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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Charles Precourt, Friday, 10-13-10 (23.79MB; download) -- Guest: Charles Precourt. Topics: Ares, Constellation, space policy, heavy lift, commercial space. We welcomed back Charlie Precourt to the show for this interview on Monday, August 9, 2010 at ATK offices at Promontory, Utah. During our discussion, Mr. Precourt updated us on the space policy debate regarding the FY 11 space budget, space policy, continuing resolution and more. Topics discussed during our interview included the upcoming five segment Ares DM-2 cold motor test, heavy lift, commercial space and ATK entering the commercial rocket market, lowering the cost to space and the factors involved in doing it, comparing SRBs with liquid rocket motors for human spaceflight, and much more. This is a 44 minute program in one segment. It is factual, informative, and most interesting. Dr. John Jurist co-hosted this program and participated with technical and engineering questions, especially about the upcoming cold motor DM-2 test which he will be attending and then reporting back to us on a special Space Show program to be scheduled soon. We talked about U.S. space policy, what it means for ATK and the industry to go to Continuing Resolution in the budget process, and the roles in rocket building with both NASA Marshall and ATK. Other topics included crew safety and launch abort systems. If you have questions or comments for Charles Precourt, please forward them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to ATK for a response. As I say on the tape, please limit your questions to only one or two, please be succinct, to the point and brief. No speeches, no term papers, no huge multi-part long winded questions. The Space Show wishes to thank Charlie Precourt, ATK, and Trina Patterson for making this important, factual, and very direct discussion possible. The support and co-hosting with Dr. John Jurist is also deeply appreciated. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:28:33 UTC
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Thalia Kohls, Tuesday, 8-10-10 (70.58MB; download) -- Guest: Thalia Kohls. Topics: space policy, space advocacy, women and space exploration, outreach. We welcomed back Thalia Kohls to the program for her perspectives on the current space policy debate, her thoughts on the different participants in the debate, the space enthusiast community, attracting new space cadets to the space bandwagon and more. Our program was in three segments but it was a long one in that it was more than two hours. In our first segment, Thalia introduced us to her views regarding New Space, the administration's space policy, the need for setting goals and timelines and why, and the lack of civility in many segments of the debate. As a recent college graduate, she talked about her peers who study and do things because they know what to expect on the date the semester ends. I believe her comments to be on point regarding goals and timelines. Thalia then talked about angry space community rhetoric and what it does to her and her peers. Simply put, it does not make friends and it alienates large groups of people. She was asked about going to space and she did say it excited her but not many of her peers. She expressed need for realism in assessing the likelihood and costs involved in getting to space anytime soon. Several questions came in about using tax payer money to fund space programs and Thalia had much to say about this as well as the media and its role in reporting space policy news, other news in the country, in fact being totally agenda driven. Thalia said that ideally, a bipartisan media was needed. At the end of this segment, I asked Thalia to compare some of the fantasy thinking in the space community with what it took to graduate college. Was there a place for fantasy thinking in that venue? You might be surprised by her response. In the second segment, we talked about the frontier mentality expressed so well by many space enthusiasts. Thalia spent much of this segment telling why this approach to space was a turn off to her and many of her friends/peers. Others had much to say about this too and we discovered that its not always a good approach in selling space to others. I'm sure many will disagree with much of what was said on this issue. During this segment, I gave Thalia a Mars quiz that a listener sent in to us. Don't miss it. In our last segment, John from Billings called in regarding the frontier development model cited by so many in the space enthusiast community. As you will hear, this model is not universally appreciated and as Thalia said, can drive people away from having an interest in space. We talked about Lewis and Clark and compared their expedition to what it would be like going to Mars. Thalia also commented on cost plus versus fixed price contracts and then STEM education. The school she mentioned without the science lab was the TAF Academy in Kent, Wa. We talked about NASA as a jobs policy and what her peers thought of that. Then we got into women in space, the frontier model, pioneer women and why women don't usually call The Space Show. Thalia had much to say about this and women in space advocacy in general so don't miss this discussion, the caller, and listener questions. See if you agree with what was said about why women don't call The Space Show. Spiritualism as a driver for an interest in space was discussed and you don't want to miss it. If you have questions or comments for Thalia, please email her at thalia.ad.astra@gmail.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:42:23 UTC
