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:  Created by: David Livingston |
Created on: 12 May 2005 Language: English |
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Dr. David Kipping, Friday, 2-10-12 (83.13MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. David Kipping. Topics: Searching for Exomoons and Exoplanets with Kepler Space Telescope (KST). 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. 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 welcomed Dr. David Kipping to the program to discuss the search for Exomoons and Exoplanets. The primary tool for these searches is the Kepler Space Telescope (KST). We talked about the methods used to search for the exomoons, mainly planet transits. Later in our discussion we talked about the other methods including detecting wobbles and using pulsars. Another discussion issue was the fixed field of view for the KST (about 10 degrees) and the benefit of having multiple KSTs to look at different and broader fields of view of the sky. Dr. Kipping was asked several questions about finding exomoons in the habitable zone (Goldilocks zone). We also discussed the randomness of targets and the small number that are actually in the field of view from Earth. Charles in an email brought up spectroscopy in the searches. In the second segment, we started out discussing pulsars and their role in these searches. Dr. Kipping went into some detail to explain to us the radiation pulses and how they can be interpreted in the exoplanet/moon searches. As you will hear, pulsars are not likely to be located in the Goldilocks zone but Dr. Kipping did give us an idea of the best targets for a visit were we to have interstellar space travel. Later we talked about the JWST and infrared searches along with the potential the JWST brings to astronomy. This discussion took into account the NASA budget, competition with the science missions and human spaceflight, and making hard choices for this or that funding. Our guest took some listener questions about nanosatellites and swarms of mini-KSTs. Dr. Kipping had much to say about this idea, including that it was a good one. Another issue covered was the international effort in these searches. I asked our guest about amateurs and planet searches. He told us about an interactive website, www.planethunters.org plus other programs that involved non-professionals in the searches. Near the end of the program, Dr. Kipping discussed the differences with the KST public data and private data. Please post your comments on The Space Show blog. If you want to send a note to Dr. Kipping, please do so through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:07:55 UTC
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John Batchelor Show "Hotel" Mars," 2-8-12 (4.75MB; download) -- Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. Robert (Bob) Zubrin, Dr. David Livingston. Topics: Manned Mars exploration, prizes, NASA, Private Sector. 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. 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. The topics in this 11 minute plus segment focused on Dr. Zubrin's recent article published in the National Review (www.nationalreview.com/blogs/print/289775) titled "The Mars Prize" and dated Feb. 1, 2012. During our Hotel Mars segment, Dr. Zubrin explained the rational behind his Mars Prize idea, he discussed the economics of it and how it would drive the necessary technology advances needed for a human Mars mission. When asked about fuel depots, he said they were a stupid idea and he explained why. He also said the prize was independent of what he thought or approved of as the winning approach may very well include the use of orbiting fuel depots were it the best of the competition. He went on to say that prizes do not tell people how to do the project. Dr. Zubrin talked about who most likely would compete and he named the current billionaire space entrepreneurs but said others would emerge. There was a discussion about making the prize international and we discussed potential ITAR and U.S. taxpayer funding issues. In response to another question from Mr. Batchelor, he said those competing could very well contract to use NASA talent and skills, but they were free to bring on board such expertise from other sources. He also said NASA would likely be a customer for the proven technology from the winner and the company having successfully implement the human Mars mission. Please post your comments/questions about this segment to The Space Show blog. If you want to contact either Dr. Zubrin or John Batchelor, send your note to me and I will forward it for you. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:06:24 UTC
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Don Kessler, Dr. Darren McKnight, Tuesday, 2-7-12 (48.70MB; download) -- Guests: Donald J. Kessler, Dr. Darren McKnight. Topics: The National Research Council report: Limiting Future Collision Risk to Spacecraft: An Assessment of NASA's Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Programs (http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13244). 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. 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 welcomed Donald (Don) Kessler and Dr. Darren McKnight to the program to discuss the above mentioned NRC orbital debris report. Mr. Kessler started us out with the background and reasons for the current NRC study. He directed us to the list of goals on P. 3 of the report, a list that we talked about during the entire program. In this introductory discussion, he talked about space policy and the need to clean the space environment, saying mitigation was insufficient on its own. In talking about the structure, organization and work of the committee doing the study, our guests provided us with a comprehensive description of the space debris problem, the types of technologies being considered for use in addressing the problem, and time lines for LEO, MEO, & GEO intervention. Listeners asked about behavior in response to comments made by our guests for rules of the road and we took a hard look at intentional acts as compared to behavior out of ignorance or not understanding the problem. Insurance rates and our decades long history of space activity was made part of the analysis Some debris technologies and counter measures were talked about such as tethers, satellite drag devices, radar and its issues, and more. I asked both our guests if we were at a point where commercial/entrepreneurial businesses could take hold regarding debris cleanups. As you will hear, we are getting close but not quite there yet. Our guests gave us many examples to illustrate the points they were making in this discussion. As related to the comments on behavior, caller Jon brought up Game Theory along with the Tragedy of the Commons. One of the main points made throughout the program was that there were lots of variables and uncertainties in how best to deal with debris issues. The uncertainties make it far more difficult for companies to take action and for policy to be made. This is a discussion you do not want to miss. Later, Alistair called in with concern for MEO debris and collisions. One of his questions concerned potential damage to SSP materials from debris impact. Our guests had much to say about this issue which might just be an SSP show stopper! Throughout the first segment, we talked about the need for a NASA & other agency budget increase for cleaning up the space environment, space cleanup expenses, who might pay for them and also the Kessler Syndrome and that even if there were no new launches, the debris issue would continue escalating. In our second segment, John called in wondering if down the road using RLVs would help the problem given there would be less space junk hardware left in obit. As you will hear, it helps but it is not a solution to the debris problem. During this shorter segment, other ideas were mentioned in the context of their applicability to LEO or another location. Near the end of the program, Darren said it comes down to paying now or paying much more later. Please P\post your comments/questions for our guests on The Space Show blog. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:51:31 UTC
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Dr. Alan Stern, Tuesday, 2-7-12 (29.73MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Alan Stern. Topics: The upcoming Next Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference 2012 followed by a New Horizons and Pluto update. 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. 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 welcomed back Dr. Alan Stern for this special one hour program to discuss the upcoming Next Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference to take place in Palo Alto, CA from Feb. 27-29, 2012. Note that registration rates increase after Feb. 10th so for those of you interested in attending, you should register before the cut off date if possible. To find out more about this conference and suborbital scientific research, visit http://nsrc.swri.org. During the first half of the program, Dr. Stern told us about the conference and fielded many questions about suborbital flight and science research. Not only did we go through the keynote speakers, the conference format, and the possibility of winning a ride on an XCOR Lynx once you register, we talked about the NASA Flight Opportunities Program (https://flightopportunities.nasa.gov), foreign interest in suborbital spaceflight and research, international spaceports, and the leasing of the vehicles much as is done in the airline industry. In the last half of the program, we talked about the New Horizons Pluto mission as Alan is the P.I. for the mission. As you will hear, the spacecraft is doing well and on its way to Pluto. Alan was asked about the actual New Horizons Pluto mission and then what happens to the spacecraft after the Pluto mission is finished. He said it would continue on into deep space, leave our solar system and become an interstellar mission much in the way of Voyager. He also said it had power on board for perhaps 25-30 more years and that it would study objects in the Kuiper Belt which it would transit. A listener asked him about the possible need to change course for New Horizons due to debris. Alan talked about this problem and the contingency plans to put New Horizons on a different approach to Pluto if necessary. We also learned that the New Horizons team started a petition drive at Change.org to have the U.S. Post Office issue a Pluto stamp for the mission. I signed the petition, perhaps you will want to do so as well. You can read about it on Alan Boyle's Cosmic Log and he has a link in the article that will take you to the petition ; http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/01/10284883-petition-pushes-for-a-pluto-stamp. There were 4,000 signatures for the Pluto stamp at the time of my archiving this program.. If you have questions or comments about this program, please post them on The Space Show blog. If you need additional information on the conference, use the contact information from their website. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:48:57 UTC
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Jeff Krukin, Monday, 2-6-12 (105.84MB; download) -- Guest: Jeff Krukin. Topics: Space Vision & Space Policy. You are invited to comment, ask questions, & discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, & any discussion must be relevant & applicable to Space Show programming. 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 welcomed Jeff Krukin back to the program to discuss how we do & should view space. For more information about Jeff & his space work, please visit www.jeffkrukin.com. Our discussion started with an evaluation of where we are today with space policy & the toxic nature of politics, including space politics. Jeff cited some examples of what he meant by toxic political rhetoric. As we began looking forward, Jeff put forth three perspectives as to the character of space. These three perspectives, if kept in mind, go beyond just thinking of space as a federal program. (1) Space is a mere 62 miles above us, & thus a continuation of our environment; (2) Space can be an extension of the economy , & thus part of our lives; (3) Space is a place of abundant resources, & thus crucial to our survival & prosperity. You can read his Space Daily article on this subject at www.spacedaily.com/news/oped-04t.html. I asked Jeff how to realize his three goals & we talked about the media in this country as well as advocacy, especially with politicians. The suggestion was made to start with local & regional politicians, evolving upwards to politicians on the larger & grander national scale. Several callers were with us during the first segment suggesting we go from think tank up the ladder to the national representatives. One of our callers suggested a new concept, venture philanthropy. This proved to be an interesting discussion given the way the existing billionaire space entrepreneurs were characterized in terms of their investment, activity, & as potential role models for others to invest from a philanthropic perspective, not just a business case perspective. Jeff then talked about the New Space Conference Business Plan Competition for 2012. If you are interested in it & possibly competing, visit http://newspacebpc.com. Before the segment ended, an email came in suggesting a Microlaunchers type policy followed by Charles calling us. Don't miss the Pooley/Microlaunchers discussion. In our second segment, Jeff talked about the need for a space transportation infrastructure. I then asked him how one goes about implementing the policies & ideas we had been discussing for the past hour or so. The subject of SLS came up & as to be expected, it drove the passions on all sides. Tim used an ice analogy that Jeff seemed to like. I took the part of a contrarian (I did this often during this interview) regarding the difficult choices for members of Congress in voting against jobs in their district given the economic realties of today. This came up in the first segment too in response to a listener question. I suggested it might be unrealistic to think congress would vote against jobs in the context of today's economy as compared to when the U.S. economy was or again becomes strong/robust. I challenged the NewSpace thinking on what policy was & might be in the best interest of the country as it might not be the NewSpace ideas. Jeff handled the questions & opinions I threw at him very well & in my opinion, he demonstrated not only civility, but reason, common sense, drive, & open mindedness. Near the end we talked about some of the ideas Dennis Wingo put forth on his most program, then Jeff left us with a thoughtful set of closing comments. If you have comments/questions for Jeff Krukin, please post them on The Space Show blog URL above. If you want to contact Jeff, you can do so through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:17:45 UTC
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Kepler Space Institute Webinar, Sunday, 2-5-12 (42.96MB; download) -- Guests: Dr. Bob Krone, Dr. Sherry Bell, Dr. Robert Frantz. Topics: Kepler Space University, the development of the Kepler Space Institute, the KSI Convention, & cutting edge space research & education. THE SPACE SHOW VIMEO CHANEL FOR VIDEO IS
http://vimeo.com/channels/thespaceshow. 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. 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 welcomed our three guests, Dr. Bob Krone, Dr. Sherry Bell & Dr. Robert Frantz to this special webinar Space Show two hour program to discuss the Kepler Space University, the development of the Kepler Space Institute (KSI) and the upcoming KSI Convention to be held at Hilton Head, SC. from March 14-16, 2012. Please note that this program is archived as both a traditional Space Show audio only program and as a webinar video on The Space Show Vimeo Channel per the above URL. Both formats will be available simultaneously. Our discussion started with Dr. Krone providing us with the history for the Kepler Space Institute and University, followed by a Power Point presentation by Dr. Frantz sharing with us the KSI facilities and programming development plans. Our focus then turned to the upcoming KSI Convention. For more information, please visit the following Kepler websites: www.keplerspaceinstitute.info for convention information and registration and www.keplerspaceuniversity.com for Kepler University and general Kepler information. Our three guests shared the microphone to tell us about the topics, programming, and cutting edge focus not only for the convention, but for Kepler. In addition, during the first hour of our program we talked about art and culture issues related directly to space science, exploration and development. We also talked about the innovative concept of real-time data and information gathering and how it will be used at the KSI Convention. In the second hour of our webinar, we talked about the cutting edge research by Dr. Joel Isaacson regarding Recursive Distinctioning. Dr. Isaacson wrote Ch. 24 in the book "Beyond Earth: The Future of Humans In Space. " This chapter is available for reading/downloading on The Space Show Blog entry for this program per the above URL. As you will hear, the convention has a sharp focus on Kids in Space and developing programs to encourage younger students to get interested in the STEM programs along with space related fields of study/interest. The convention will have segments on space law and the quality of laws based on the respective work of frequent Space Show guests, Declan O'Donnell and Dr. David Schrunk. Space Solar Power has the attention of the convention along with other research, historical, cultural, and space themed topics. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog URL above. If you want to get in touch with either of our three guests, you can do so through me or through the KSI website.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:36:12 UTC
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Dennis Wingo, Friday, 2-3-12 (44.66MB; download) -- Guest: Dennis Wingo. Topics: Space commerce, a new space vision and plan, space applications. 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. 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 welcomed back Dennis Wingo who outline for us a new and inspiring commercial space policy and implementation program. To make his points, Dennis started out by discussing the news stories this week about the UN plan for a panel to control economic growth around the world for sustainability. You can read about it at http://news.yahoo.com/un-panel-says-retool-world-economy-sustainability-164515165.html as well as a host of other sites and articles on the internet. Also, check out the planned UN Rio Conference on this program at www.un.org/esa/dsd/index.shtml?utm_source=OldRedirect&utm_medium=redirect&utm_content=dsd&utm_campaign=OldRedirect. Dennis spent considerable time during our 90 minute discussion dismissing the dystopian view/policy per this UN panel while advocating why space development offered a viable alternative to this limiting policy and way of seeing our world. During our one hour first segment and in fact the entire show, Dennis championed science and fact over dystopian policy. He also talked about geo orbits and said there was a newly found orbit requiring much less energy that could be used for going to the Moon so pay attention to what he said about this orbit. He offered up some new/unusual ideas such as an open cockpit lunar lander. Dennis put forth a basic strategic plan for staying positive and using our time and energy to do something to prove we advocates are right rather than getting involved in the negative process which we have very little influence over. Several listeners commented on this strategy, bringing to bear some differences over what Dennis suggested. That said, the message Dennis presented us was to stay focused on the positive. Later, he said that the advocacy community's focus on low cost launch was misdirected. He talked about this a lot during this segment and the next so don't miss what he had to say about this important issue. Dennis did advocate Zero G Zero Tax which he said was good for space applications. Also in this segment he talked about the advances we have made in robotic technology and the Pisces Project in Hawaii, http://pisces.uhh.hawaii.edu. As this segment ended, he talked about the "Church of SSP," updating his book "Moonrush," & the need for unity in the advocacy community. In the second segment, a listener asked about the Dr. Spudis cislunar economic development plan and Dennis talked about the need to lower total capital costs. He also talked about prizes such as the Mars prize recently suggested by Dr. Zubrin. Dennis repeated that the way to counter the bad press & media was to do something, a space application, to prove that we are right and those ridiculing space investment are wrong. Near the end, he said "the future will right itself....Don't focus on the negative." Please post your comments/questions for Dennis Wingo on The Space Show blog URL above. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:50:27 UTC
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John Batchelor "Hotel Mars" Segment, Weds, 2-1-12 (10.16MB; download) -- Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. Steven Howe,, Dr. David Livingston. Topics: Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) propulsion, antimatter propulsion, HSF to Mars. 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. 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. The topics in this 11 minute plus segment focused on Nuclear Thermal Rocket(NTR) propulsion, antimatter propulsion, using NRT for human missions to Mars, NEOs, and even the Moon. We talked about using the new tungsten matrix fuel for today's NTR, no radiation leakage, ground testing, and the use of this energy for habitats on the Moon and Mars. If you have questions/comments, please post them on The Space Show blog URL above. If you want to send a note to Dr. Howe or Mr. Batchelor, send it to me and I will forward it for you. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:18:30 UTC
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William (Bill) Mellberg (62.65MB; download) -- Guest: William (Bill) Mellberg. Topics: Comparing aviation to commercial space regarding markets, safety, and more. Explorer 1 54th anniversary. 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. 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 welcomed Bill Mellberg to the program to compare the early days of aviation with today's commercial space industry. We also honored the 54th anniversary of Explorer 1. Mr. Mellberg started the discussion with Explorer 1 by talking about the early history of Vanguard, Explorer 1, Werner Von Braun, Ernst Stuhlinger & more. Richard Easton called & we talked about timing, GPS, clock synchronization, his Dad's work, and Vanguard early history. Turning to our main topic, comparing the early days of aviation history to the commercial space industry today, our guest said it was a flawed comparison. During the first segment, he explains in detail his reasoning which has to do with commercial markets, what the government is paying for regarding commercial space as compared to what it paid for with aviation, specifically the Kelly Air Mail Act of 1925. We also talked about the early history of Fokker Aircraft Company which he tied into our discussion on markets, market timing, and production capabilities. Mr. Mellberg addressed human spaceflight safety from the point of view that it would be extremely hard for the commercial companies to master safety given the complexities & costs of human spaceflight & the potential damage or even ruination of the company should there be a fatal accident. Before the segment ended, our guest drove home the lack of commercial markets for human spaceflight. There must be HSF markets other than the government market for the ISS. In our second segment, our guest cited some airplane examples that were ahead of the market and suffered from bad market timing. He then used the SST as an example of the points he was making about high operating costs, no or limited markets, government subsidies, etc. He went over the economics of why the Boeing SST was killed by our congress and what happens when the ticket price is so high that a broad market cannot be realized. Listeners and callers asked about government regulation crippling innovation. Bill then suggested the path to commercialization was with a program such a what Dr. Spudis and Dr. Lavoie have proposed in their paper "Using the resources of the Moon to create a permanent, cislunar space faring system" as well as on The Space Show. You can read their paper at www.spudislunarresources.com/Bibliography/p/102.pdf. Bill said that eventually as cislunar economic develop evolves, so would commercial markets and opportunities. He also recommended the NASA reorganization plan proposed last year by Dr. Harrison Schmitt. You can read his plan at www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=37176. Our guest suggested that we should use the money being invested in commercial human spaceflight to do space exploration projects because commercial space today is an unnecessary diversion of scarce resources in a tight economy. Throughout our discussion, he talked about government contracting and why it is different today, not commercial, and unlike what was done in early aviation and with airmail. At the end of the program, our guest treated us to some of his political humor and impersonations per his program, "An Evening With The Presidents." Post your comments/questions on our blog URL above. You can hear his humor at www.aneveningwiththepresidents.com/live. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:00:25 UTC
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Alan Boyle, Monday, 1-30-12 (53.53MB; download) -- Guest: Alan Boyle. Topics: Space news, space policy, budgets and insights. 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. 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 welcomed Alan Boyle to the program. I recommend you follow and subscribe to his blog Cosmic Log at http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com. In our first segment, Alan shared his views on space policy and the presidential candidates, developments and issues with commercial space and crew efforts, and the space vision for BEO. Specifically, we talked about Newt's proposed policy, American statehood for a lunar colony, the Outer Space Treaty (OST) and Alan's view that he thought overall Newt's comments were not that helpful to his campaign. To a lesser degree, we talked about the Romney space policy. Also on the discussion table were large government projects and he referenced a few that seemed better than most such as the Large Hadron Collider and ITER. We also talked about the fact that in the previous administration, having a lunar outpost that eventually was to become commercial was our national space policy up until the new administration cancelled the program. Alan was asked several questions about commercial crew and he referenced comments made by Boeing that the business case for now does not close without government support. We also talked about the gap and the readiness of commercial crew to the ISS. During this discussion, I mentioned what I had heard about Space X and its schedule for flights prior to 2017. During the show, I contacted Space X, got a clarification of what I had heard and read it on air near the end of the program. I appreciate the timeliness of Space X in getting back to me with accurate information so make sure you hear their statement in the last segment. Another topic Alan brought up was international cooperation with costly missions. I asked him about Stratolaunch as he was at the initial press conference. He said "it was like The Band got back together." Don't miss his full comments on this project. A listener wanted to know about human rating the Atlas V, Blue Origin, and NASA budget issues. In this context, we mentioned Intrade and Alan told us about the Iowa Electronic Market. In the second segment, we talked about orbital fuel depots, SLS again, and the politics of these projects. Listeners asked questions about Space X and their projects, and then he had much to say on NASA robotic missions. Toward the end of the program, Alan talked about space leadership & in response to my questions said it has historically come from The White House. We got a call from Andrew of the Tea Party In Space to advocate Newt's space policy. We addressed additional issues for JWST, its cost, its science value, and its possible crowding out Mars robotic missions planned for the future. Alan referenced Jim Oberg regarding the problems with Russian space hardware and Dave sent in a note about the JWST budget concerns for future astronomy missions and wondered if we were risking too much on one rocket launch. Please post your comments/questions for Alan Boyle on The Space Show blog URL above. He can be reached through Cosmic Log. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:20:33 UTC
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