A recent study by RMIT has suggested that the isolated environment of the International Space Station, rather than just a lack of gravity, is behind reports from astronauts that food tastes blander in space.

It’s an important development because if we’re going to send humans to Mars and beyond, we’ll have to consider their diet and psychology.

On this episode, Dr Julia Low, an RMIT senior lecturer, talks to host Adam Thorn about the study’s results.

The pair discuss how they replicated the ISS on Earth, how its findings can be used to tailor meals for astronauts, and where the research goes next.

As commercial space missions increase, it is important to be able to simulate space conditions to ensure equipment is up to the task.

Components need to withstand not only a high vacuum but also extreme temperatures, high radiation, and other harsh conditions not found on Earth.

Ezzi Vision has supplied scientific vacuum and thin film technology to sectors, including the space industry, for more than 18 years.

Jake Nelson spoke to Dr Adil Adamjee, CEO and managing director of Ezzi Vision, on how and why space simulation on Earth is done.

Last year, LeoLabs Australia opened its pioneering West Australian Space Radar (WASR) near Collie in the southwest.

When it began operating, the site could already track tens of thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit, but it has since been upgraded to improve its coverage further.

In this episode, the company’s president and managing director, Terry van Haren, talks about WASR’s progress and how it works with the company’s network of global radars.