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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Jeff Greason, Monday, 1-18-10 (64.77MB; download) -- Guest: Jeff Greason. Topics. Augustine Commission, commercial space, advanced technology, orbital fuel depots and propellant storage, and XCOR Aerospace. Jeff Greason, CEO of XCOR Aerospace and a member of the Augustine Commission Panel was our guest for this incredible two hour ten minute program. Rather than describe this program segment by segment, let me say that Jeff started out talking about the Augustine Commission work, spent some time talking about XCOR and Lynx near the end of the show, but then returned to the space policy and the Augustine Commission discussion as the show drew to an end. In listening to this program, you will hear in a logical progression of a complete and thorough analysis of the Augustine Commission suggestions and work. Jeff does a comprehensive explanation of the flexible path and you must hear it. He does the same for discussions about heavy lift and astronaut safety and this or that rocket or piece of hardware. He took us through a risk evaluation discussion that was equally important. We addressed solids versus liquid rockets, the importance of a rocket track record, and buying commercial instead of procurement. He talked about the reality of bending metal and making something versus view graphs or Power Points only. He fielded great supportive as well as critical questions, both with callers and through email and chat. His explanations for commercial space as used in the Augustine Commission were excellent and his discussion on NASA culture is memorable. We also talked about advanced propulsion and the extreme importance of bringing new technology on line, but the difficulty NASA has in doing so. Jeff emphasized the need for orbital fuel depots and propellant storage. In the last segment we spent time talking about XCOR, South Korea, and the Lynx vehicle, but listeners took us right back to space policy and the Augustine Commission. I urge each of you to listen to the full show. Jeff Greason did an outstanding job of presenting the work, the issues, and analytical processes that were used by the Augustine Commission while facing very hard and challenging issues addressed in their report. If you have questions or comments for Jeff Greason, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will be more than happy to forward them to Mr. Greason. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:19:29 UTC
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Jim McDade, Sunday, 1-17-10 (63.07MB; download) -- Guest: Jim McDade. Topics: space polls, Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, Constellation, Direct. Jim McDade was our guest for this Space Show program, discussing a wide variety of topics from recent Rasmussen space polls, the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP), and much more. In segment one, we jumped right into the Rasmussen poll showing 50% of Americans favor a cut in NASA spending. You can find the poll at www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/january_2010/50_favor_cutting_back_on_space_exploration. In addition, check out this Rasmussen poll showing only about 40% of Americans believe the Space Shuttle has been worth the cost, www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/january_2010/only_40_believe_space_shuttle_has_been_worth_the_cost. As you will hear with listener Jack, questions were asked about the bias in the poll questions, but I also said there was bias in what Jack was suggesting. The real problem that Jim and I agreed upon is the significant disconnect in the value of space as seen and understood by space enthusiasts as opposed to the general public, even those designing and implementing the Rasmussen polls. Listen to the discussion and let us know what you think. Later in this segment, we discussed the recently released 2009 Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Annual Report. You can find out more about this report at www.hq.nasa.gov/office/oer/asap/index.html. We also discussed some the panel's critical safety findings. As we started our second segment, Jim responded to a listener question about the future of Ares 1 and heavy lift. This led Jim to a detailed discussion which lasted throughout the two hour program regarding President Obama's potential space policy and his history on space announcements. We talked about Direct 3.0 as compared to Ares 1 and 5 and the economic impact in changing to Direct both in Alabama and Florida. As you will hear, Jim believes the impact is much greater in Florida and there is going to be significant congressional resistance to changing any part of Constellation in the upcoming space policy announcement. Jim discussed the loss of about 7,000 shuttle workers in Florida and said that if the commercial option is taken, it would only add back about 1,700 jobs on the space coast. Mr. McDade took us into some of the shuttle issues about keeping it flying, including the fact that SMEs cannot be restarted. He talked about sunk costs on Ares 1 and Ares 5 development so far and the safety issues of putting the crew on SRBs adjacent to liquids. Listen to this discussion and see what you think. I then provided my usual rant about NASA getting out of the rocket design and build industry, instead using the commercial sector to build our rockets as true commercial ventures. In segment 3, we continued a discussion on cost plus contractors, quality control, and private contractors, not just for space hardware but in general. Jack in Virginia asked for Jim's assessment of where our space program would be in 2012 and how it would track over the coming years. Toward the end of this segment, I brought up the new movie Avatar and we talked about what sells, the movie theme, and James Cameron and his space awareness. If you have comments or questions for Jim McDade, please contact him at moonshot@uab.edu. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:27:03 UTC
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Dr. John Hunter, Friday, 1-15-10 (58.86MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. John Hunter. Topics: Hydrogen gas gun, low cost space access, space physics and engineering. Dr. John Hunter, President of Quicklaunch, Inc, was our guest today to discuss the hydrogen gas gun for launching payloads to space. Please visit their website at www.quicklaunchinc.com. I urge you to listen to Dr. Hunter's Google talk which you can access by clicking on the arrow on the Quicklaunch home page. In our first segment, Dr. Hunter provided us with an overview of the Quicklaunch gas gun, the rocket assisted second stage, and the physics/engineering supporting the use of the hydrogen gas gun. Several skeptical listeners called or sent in questions and at times our discussion was technical, dealing with the drag on the vehicle, the shape of the vehicle to withstand very high G loads and stresses. Dr. Hunter went through the physics and engineering, plus the history of similar hydrogen gas guns and other projects in the past, including SHARP with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. See what you think of these discussions and the data. In our second segment, Dr. Hunter was asked some comparison questions regarding the Space Shuttle, Space X, building an RLV, and the cost to space with a chemical rocket. Later in segment, he outlined his four phase plan for Quicklaunch, including the time frame for each phase. Listen carefully to these plans with Phase 1 starting at White Sands as a demo or stunt phase. He also talked about payload sizes for each phase all the way up to 1,000 lb. payloads unless the gun is made larger. Note what he had to say about demos and stunts as his comments may surprise you. As you will hear, eventually in the later phases, the Quicklaunch gun would be mostly underwater. Before the segment ended, we talked about the materials used for the gas gun including high strength aluminum 70-75 and Toray 740. In our third segment, Dr. Hunter received some questions about guidance control and the 25 degree inclination used for the gun. Our guest said there would be no rifling in the gun's barrel as it had to be smooth bore. He fielded additional questions about velocity loss due to drag. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion of the specs. He also described the dimensions of the gun and using a version of it from the Moon or even Mars. Our guest provided us with a thorough economic analysis of lunar vs. Martian access and this is a must listen to discussion. The program Dr. Hunter talked about requires orbital propellant depots and other space infrastructure. Listen to what he said in this part of the discussion about the traditional aerospace and Military Industrial Complex in building this infrastructure as opposed to Quicklaunch providing the space infrastructure. Toward the end of this segment, we talked about why we go to space, the importance of human space exploration, and connecting space with the interests of the general public. Our fourth and final segment started off with a space elevator discussion and then Dr. Hunter provided us with his three top choices for launch systems. We veered off topic to discuss his experiences with helping to build armored gun vehicles for use in Iraq. Near the end of the program, Dr. Hunter commented on the U.S. Civil Space Program and its impact on Quicklaunch. Listen to what he had to say about that. His last question dealt with SSP which he said was non-trivial. Don't miss all his comments on space solar power. If you have questions or comments for Dr. John Hunter, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to Dr. Hunter. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:32:34 UTC
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John Vornle, Tuesday, 1-12-10 (49.12MB; download) -- Guest: John Vornle. Topics: Space business finance, SSP, private equity solutions to develop space commerce. John Vornle of Long Term Capital was our guest for this program to discuss private space business capital acquisition models using space based solar energy. In our first segment, Mr. Vornle outlined three methods of financing space projects including the traditional government solution, public/private partnerships, and private equity financing which was the main topic for tonight's program. In discussing private equity solutions, he talked about the banking and lending component, insurance, and the different categories and phases for investors. He also introduced us to the exit strategies most likely to be used for each phase or category of investment. Mr. Vornle explained the risks, how bankers and equity investors view the situation and he put forth the case as to why now is the time for developing space based energy. Toward the end of this segment, our guest pointed out that as of now, we have no political will to move such a space energy company forward but then he mentioned some developing signs of hope in this area. Listen carefully and see what you think. In the second segment, Mr. Vornle outlined the private equity solution advantages for pursuing this investment model and for pursuing an SSP energy company. We talked at length about the market cost for electricity and said that it needed to be set by third parties, there needed to be corporate profits and the payment of corporate taxes. This took us into an extensive discussion on why utility companies were not the best source of SSP energy company development. You need to listen to this comprehensive discussion as its about the need to develop and implement new, cost effective technology and why the utility company model does not work. As we started the third and final segment, we talked about financial returns on investment associated risks. John stressed the need for simplicity. Invest in a C-Corp, own stock, know exactly what percentage of the company you own, and seek a capital gains investment. He outlined for us suggested ROIs for the various phases of equity investment. Market timing was discussed as were space investments not suitable for equity investment but more for visionaries or grant financing. Later in the segment, he said the most important thing to do is to change the political will of the U.S. system to support the business development that has been discussed on this show. Toward the end of the segment, he described the contingency power purchase agreement which is at the root of the plan discussed. If you have questions or comments for John Vornle, please send them to longtermcapital@cs.com or to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:51:01 UTC
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Dr. John Jurist, Monday, 1-11-10 (43.64MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. John Jurist. Topics: Space medicine and women's health issues, bone loss, microgravity. Dr. John Jurist was our guest for this show which focused on how our modern spaceflight technology has contributed not only to cutting edge women's health care, but better healthcare for us all over several past decades. In segment one, Dr. Jurist introduced us to the issue of bone loss (osteoporosis), especially with women, and the role played in the early space medicine research in detecting, measuring, and developing counter measures in microgravity which were subsequently applied to medicine in general. Dr. Jurist takes us through this fascinating early history, helping us to understand its significance for women's health issues of today and in fact to medicine for us all. Understanding this history and the NASA involvement is important as we learn new ways to value our civil and specifically our human spaceflight program. Clearly, space medicine research and human spaceflight have proved beneficial for people's health all over this planet. Later in this segment, Dr. Jurist talked about the development of the main osteoporosis medicines, the bisphosphonates. We also talked about bone metabolism, the immune system and related radiation issues. Trust me, you won't hear this discussion anyplace else! We started the second segment with a call from listener and former Space Show guest Dr. Bill Row. Dr. Rowe was inquiring about CO2 levels and calcium metabolism in humans. This was a very important question and dialog with Dr. Jurist. Don't miss it. Also in this segment, we talked about the miniaturization of electronics which resulted from the space industry and how this development has positively impacted emergency rooms, intensive care units, recovery rooms, operating rooms, and remote emergency treatment and equipment. John continued telling us about the history of human spaceflight medicine and the companies that got involved in making equipment and product in this industry. Questions were asked regarding protein crystal growth and pharmacology in spaceflight. We talked about exercise in microgravity and the need for weight bearing activities as they seemed to be most useful in maintaining bone mass in microgravity. Dr. Jurist fielded questions on space tourism for people with osteoporosis and pointed out that the main problem might be in the G-force acceleration upon reentry. We talked about the need for proper health checks prior to going to space, the need for centrifuge testing, and for an aerospace medicine doctor to evaluate the spaceflight participant's medical history, not just an ordinary doctor unfamiliar with space medicine issues. In the third and final segment, Dr. Jurist introduced us to telemedicine which was greatly enhanced by original funding through the NIH to use satellite communications equipment to enhance health care deliver to remote areas. Today, telemedicine is common around the world and continuing to develop. Don't miss this important connection with spaceflight research and development. Dr. Jurist was asked if space medicine developments and the benefits provided a good selling point for additional civil space program funding. He responded yes and added that in the face of trillion dollar deficits, the amount of money we spend on NASA and space is very minor and would likely not even be noticed, but he did stress that space medicine benefits are not widely understood even within the space industry, let alone within the general public and they should be. If you have a comment or question for Dr. John Jurist, you can send your comment through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com or you can use jmjspaceATaolDOTcom. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:51:58 UTC
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Dr. Philip Chapman, Sunday, 1-10-10 (45.43MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Phil Chapman. Topics: SSP, Climate issues, RLVs. Dr. Phil Chapman returned to The Space Show with this program to discuss space solar power satellites, climate issues, and commercial space launchers in comparison to traditional government launchers. You can learn more by visiting Dr. Chapman's blog which will be operational in a few days, www.pkchapman.com. In our first segment, Phil talked about solar powered satellites and climate issues. He was very clear in pointing out the scientific problems with carbon climate claims and cited several scientific facts and studies as reference. He also talked about the political mindset of politicians and their either disregard of science or ignorance. Phil provided several reputable organizations and websites that follow important solar changes and influences which impact Earth's climate. We talked about sunspots and other solar influences and I asked him about sunspots playing a minor role in our climate given recent Space Show programs with other guests. Phil cited recent reviewed studies saying just the opposite so listen to what he had to say. We also talked about energy solutions for the developing and poor nations and the impact of the UN policies as well as some conservation methods on available energy to these nations. At the end of this segment, Dr. Rygalov asked about SPS, space development and a possible time frame extending to 2050. Listen to his question which I read from his email and what Dr. Chapman had to say in response. As we started the second segment which went through the end of the show (no third segment today), Charles called form Mojave to express some of his alternative views and solutions and found some common agreement with Phil. You want to hear this conversation, for sure. Phil then talked about ground based fusion, the work of Dr. Bussard which is continuing, and Tokomaks which he criticized. Jack asked him for the three most promising new technologies for low cost energy and as you will hear, Dr. Chapman suggested nuclear with Gen 5 reactors, SSP, and alternative fusion based on boron. In returning to the SSP discussion, he said the business case closes if launch costs are low enough and we need the RLV to lower launch costs. Jack asked him why he was opposed to the Space Shuttle and Phil responded with a comprehensive answer which you do not want to miss. Lee sent in an email question asking about gov. interference over time in the development of an SSP demo project. Phil responded that he was not supportive of a demo project and you will want to hear his full reasoning in this part of the discussion. He also advocated the private sector doing SSP, not government. We then talked about improvements needed in the North American power grid. He said the improvements and costs depend on what one wants to do with the grid and the type and method selected for adding new power supplies to the grid. We asked Dr. Chapman about the Solaren and PG&E business deal to bring space solar power to PG&E customers. I pushed Phil to the wall on this and asked what additional percent he was willing to pay PG& to receive space solar power. Listen to his response. Rectennas were discussed as was the effectiveness of space advocacy. Phil advocated NSS for its library on SSP material. In concluding, he said the issues facing space development and society are not technical, they are political. He urged us to pay attention and make sure those in office respond to the people they serve and not play politics with our future. How we accomplish this remains to be seen. If you have a comment or question for Dr. Phil Chapman, please send it to philchapmanATsbcglobalDOTnet. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:52:54 UTC
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Dr. J. B. Zirker, Friday, 1-9-2010 (60.35MB; download) --
Guest: Dr. J.B. Zirker. Topics: Magnetic fields, solar magnetism, astrophysics, astronomy, telescopes. We welcomed Dr. J.B. Zirker to the program today to discuss his new book, "The Magnetic Universe: The Elusive Traces of an Invisible Force." The book is now on the One Giant Leap Foundation book website and if you buy it here, Amazon makes an important contribution to The Space Show. Here is the direct purchase URL: www.amazon.com/dp/080189302X?tag=onegialeafou-20. In our first of four segments, Dr. Zirker provided us with an overview of his book ranging from the Earth out to the Galaxies. Dr. Zirker introduced us to the magnetosphere and magnetic fields. We discussed this science from the sun to Jupiter and beyond. Toward the end of this important segment, I asked our guest if it were possible to know 100% of all the science in the world, where were we on the scale of how much science we now know. As you will hear, less than 1%! We started the second segment with a discussion on sunspots, the Little Ice Age, and the possible impact of sunspot cycles on Earth's climate changes. This is a very interesting discussion and it might surprise you as to what our guest said. Later in the segment, we talked about sunquakes and Dr. Zirker's book on the subject, "Sunquakes: Probing the Interior of the Sun." In this discussion, our guest explained the science of sunquakes and what it means to us on Earth. Dr. Zirker was also asked about the most frequent questions he receives when talking to various student groups of different grades and ages. Later in this segment, I asked about potential commercial models for this research or does it all have to be government funded. Listen to what he had to say about the developing field of prediction services. Segment three started off addressing more student questions, Mercury and the Messenger mission, and the accuracy of extrapolating from planetary studies back to Earth. We also talked about the flipping of the Earth's magnetic fields and the movie 2012. Total solar eclipses were mentioned and our guest went into some detail with his discussion of the sun's corona, solar temperatures, and the physical processes that drive these solar properties. Listeners asked about the Martian magnetic field and if it could be recreated and if so, how. The solar thermal and convection physics were explained and we fielded several questions about this science. In the fourth and last segment, we talked about telescopes, adaptive optics and mirror technology and size. We learned that the new large mirror adaptive optic telescopes like those in Hawaii are competitive with the HST. Dr. Zirker explained the interferometer to us and we talked about the economics of building large mirror Earth based telescopes as compared to launch space telescopes. As you will hear, the infrared telescopes need to be in space as we cannot see in that realm from Earth. That said, Dr. Zirker did say that with the new telescopes coming on line and being built, we would be able to explore the surface of other planets in HD right here from Earth. Toward the end of this segment, we talked about the political priority for space studies, astrophysics, science, astronomy, etc. This is an important discussion so listen to it. Our guest also left us with an excellent closing comment. Don't miss it. All of Dr. Zirker's books will soon be available at www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/books. If you have questions or comments for Dr. J. B. Zirker, please send it to me and I will forward your note to him.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:06:42 UTC
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Ed McCullough, Tuesday, 1-5-10 (62.59MB; download) -- Guest: Edward McCullough. Topics: Nuclear, advanced technology, lunar manufacturing, Mars. Ed McCullough returned for this two hour plus Space Show program. We started segment one with Ed taking us through his Navy nuclear training and his advanced technology career assignments and work. During this discussion, Ed told us about products, projects, and technologies, how they were created, funded, developed and when possible, implemented. Its a good discussion and most informative so don't miss it. We talked about how to build an RLV, what it would look like, the time frame, the costs, and this is important, its size! In our second segment which lasted for the show's duration, we started off with Ed saying that these visionary projects needed commercial funding. He talked about the size of SSP satellites made in modules on the Moon to an eventual size of 11 KM, then using that technology to make battleship size vehicles to go to the Martian Le Grange points from the Moon. This is a complex discussion so listen carefully. Ed addressed many of the human factors issues including radiation shielding through using large amounts of water, cosmic rays, bone loss issues, and more. In fact, the bone loss issue and radiation became a major part of this discussion with a call from listener John and email and chat questions from other listeners. Please listen carefully to this far ranging discussion, the use of new technologies, bone issues with osteoclasts and osteoblasts and possible bisphosphonate treatment. Listener Reda asked questions about going to space and having osteoporosis so listen up with this important discussion. We talked about the needed levels of gravity and everyone lamented not having the centrifuge experiments on Station to determine the amount of gravity needed to protect humans. We talked about radiation shielding with lunar regolith and much more. Ed was asked about the Delta V needed to go to a Martian Le Grange point from a lunar Le Grange Point and we got a call from listener Theron who gave us that information. You will definitely want to hear this. As you will hear, the transit times at these very low Delta V levels require about two years for a one way trip to Mars. Contrast that with a six to nine month one way trip time from Earth to Mars. Robotic technology for lunar manufacturing was discussed near the end of the show, Ed talked about mitigating the lunar dust issues for manufacturing and maintaining equipment on the Moon. At the end of the show, Ed talked about green energy, contrasting solar, wind, and nuclear. He explained what was needed for grid improvements to take new power from these various sources of possible additional energy. Visit Ed's website for more information, www.explainingthebigpicture.com. If you have a comment or question for Ed McCullough, please email him directly using the email address at the bottom of his website (edwardmccullough at rocketmail dot com)or you can send your question or comment to him through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:57:09 UTC
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Ross Tierney, Monday, 1-4-10 (56.88MB; download) -- Guest: Ross Tierney. Topics. Direct 3.0, Constellation, NASA, political process. Ross Tierney returned for this two hour program to update us with Direct 3.0 in light of the Augustine report and the upcoming announcements regarding U.S. Civil Space Policy. In our first segment, Ross brought us current with Direct 3.0 and the Augustine Commission. This is a comprehensive discussion. We also talked about work force issues and job losses in the space industry as a result of potential space policy changes. At the end of this segment, in response to a listener question, Ross estimated the R&D costs for Direct 3.0 launchers. In our second segment, Ross opened up with the probable time table to flight testing and operations depending on the actual configuration for the Direct Launcher and external tank. Heavy lift was discussed as was the political mindset of all those involved in the process. SPS was mentioned by a listener and Ross suggested it as a mission. Listen to his idea and see what you think. As we started the third and final segment which was about an hour long, Ross opened saying "In God we Trust, all others bring data!" We then talked about the Direct 3.0 relationship, if any, with ATK, Marshall Spaceflight Center and others. The issue of comparing the safety of an SRB to a liquid rocket for human spaceflight came up so you will want to hear what Ross had to say about this. Ross brought in the life cycle cost issue and talked about the NASA culture. We also talked about economic growth and opportunity through space development. I asked him questions about what he would say regarding our civil space program to hurting communities across America as a result of the economic crisis using Detroit as an example. Ross told us what he would say to Detroit Rotarians. I think you will like how he makes the case for space. We should all borrow from what Ross had to say to those in Detroit and in similar situations across America. Ross spent much time stressing the ability to work the political process and system and to understand how things happen. As he said, the best idea or technology could very well fail if there was not a political momentum behind it. Toward the end of this segment, we talked about how Direct 3.0 would impact the GAP and the compatibility with the heavy lift Jupiter and EELV or the Falcon 9. If you have a question or comment for Ross Tierney, email him at info@directlauncher.com. You can find his frequent posts on nasapaceflight.com under the screen name KRAISEE. Don't hesitate to join in the discussion.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:04:52 UTC
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Taylor Dinerman, Sunday, 1-3-10 (52.75MB; download) -- Guest: Taylor Dinerman. Topics: NASA and commercial space; Climategate, China, SSP, space policy. Taylor Dinerman returned for the first program of 2010 which went almost two hours. In segment one, Mr. Dinerman talked about the coming NASA space policy announcement and programs. He suggested there might be a coming "train wreck." Listen to his analysis in this important discussion. Taylor talked about Constellation, politics, the coming 2010 congressional elections, and possible budget fights. Toward the end of the segment, Direct 3.0 was mentioned as was the GAP without American human spaceflight, and the options for using commercial launchers and space companies. In segment two, listener Charles brought up the small is better approach vis a vis Microlaunchers and this turned out to be an off and on again discussion during the rest of the program with other listeners participating. Taylor talked about the importance of heavy lift, then he switched to the Climategate scandal and what it means for NASA Earth Sciences. Listen carefully to this segment, it addresses NASA cultural biases as did the Columbia report, and see what you think. Taylor called for independent investigation to look for cultural bias in the Earth Sciences part of NASA and predicted long term damage to NASA if such independent reviews are not undertaken. The Wright Brothers and their motivation returned front and center, the development of the wind tunnel was mentioned, as was the need for serendipity because one never knows where something good or paradigm changing might come from though one should not plan on this approach. Space Solar Power was then brought up as was the need to tweak our capitalistic economic and investment system. You do not want to miss this discussion and what our guest had to say about economics, our systems, our failures, and our potential. As we started the third and final segment, Taylor was asked about space tourism. As you will hear, he is very bullish on it and talked about the competition between Virgin Galactic and XCOR. He also mentioned the science payload missions for suborbital spaceflights as being extremely important and very exciting. We then switched to talking about China and its space policy. You will hear that their military hinders western cooperation with the Chinese space program. India was just the opposite as Taylor stressed it being a democracy and in many ways, cooperative with our own policy. We talked about the Indian human spaceflight plans and much more. Toward the end of the program, we talked about the GAP, keeping shuttle flying longer, and the importance of our space work force, not just it being a jobs program. Taylor told us how other nations value and treat their space workforce so you definitely want to hear this discussion. If you have comments or questions for Taylor Dinerman, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to Mr. Dinerman. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:17:55 UTC
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