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Mary Roach, Monday, 8-9-10 (32.77MB; download) -- Guest: Mary Roach. Topics: Mars, space medicine, microgravity, human spaceflight issues. We welcomed Mary Roach, author of "Packing For Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void." You can purchase this book from Amazon by using the One Giant Leap Foundation (OGLF) book page and Amazon then contributes to OGLF/The Space Show. Please use www.amazon.com/dp/0393068471?tag=onegialeafou-20. This program was specially formatted for one hour without a break. Ms. Roach started our discussion by letting us know why she wanted to write about space and the impact visiting the Neutral Buoyancy Tank at JSC as part of a Discover Magazine story had on her. As you will hear, Mary traveled extensively for her research on the book, including Japan, Russia, NASA centers, even Devon Island. She recounts her experiences and tells her story with great humor but she also addresses the facts and the very serious nature of human spaceflight and exploration. She said she focused on long duration missions and much of our discussion was targeted to that subject. There are some great stories in her book, some of which she told us during our discussion. For example, her stories about drinking "urine" at NASA Ames, inquiring both to NASA and the Russians about sex in space and seeing how each group responded, her telling us about the bowel sounds monitor and what happened with that study, plus the bed rest gravity studies are hilarious and most interesting. As you will hear, Mary Roach is funny, informative and her book is a great read that I strongly recommend for you. She did not address private sector space or the entrepreneurial movement but she did say she was interested in space tourism, going to the Moon but did not think we were ready for going to Mars at this time. You will certainly want to hear her comments about these components of space development. Get her book, check it out, and if you have any questions or comments, please visit her website at www.maryroach.net. You can email her using maryroach1@gmail.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:41:02 UTC
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Robert Zimmerman, Friday, 8-10-10 (76.64MB; download) -- Guest: Robert Zimmerman. Topics: Space policy, economics, bats, telecommunications satellite history, commercial space. We welcomed back Bob Zimmerman for this 2.5 hour program in two segments. It was volatile so hold on while listening to it. We started out with Bob telling us how he got the name for his new website, Behind the Black (http://behindtheblack.com). He said the focus was on information and facts, what we know and don't know. We then started discussing the stats of our sun and the solar cycle which led Bob into a climate change discussion which lasted the first half hour. We talked about the recent CME, sun spots, the claim that the sun was waking up, tree rings as proxy data, high temperatures in Moscow, Climate Gate, "Hide the Decline," and more. The solar wind was mentioned as was solar radiation. Bob then updated us on the ISS cooling system repairs and the pending space walk to start the repairs scheduled for tomorrow morning. As the segment was about to end, Bob said that the private entrepreneurs, Bigelow, Musk, and Branson were the hope for getting beyond the bottlenecks caused by the space policy discussions now going on between the administration and the congress. Here, Bob talked about the old NACA model for NASA, commercial crew and the Commercial Space Amendments Act and government regulation of the private industry. Our next segment started with a listener question about the status of the Space Ship 2 engine based on rumors the listener had heard. Next, Bob brought us current with the bat fungus issue. He had much to say so listen and then by the time the program ended, the embargo had been lifted so he closed the show with more detailed bat fungus information. For most of this segment we talked space policy, economics and the fact that the US is running out of money if it has not already done so and that space will likely be a funding casualty. Much was said about this, lots of listeners sent in comments and questions and Bob kept saying that the privates were the best hope for a robust future in space. We talked about heavy lift, the congressional comments on it, possible compromises with the administration, and what the private sector could do in this area. Tax cuts came up as a listener wanted to know if we could use the increased tax money, assuming the cuts expire, to target fund NASA programs. Bob said no but listen to his explanation. Later in the segment, Karen asked about our being handicapped by the Apollo legacy. This opened a can of worms and consumed most of the balance of the show. Don't miss what Bob and several listeners had to say about this. It even took us to a discussion of the early history of the telecommunications industry with ATT, COMSAT and unregulated private space as opposed to what we have now which is government regulated space. Not all listeners agreed with what Bob said so listen carefully, especially to the call from Dwayne. We talked about the COTS program and the need for a real commercial space industry for ISS crew and cargo. We concluded the program with the bat info and by agreeing that the next six months in space policy will be most interesting and very hard to predict. If you have a comment or question for Bob Zimmerman, please email him at zimmerman at nasw dot org. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:18:09 UTC
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Clay Mowry, Tuesday, 8-3-10 (47.32MB; download) -- Guest: Clay Mowry. Topics: Arianespace, Ariane 5, commercial launch industry. We welcomed Clay Mowry, President of Arianespace, Inc., the American subsidiary of Arianespace which is headquartered in France. You can find out much more about Arianespace by visiting www.arianespace.com. Special announcement: A volunteer going to the Mars Society Conference is needed to use a video camera. Email trent.waddington@gmail.com for details. In our first segment of the program with Mr. Mowry, we started out with an overview of Arianespace including its history. We talked about the Ariane 5 launch track record which is now 37 successful launches out of 51 flights. Their spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana was described, including the rain forests and more. As Arianespace is a commercial launcher, we discussed their customer, the type of satellites launched, and the orbits used. Mr. Mowry was asked to describe and compare an Ariane 5 launch to a Space Shuttle launch. You will find this discussion and comparison most interesting. Clay received several questions about human rating the Ariane 5. He said he did not know of any plans to do it, talked about needed R&D, the changes to the rocket as well as infrastructure that would be needed, and the problems with the business case for doing so. Listen carefully to what he had to say on this important issue. Toward the end of the first segment, we talked about the Soyuz which will soon launch from French Guiana and be operated by Arianespace. We started our second and final long segment with a listener question asking about Ariane 5 competing with the Falcon 9. In his response, Clay talked about the Falcon 9, commercial launch services, reliability and development issues for a commercial launcher and more. Don't miss his comments on commercial launch vehicle competition. ITAR came up and as you will hear, Arianespace has an experienced team available to help the satellite company go through the ITAR process as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They have State Dept. and regulatory experience that facilitates all the needed agreements for everyone regarding a U.S. company launching on the Ariane 5. An Indianapolis listener asked for the Arianespace assessment of the commercial launch market into the future given the reports saying the market is flat. Mr. Mowry talked about the commercial market in general and specifically to some of the types of satellite launches his company does. He said the business is stable but it is not a rapidly growing or robust business, but overall they are bullish for the future of the commercial launch industry. The issue of affordable space came up and the need to lower launch prices. He said that when all aspects of the launch and satellite are considered, launch prices are only about 10% of the total cost. Listen carefully to this important discussion. He also distinguished between the human spaceflight launch industry from satellites. Clay received several space tourism related questions and was asked if there was a killer application for commercial human spaceflight. In a related comment, he said there were not enough U.S. made components in the Ariane 5 for the rocket to be considered as a possible commercial launcher for our space policy. We talked about the ten year development program that was undertaken to launch and fly the ATV to the ISS and dock on the Russian module. His description of the process, the approvals, all that was necessary to be able to do this was interesting and informative. Toward the end of the program, we talked about the need for heavy lift and the use of propellant depots. We concluded our discussion by asking Clay about the use of business types in the launch industry as opposed to engineers that get some business training. I think you will find his comments about this to be different and very informative. If you have a question or comment for Clay Mowry, you can email him at c.mowry@arianespace.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:01:22 UTC
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Dr. Klaus Dannenberg & Peter Montgomery, Space 2010, Monday, 8-2-10 (34.30MB; download) -- Guests: Dr. Klaus Dannenberg, Peter Montgomery. Topics: AIAA Space 2010 Conference and programs. We welcomed both Dr. Klaus Dannenberg and Peter Montgomery to the program to tell us about this year's AIAA Space 2010 Conference from August 30-Sept. 2 in Anaheim, California. For more information, please see the AIAA conference website at www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=230&lumeetingid=2387. This was a one hour discussion without any breaks. Our interview started with Dr. Dannenberg, the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Strategy Office of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) telling us about the organization and this conference. We then brought in Peter Montgomery who is serving as this year's Technical Program Chairman of Space 2010. One of the first and most important items discussed was the theme for this year's conference, Imagine, Innovate, Collaborate. Throughout our discussion, we referred to this theme as we discussed the programming, technical sessions, keynote speakers, and educational outreach programs for Space 2010. In fact, the Imagine part of the theme was given us as something new for this year and it was a driving force for the entire conference and its development. In keeping with the theme, we learned from our guests that the focus and discussions for Space 2010 zero in on four primary areas: NewSpace, National Security Space, Space Robotics, and Space Colonization. Several listener questions asked about how this conference and AIAA had changed or even evolved over the years. Both our guests responded to this line of questions as did. Don't miss what was said by all three of us. Our guests also spoke about speakers and specifically the key opening speaker addressing creativity, Bran Ferren, Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Applied Minds, Inc., Glendale, CA. The Plenary Session on Tuesday addresses The Next Fifty Years with a panel consisting of NASA's Lori Garver, Gwynne Shotwell from Space X, General Kehler, USAF, and others. This particular panel is to be moderated by Marion Blakey, President and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association, Arlington, VA. Education Ally was discussed. Those wanting to attend Education Ally should register but it is free. Please visit this URL for more information: www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=834. Other conference topics mentioned by our two guests included sessions on Earth observation, spaceports, and for the first time, cyber space. We also spoke about the conference logistics, registration, and Anaheim being a great location for bringing families along given all the activities in the area. If you have any conference questions, please send them to custserv@aiaa.org. If you have specific questions for our two guests, please forward them through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:03:53 UTC
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Dr. Chris Impey, Sunday, 8-1-10 (46.23MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Chris Impey. Topics: Astronomy, how the sun and the universe end and issues to consider before that happens. We welcomed Dr. Chris Impey of the University of Arizona Dept. of Astronomy to the show to discuss his new book, "How It Ends: From You To The Universe." You can order this book from the OGLF website and Amazon will make a contribution to The Space Show/OGLF. Please use the URL www.amazon.com/dp/0393069850?tag=onegialeafou-20. In our first segment, we talked about the cosmic year and how human existence on the planet is equal to about a blink of the eye. Dr. Impey provided us with a time line based on the cosmic year which clarifies our place in the history of Earth. We talked about the human life span and what it means for the planet and national economies as life span increases. We also discussed the human perspective which is typically focused inward, not outward. We gradually shifted to discussing the Earth life cycle and life extension and the Earth as a living planet while Mars might be a dead planet though its not known for sure. A Seattle listener asked Dr. Impey about the habitability of a planet so don't miss this discussion. In segment two, we talked big universe issues and how it all ends. We started out by talking about the phases of the death of our sun and what it meant for life on Earth and the solar system. Titan and Europa were part of this discussion which you will want to hear. Later in the segment, our guest said we do not need to be attached to the sun. This is a discussion you must hear so don't miss it. A NYC listener asked about our obligation to the biosphere including other life forms if we take steps to ensure our survival. Are we obligated to protect all living things on Earth as well? You might be surprised by the response to this question. Dr. Impey was asked about our space program and how important it was to the future development of space and the solutions needed regarding the issues our guest was speaking to us about and that comprise his book to pursue human spaceflight now or what happens if it is side tracked, cancelled, delayed, or deferred. We had much to say about space policy in this context and again, you won't want to miss this discussion. In the third and final segment, we took a call from Charles which you will want to hear. We then started talking about how the universe ends which is quite different from the sun and on a much longer time scale. Multiple dimensions were discussed along with the Milky Way and the progress being made by science in coming up with solutions to potential problems and questions. At one point, the question was asked if we are smart enough to figure out answers. Questions were asked about his students and their grasp and interest in these subjects, and the time line for confirming microbial life someplace other than Earth. If you have questions or comments for Dr. Chris Impey, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to him. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:25:44 UTC
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Theresa Hitchens, Friday, 7-30-10 (42.34MB; download) -- Guest: Theresa Hitchens. Topics: Space and disarmament issues, space weapons, ASATs, space policy. We welcomed back to the program Ms. Theresa Hitchens who is the Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in Geneva, Switzerland. Find out more by visiting www.unidir.org. Please note that Ms. Hitchens was speaking for herself on this program and not for the United Nations. In our first segment, Ms. Hitchens talked about UNIDIR and explained its role and mission to us. We learned that space is a small but growing part of the organization's work. Also, that progress in the areas of focus for UNIDIR concerning space were slow and incremental. Our guest told us about several conferences and meetings on related subjects, the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and its relationship with UNIDIR. We talked about space and policy treaties as well. One thing Ms. Hitchens said throughout our discussion was how important it was for various players to have a stake in the space issues. In this segment, we also started discussing space debris and traffic management issues and a proposed space Code of Conduct. Ms. Hitchens introduced us to the issue of kinetic kill weapons. You do not want to miss this discussion. We talked about the space treaties, possible new treaties, nation to nation peer pressure and even rogue nations and what they do or do not do regarding space issues. We started our second segment with a discussion about transparency and confidence regarding the players involved in space, particularly the US and Russia. Do not miss this important discussion. Later in the segment, we talked some more about nuclear propulsion in space, STEM education in Switzerland as compared to the United States, and the LHC in Cern which is just outside of Geneva. We started our third and final segment with a discussion about ESA budgeting long term as compared to the US Congress which budgets for one year or short term. Our guest said this process causes problems for others and the US is seen as less than stable given the way Congress and our system works in the States. You will definitely want to hear the complete discussion on this important issue. We talked more about ASATs and agreements to not use them. I asked about the interest of space solar power in Europe and Ms. Hitchens also brought up her interest in the space elevator. The ASAT discussion in this segment was an important one so don't miss it. If you have comments or questions for Theresa Hitchens, please email her at thitchens@unog.ch. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:50:57 UTC
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Open Lines, Tuesday, 7-27-10 (68.01MB; download) -- Guest: Open Lines with Dr. David Livingston. Topics: Space Show, NewSpace 2010, space policy, human factors, Kepler Space Telescope, Classroom commentary & more. We started this multi-segment two plus hour Open Lines program with my making several announcements. This included the public disclosure for the recent OGLF Board Meeting, two new funding projects for OGLF and The Space Show, I talked about a new Classroom series for next January, the NewSpace 2010 conference, upcoming propellant depot programs, a Wired article on Interorbital Systems and their small satellite kits, and then we opened the lines to listeners. We got an early call from Mark in Huntsville who provided us with his views and understanding of the Senate and House policy compromise bills, and what's going on in his area including Marshall.. Space as a jobs program was discussed as were standards for the commercial players and existing NASA infrastructure issues. These topics were discussed throughout the program. As we started the second segment, Dr. Jurist phoned in to respond to some email feedback we have been getting for the Classroom and to provide us with a Classroom debrief. John had much to say so be sure to listen to his discussion. Brian Enke sent in a note with his promised report on the findings of small Earth-like planets by the Kepler Space Telescope. I read his note which was detailed and really helped clarify the situation we discussed the day before when he was the guest. We thank Brian for doing an excellent job of reporting on this issue. In the next segment, Charles Pooley called in and outlined his idea for a space program and why he thinks the current government program is doomed to failure. Charles makes some excellent points and as many of the frequent listeners know, he wants to start small and ramp up, the Microlaunchers approach. He wants the private industry to just ignore NASA and do its own development the way he recommends. Listen to what he says and see if you agree or not. Let us know. NASA science missions were discussed as was the COTS Program and more. Andrew called in from Tucson and we talked about his building one of the Interorbital satellite kits though I don't think he will do it. His main theme for calling was that it may be the end of the space world as we have come to know it but the beginning of a new one. We talked at length about his idea and perspective. He mentioned a shuttle online class from 2005 and MIT. Here is the URL for it: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/aeronautics-and-astronautics/16-885j-aircraft-systems-engineering-fall-2005. John Schubert called in re NewSpace 2010. He provided the following video streaming links: www.spacevidcast.com and
www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=54102EA6CC0BA1D0&sort_field=added. Tim asked for our thoughts on what would have happened with technology advancement if there had been no Apollo program. John in Atlanta talked about advanced propulsion, fusion, R&D and more. If you have questions or comments for any of the contributors to tonight's program, please email them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to the person of your choice.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:56:43 UTC
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Brian Enke, Monday, 7-26-10 (64.21MB; download) -- Guest: Brian Enke. Topics: Mars, space policy, self publishing, life sciences, science fiction, asteroids. Brian Enke returned to the show to discuss Mars and space science/policy related issues, plus his science fiction writing and work in the self publishing field in this two hour program in two segments. In our first segment, I asked him when he thought humans would set foot on Mars. Brian's response was certainly measured and concerned. I then asked him about an email I had received re the trillion dollar asteroid concept, that is, towing a valuable NEO to Earth for mining the resources. Brian outlined the very real challenges if not show stoppers in attempting to do something like that and I added in the economics of it that really negate such an idea. We both agreed that developing the insitu resource capability for use within space was extremely important. We then talked about the space policy debate and the Senate and House versions of the compromise. Callers as well as the guest and I commented that the House version was not nearly as good as the Senate version re commercial space and other important things though the House version did contain the objective of starting up a variable gravity research lab in LEO. We talked about that and microgravity issues throughout the show. Based on the comments Brian was providing us, I asked if the lack of stability in space policy was adversely impacting the research being carried out by scientists and others. Don't miss what he had to say about this. Toward the end of this segment, our guest was asked about waking up the Mars rover Spirit, the Buzz Aldrin cycler idea, and obtaining meteorological data from the Mars rovers. In the second segment, Tom Hill called in and talked about heavy lift and propellant depots, launch windows, etc. Several hard questions came in on the propellant depot/launch window issue. John Jurist called in to talk about the human factors issues for a humans to Mars mission with radiation being tops on the discussion list. You will certainly want to hear what was said. I asked Brian and caller John if we could do Mars by 2019. You might be surprised by what each had to say. Later in the segment, we returned to the subject of heavy lift and the flexible path. I mentioned the talk given by Dr. Logan at ISDC and NewSpace 2010 regarding humans going to Deimos to use robots to explore Mars. I asked Brian about suborbital research and the interest in it with the Southwest Research Institute scientists, engineers, and researchers. He said he did not follow it closely but that he has picked up that there is lots of excitement about the opportunities. A question about the Kepler Space Telescope came up and Brian was to get back to us on the reports of finding hundreds of small Earth-like planets. Near the end of the program, we talked about the possibilities of biological life on Mars, Brian's sequel to his first science fiction book, and the field of self publishing and the man ebook formats flooding the market and how the publishing industry is changing. If you have a question or comment from Brian Enke, please email him at brian.enke@gmail.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:03:38 UTC
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