What is space travel?

I want to visit space before I die. I have no practical reason to do so, and surely I'm not alone. I just want to. There's something about the concept of exploration that I pine to achieve. Which is a little silly, considering I haven't seen most of the planet I live on. And yet, I look up at night, and there waits space. I invited The Verge's Science Editor and space expert Elizabeth Lopatto to provide odds on my tentative trip to space. Liz has as an astonishing grasp on the history and science of space travel. Her recounting of humanity's efforts to see what is beyond this planet is inspiring. This was one of my favorite episodes to record, and I hope it's one of your favorites to hear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices