Miami, Florida(Hexa PR Wire–February 26, 2026)–Les Johnson joins The Michael Peres Podcast to discuss propulsion, interplanetary travel, and what the engineering realities look like behind concepts such as solar sails and nuclear thermal rockets. Johnson, a former NASA technologist and former Chief Technology Officer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, traces his path from childhood interest in space to leading advanced propulsion and space science programs, and explains how long-term systems planning differs from popular portrayals of space exploration.
In the episode, Johnson breaks down how solar sails and nuclear thermal propulsion work and why they are often discussed in the context of deep-space and Mars missions. He also explains why sustaining life on Mars remains difficult, with emphasis on radiation exposure and long-duration survival constraints. The conversation includes Johnson’s view of existential risks such as AI, nuclear conflict, and quantum computing as “slow catastrophes” that accumulate over time, and why he is not convinced a single “theory of everything” is required to make progress in physics. He also discusses how a broader liberal arts perspective can help communicate technical topics to non-specialists, alongside his work as an author of both nonfiction and science fiction.
About Les Johnson
Les Johnson is a physicist, author, and former NASA space technologist with a 40-year career in aerospace, including 35 years at NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He served in leadership roles for in-space propulsion and advanced concepts programs and previously worked on high-energy laser and neutral particle beam missile defense systems. Johnson is the CEO of Infinite Frontiers Consulting, a senior advisor at League Advisors, and an elected member of the International Academy of Astronautics. He is also affiliated with the British Interplanetary Society, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and the Interstellar Research Group. His nonfiction book A Traveler’s Guide to the Stars was published by Princeton University Press.
About Michael Peres
Michael Peres (Mikey Peres) is a serial entrepreneur, software engineer, journalist, author, tech investor, and radio host known for founding and building technology, media, and news ventures. He hosts The Michael Peres Podcast, where he explores questions at the intersection of science, technology, society, entrepreneurship, and current events.
About The Michael Peres Podcast
The Michael Peres Podcast features conversations on science, technology, society, entrepreneurship, and current events, emphasizing clear reporting and practical insight.
Contact Information
Les Johnson: Email
