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The Space Show

The Space Show
The Space Show focuses on timely and important issues influencing the development of outer-space commerce, space tourism,space exploration and space development. The Space Show is committed to facilitating our becoming a space-faring nation and society with a growing and self-sustaining space-faring economy.  The Space Show also focuses on other related subjects of interest to us all.

Station feed: Click here to see an XML representation of the latest episodes on this station
Created by: David Livingston
 Created on: 12 May 2005
Language: English


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Add this to another station Brian Weeden, Wednesday, 10-23-13 (52.43MB; download) -- Guest: Brian Weeden. USAF Space Fence for national security. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. We welcomed Brian Weeden back to the program to discuss the issue of the shutting down of the USAF Space Fence. Our discussion was based on Brian's August 26, 2013 Space Review article, "Gambling with a Space Fence: An analysis of the decision to shut down the Air Force Space Surveillance Fence" at www.thespacereview.com/article/2357/1. During the first segment of our 1 hour 29 minute discussion, Brian provided us with a brief history of the Space Fence, what it has been used for, its technical characteristics, and it recent cancellation partially due to sequestration regarding its approximate $15 million annual budget expense. Brian also explained its capabilities in detecting spy satellites, space debris and other objects and the size of objects which it can detect. He discussed both continuous wave radar and pulsed radar, pointing out that the fence which dated from the late 1950's, was uncued. Richard Easton called in as his father Roger was one of the developers for the space fence in January 1958. Richard contributed greatly to our discussion. Brian then talked about the probable replacement for the fence, an S Band fence which would result in higher frequencies enabling the detection of smaller objects, probably with a very high rate pulsed radar. Right now the S Band fence is estimated to cost about $1.8 billion but as you will hear, it may never be built. As to how our national security has been impacted without the fence operating, Brian said it was difficult to assess so listen carefully to his analysis. Brian also talked about challenging DOD budget issues, the difference in budget years with DOD as compared to the government as a whole, and again, sequestration. In our second segment, Brian addressed several of the political issues surrounding the space fence issue. When asked how long it would take for the S Band system to become operational were it funded, he said around 2018. Two companies are competing to do it if and when the project is authorized and funded. We also talked about the U.S. sharing satellite tracking information with all satellite operators including private companies, thus using an international partnership to finance the space fence since it benefits everyone. As you will hear, there appears to be control and sensitivity issues which prevent the air force from going that route. Later I asked Brian about stealth satellites and then he took a listener question about the way space debris was portrayed in the movie Gravity. We spent some time discussing the impact of a movie like Gravity on the public regarding the space debris issue. As the program was ending, Brian said he was not that optimistic about a replacement fence and brought to our attention the need to upgrade computer systems that process the data. As you will hear, this is a substantial problem that is not being addressed. Please post comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can reach Brian through me or SWF.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Thu, 24 Oct 2013 00:05:57 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Jason Reimuller, Tuesday, 10-22-13 (44.52MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Jason Reimuller. Topics: Project PoSSUM, manned suborbital polar research flights, noctilucent clouds, rescue & recovery. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. We welcomed Dr. Jason Reimuller to the program to discuss Project PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere). For more information, please visit their website, www.projectpossum.org. In the first segment of this 1 hour 29 minute discussion, Dr. Reimuller started off by telling us the history of Project PoSSUM and its focus on noctilucent clouds. Jason described noctilucent clouds and their importance. I also suggest you read about them on their website at http://projectpossum.org/2015-possum-nlc-campaign/about-noctilucent-clouds. We talked about the high latitudes, the short window for observing these clouds, and the interest in using the XCOR Lynx vehicle as the RLV of choice though other suborbital RLVs are also being considered. We talked about funding as a NASA Flight Opportunities Program and down the road a specialized Kickstarter program. Jason also described the payloads, missions and the Aeronomy Lab, the PoSSUM observatory and much more. He described the types of experiments the scientists want to do during the suborbital flight. Jason also pointed out the use of a general aviation turbo-Mooney aircraft for noctilucent cloud observation, plus the rocket flight profile for maximum viewing and studying during the science mission. In the second segment, we talked about how Project PoSSUM can enable and influence science globally plus the international interest in science missions to study these clouds. Here, Jason pointed out that their choice vehicle was actually the Lynx Mark II. A listener asked if the clouds were also present in the deep southern latitudes and they are during the southern hemisphere summer as they are in the northern hemisphere summer. Given that Jason had worked on the NASA Constellation program, I asked him questions about Constellation of which he had much to say. He also expressed a concern regarding the private rocket companies and their astronaut rescue and recover programs. He talked about the Constellation rescue and recovery program, the trades they had to consider, plus all the variables that had the potential to impact a crew rescue & recovery attempt. He also described the infrastructure in place to aid in rescue and recovery for government missions but that this infrastructure may not be applicable or available to private launch vehicles and commercial astronauts. Connie wanted to know if there was any difference in the noctilucent clouds over land as compared to the oceans. We also talked about science mission conclusions regarding climate change issues. For more information, Dr. Reimuller can be reached through the PoSSUM website plus each of the Project PoSSUM programs has contact info on the website. Post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:53:34 UTC
Add this to another station Michael Belfiore, Monday, 10-21-13 (52.70MB; download) -- Guest: Michael Belfiore. Topics: XCOR, space tourism, commercial space, DARPA, robotics, and more. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. We welcomed Michael Belfiore back to the show to discuss his recent XCOR Aerospace article (see www.airspacemag.com/space-exploration/The-Lynxs-Leap-223968551.html). For more information, visit Michael's website, http://michaelbelfiore.com. During the first segment of our 1 hour 44 minute program, Michael talked extensively about XCOR Aerospace and the Lynx per his above Air and Space Magazine article. Michael has been a long time follower of XCOR and it shows in this discussion. We also talked about the other suborbital companies and space tourism in general. Michael was asked about XCOR's plans to go orbital from suborbital which was another topic Michael had much to say about. He said his preference was to fly on a Lynx for the more personal and intimate space experience, including wearing a space suit. Michael said he was bullish about the overall space tourism industry, he is attracted to the growing small satellite industry but remains partial to human spaceflight. We talked about SLS which he tends to ignore and discount, SpaceX and Orbital Sciences. The topic of Cislunar space development came up and while Michael said he was supportive, he is drawn to asteroid economic development. Before our segment ended, he updated us on the Google Lunar XPrize and I congratulated him for winning the NewSpace Journalism Award this year. In the second segment, Michael was asked about DARPA which he follows. We talked about Starship 100, the DARPA management style & out of the box operations, the Dec. 20th robotic competition that Michael will attend, plus other important attributes of DARPA. He mentioned upcoming magazine articles he will be writing for Popular Mechanics and AEON Magazine. Michael was asked about other national space programs including China's, Russia's, and more. Doug called to talk about interstellar DARPA activities, and his cislunar economic ideas. We also talked about returning to the Moon for settlement. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog above. Michael can be reached through is website.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 22 Oct 2013 15:28:22 UTC
Add this to another station Space Show Guest Audition Program, Sunday, 10-20-13 (48.08MB; download) -- Guests: Dr. David Livingston with callers; Topics: Cislunar, lunar return, Mars, dogs in space, lunar nitrogen. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. Welcome to our second Space Show guest audition program. During the first segment of our 1 hour 28 minute program, we fielded no calls from potential new Space Show guests but Doug called in from S. California for a lengthy discussion regarding the reasons for returning to the Moon and what may in his opinion be the best reason for the public to get excited about returning to the Moon with a settlement appeal. Doug was talking about couples & their possible flight schedules to the Moon, we talked about Mars One and that researchers have proposed all women crews as many believe they will do much better than men in long duration spaceflight. Doug then asked about how many people could identify the Moon walking astronauts as to how many could identify the cast of the old TV show, Gilligan's Island. Everyone thought that more people would know the Gilligan's cast than the Apollo astronauts. John Hunt then emailed in a comment that Gilligan's Island had a theme song, suggesting the song made the difference. In honor of John's "discovery," I played the Gilligan theme song on air and challenged Doug and John to collaborate with one another on a Return to the Moon theme song. Doug also thought taking a dog as a pet (and a research subject) to the Moon would really interest the public. We had some fun talking about this topic but in the end, I expressed my skepticism and cynical nature regarding Doug's five points with the general public and policy makers, and even the dog in space possibility though I am in support for traveling with my dog as listeners know since I have brought this up on many Space Show programs. In the second segment, Marshall called in to talk about wanting to return as a guest to The Space Show regarding his ideas of lunar settlement. He talked about artificial gravity and possible nitrogen problems on the Moon. Marshall connected the possible nitrogen problems, even with ammonia on the Moon, to some of the issues Doug talked about during his call. This audition program did not turn up as many potential new guests as the first audition show did but do keep in mind we are always interested in new guests, your suggestions, and recommendations. Self-invited guests need to call an Open Lines show to tell us what is on their mind and why they think they should be a Space Show guest. Please post comments/questions on The Space Show blog.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 21 Oct 2013 17:44:29 UTC
Add this to another station The John Batchelor Show "Hotel Mars," Wednesday, 10-16-13 (6.15MB; download) -- Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, Gordon Chang Dr. David Livingston: Topics: ITAR, NASA & Chinese restriction, Kepler Conference at AMES. You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, and any discussion must be relevant and applicable to Space Show programming. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. We do not permit the commercial use of any Space Show program or part thereof, nor do we permit Space Show programs to be edited, placed on YouTube, or other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted in news articles, papers, academic & research work but must be cited or referenced in the proper citation format. Contact Dr. Livingston for questions about our copyright and trademark policies which we do enforce. This program is archived on The Space Show website, podcasting, and blog sites with permission from John Batchelor. Please visit the John Batchelor Show website for more information about this fine program, www.johnbatchelorshow.com. Remember, your Amazon Purchases Can Help Support The Space Show/OGLF (www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm). During our 11 minute plus discussion, John, Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, Gordon Chang and I talked about recent restrictions placed on Chinese students and space industry professionals in attending the Kepler Conference to be held at NASA Ames. We talked ITAR in general, the Chinese space program which is not a civil program, ITAR's lack of standards and enforcement, and related issues. We also discussed related national security issues and choices available to NASA based on congressional actions on these issues. Please post any comments/questions you might have on The Space Show blog. You can contact any of us through drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Thu, 17 Oct 2013 16:52:47 UTC
Add this to another station Dennis Wingo, Tuesday, 10-15-13 (45.62MB; download) -- Guest: Dennis Wingo. Topics: Space policy & budgets, commercial space & entrepreneurism, wealth creation. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. We welcomed back Dennis Wingo for this 90 minute discussion regarding space policy, budgets, commercial space, space entrepreneurism, cubesats, ISS, and much more. In our first segment, Dennis discussed his recent article, "NASA Will Face Solomon's Choice in 2014" posted on Oct. 2, 2013 at http://spaceref.com/missions-and-programs/nasa/nasa-will-face-solomons-choice-in-2014.html. In this article and in our discussion, our guest focused on the probability of NASA budget cuts in the current environment and the probable impact upon the agency. Thus, NASA or Congress might find that they have to make a Solomon like choice for program funding between SLS/Orion or the ISS. Listeners wanted to know if cutting commercial crew would give NASA sufficient funding for the other two programs. The short answer was no but listen to the full explanation provided by our guest. Dennis then talked about both SLS and ISS and the commercial & entrepreneurial future now developing with ISS with small satellites and space start-ups. READ THE BALANCE OF THIS PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AT WWW.THESPACESHOW.COM OR HTTP://THESPACESHOW.WORDPRESS.COM AS THE SUMMARY IS TOO LONG FOR THIS GIGADIAL SPACE.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 16 Oct 2013 15:23:51 UTC
Add this to another station Lee Billings, Sunday, 10-13-13 (46.51MB; download) -- Guest: Lee Billings. Topic: Lee’s book and the topic, “Five Billion Years of Solitude: The Search For Life Among The Stars.” Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. We welcomed Lee Billings to discuss his new book, “Five Billion Years of Solitude: The Search For Life Among The Stars.” During the first segment of our 90 minute program, Lee introduced us to the book and its main topic, plus he told us why he wanted to write this book. He talked about his interest in the subject dating back to his childhood. He also wanted to ask and explore questions like what makes exoplanets have a habitable zone, what about parallel universes, the multi-verse, and more. He talked about finding O2 in the atmosphere and wondering if it would be replenished and does that mean life? He talked about the need for big telescopes, in space on and Earth. Listeners asked him several email questions about the Drake Equation, the Fermi Paradox and the Allen Telescope Array in N. California which is part of SETI. Near the end of the first segment, Lee talked about competition in searching for exoplanets. Also, we talked about the American public and policy makers under valuing space and the specific topics of today’s show. Right before the break we took a call from John in Ft. Worth who put the search for life in the context of the laws of physics and the limits of technology. John also brought up human factors, asking how that might impact the search for life. In our second segment, Lee talked more about the Drake Equation and the old TPF program (terrestrial planet finder). We talked about different possible pathways and the work of ESA and JAXTA, Other topics in this segment included cross cultural analysis of who supports space and why, viewpoints other than the NASA viewpoint, then I asked him for his favorite interview in the book. Lee mentioned several people included in the book but settled on Jim Kasting. Listen as to why this person was his favorite. Karen emailed in to ask if he asked his subjects how they thought confirmation of life other than on Earth might impact us here on Earth. He was also asked for his view of progress ten years from now. Our guest had much to say about this time line. In his concluding comments, the question was asked about our being special or privileged. Also, we need better opportunities for better stewardship of our planet. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can contact Lee Billings through me.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 14 Oct 2013 14:15:04 UTC
Add this to another station John Batchelor Hotel Mars, Tom Olson, Wednesday, 10-9-13 (5.58MB; download) -- Guests: John Batchelor, Tom Olson, Dr. David Livingston: Topics: New Space Business Plan Competition. You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, and any discussion must be relevant and applicable to Space Show programming. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. We do not permit the commercial use of any Space Show program or part thereof, nor do we permit Space Show programs to be edited, placed on YouTube, or other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted in news articles, papers, academic & research work but must be cited or referenced in the proper citation format. Contact Dr. Livingston for questions about our copyright and trademark policies which we do enforce. This program is archived on The Space Show website, podcasting, and blog sites with permission from John Batchelor. Please visit the John Batchelor Show website for more information about this fine program, www.johnbatchelorshow.com. Remember, your Amazon Purchases Can Help Support The Space Show/OGLF (www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm). During our 11 minute plus discussion, John, Tom Olson and I talked about the upcoming NewSpace Business Plan Competition. Check it out at their website, http://newspacebpc.com. Tom went over the general information of the competition, the prizes, John asked about one plan in particular and cubesats, we talked about what makes a business plan competition a professional competition, plus Tom talked about the progress made by the competition over the past years. If you can attend, it is free at Stanford University, Oct. 24, 2013. Please post any comments/questions you might have on The Space Show blog. You can contact any of us through drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Thu, 10 Oct 2013 20:19:37 UTC
Add this to another station Open Lines, Tuesday, 10-8-13 (62.69MB; download) -- Guest: Open Lines with Dr. David Livingston. Topics: The movie Gravity, NASA budget issues, ISS, Commercial Crew, SLS missions, Orbital, SpaceX and more. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. Welcome to our two hour Open Lines discussion program. For the first hour, our discussion topics included the movie Gravity and its special effects plus as said by many calling and emailing on the topic, "really bad orbital dynamics!" We had fun talking about Gravity, the cast, the story line, and how Hollywood often gets the science and engineering wrong. John Hunt also talked about SLS and basic physics, the gravitational constant theory, quantum vacuum thrusters, and he responded to Doug's question about light, mass, and momentum. John also addressed issues with the quantum theory. Dr. Lurio of the Lurio Report was next to phone in after "SLS Man" as he referred to John, cleared the line. As frequent listeners know, Dr. Lurio and John are on opposite sides of the SLS issue which I guess earned John the title SLS Man. Charles, perhaps you will write about SLS Man in the Lurio Report? Charles talked about the recent successes with Orbital and Space X and the attempted return of the Falcon fist stage in the reusability test. Charles talked about the developing nanosat business and the opening up of commercial opportunities on the ISS, all in the context of choices NASA may have to make regarding funding priorities including SLS, ISS, Commercial Crew (see http://spaceref.com/missions-and-programs/nasa/nasa-will-face-solomons-choice-in-2014.html. In our second segment, Doug called in to talk about the Mars SLS option (here is the URL for the story: www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/nasa-con-ops-baseline-slsorion-mission-mars). Doug then talked about a cislunar transportation system and how it was the key to expanding space development. The Shackleton Energy lunar development plan came up as did Bigelow space stations. Charles Pooley called in from Las Vegas and guess what!!!! His Microlaunchers book is almost finished and ready for distribution!!!! Now pick yourself off the floor so you can read the rest of the summary and listen to the show but yes, we are all in a daze, a fog and a varying degrees of shock. I told Charles that when it is out as an ebook and a paperback, he can definitely come back on the show and talk about it. He said it should be finished by November or so as it is out to 5 people (I am not one of them) to review and edit the manuscript. All of here at The Space Show wish Charles Godspeed in finishing the book and we hope it meets all of his expectations. Tim was our last caller. He thought that if push came to shove, SLS would be shut down before the ISS. He also suggested a Bigelow station would help enable Shackleton. I gave him and the audience a sort of business perspective on what would be needed in order for a Bigelow station to support and enhance the Shackleton plan. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 09 Oct 2013 15:43:56 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Gilbert (Gil) Levin, Monday, 10-7-13 (45.24MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Gil Levin. Topics: Life on Mars, Viking 1 and 2, Labeled Release Experiments, NASA & more. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. We welcomed back Dr. Gil Levin to continue our discussion about Viking 1 and 2, the possibility of finding life on Mars, and the Viking Labeled Release Experiment. In the first segment of our 1 hour 21 minute discussion, Dr. Levin explained why the name "Labeled Release Experiment" was used rather than his first choice, Gulliver. Dr. Levin talked about liquid water on Mars with the findings that there is probably 2% liquid water in the surface area. He compared that to the amounts of water found in in dry soils on Earth which supports microbial life. He also talked about complex organics which he says has not yet been confirmed though he questions why certain Curiosity experiments which he believes have been done have yet to release their findings. Rick was our first caller with questions about water, NASA policy, and green spots found on rock and what that might mean. Gil also spoke about his presentation at the SPIE Conference recently held in San Diego and the panel he was part of with a NASA representative. In the second segment, Gil took a question about the meaning of perchlorates on Mars, he addressed additional questions on liquid water and discussed the recent press releases from NASA and others that there was no methane on Mars and what this might mean for looking for life on the Red Planet. Regarding methane, our guest had much to say and that the findings were not conclusive for all of Mars nor does there have to be methane for organics. I asked him about the timelines involved in Viking 1 and 2 and you might be surprised to learn it was a 20 year process. A listener asked about the odds of finding intelligent life on Mars and our guest said pretty slim. He was also asked about searching for life elsewhere in the solar system and he said Mars was the best choice and listed the reasons why, including the economics of space exploration. A listener asked if Curiosity & other missions were shut down due to the government budget crisis. Doug emailed us that Curiosity was still up and running. Later, Doug called at the end of the show to inquire about possible organic detection using the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) from Spirit and Opportunity. We concluded with Dr. Levin suggesting we contact NSA to release information about the green spots on Mars and liquid organic analysis of the surface. Also during this segment and not related to Mars, a listener asked Gil a few questions about his WW2 experience in the Merchant Marine in the N. Atlantic and the Pacific. It was an interesting digression and I still found a way to connect it to space and Mars! Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can contact Dr. Levin through his website, www.gillevin.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 08 Oct 2013 16:37:22 UTC
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