daniel Whiteson and cartoonist Jorge Cham tackle the biggest questions in physics and cosmology. Their episodes on dark matter, the shape of the universe and what happened before the Big Bang are genuinely mind-expanding. Complex ideas explained with humour and patience.
8. Are We There Yet?
Grant Thompson and Andrew Kuntz focus on when humanity will actually reach Mars, build moon bases and become a multi-planetary species. They track Artemis milestones, SpaceX Starship tests and other developments with infectious optimism. Perfect for anyone who wants to know when the future actually arrives.
Start Your Morning with a Great Podcast
Set any of these podcasts as your alarm with Podcast Alarm and wake up to something worth listening to.
Waking up with a podcast on iOS
Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.
