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The Space Show

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

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


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Add this to another station Louise Riofrio, Monday, 10-27-08 (41.51MB; download) -- Guest: Louise Riofrio was the guest for this Space Show program. We started our discussion with out-of-the-box cosmology theories on the speed of light. She postulated theories about this represented by the equation, GM+TC^3. Check out her blog/website ( http://riofriospacetime.blogspot.com ) for details on this theory and the rest of her cosmology research. Louise talked with us about space and time being the same and said we were hardwired to equate space and time. Do not miss this discussion. We spent about half the show discussing cosmology and physics with Louise, including peer review and out-of-the-box theories and what happens to them given mainstream efforts to toe the line for the status quo. See what you think of this discussion and the experiences that our caller John, Louise, and I bring to the table. During the middle of the program, we switched to the subject of the positive pressure spacesuit as Louise has developed a model of it and often models it at various space conferences. She is also working with parties at NASA and parts of her spacesuit may be used on the new lunar spacesuits being developed for our return to the Moon and lunar settlement. Louise describes how a positive pressure spacesuit works, how it differs from a traditional spacesuit, and how the helmet and visor will work on the spacesuit she is developing. We also talked about some of the problem areas of such a spacesuit and what is being done to compensate for the weak points. She explained movement in the suit, sweating, and punctures and damage to the suit. Other topics we discussed included educational outreach for science and space and teaching kids STEM subjects as Louise does it using unusual methods and tools. She also talked with us about her part in the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and additional space shuttle flights. Toward the end of the show when we were engaged in some light hearted discussions, Louise mentioned the reality of a three dimensional prototyping machine or, as they would say on Star Trek, a replicator. She talked about having seen shoes made by such a machine and action figure toys. We spent several minutes talking about this device and the progress being made to actually make these machines commercial. Louise also brought to our attention the need for a huge GEO communications satellite for high bandwidth for future cell phone conversations. Listen to what she says about this and what it would mean for our future phone capabilities. I asked her if she could compare such a large GEO COMSAT and antenna dish to a GEO solar power satellite array and the answer was no, we are still too far away from the SSP structure which would have to be many times large than what she was talking about for a COMSAT. Check out this URL to see Louise modelling her spacesuit: http://bp2.blogger.com/_SjBd7nY9Kp0/Rosgr1FW3pI/AAAAAAAAARY/4iomNEJKz2Y/s1600-h/2Jul07.jpg. If you want to send a comment or question to Louise Riofrio, do so through her website using the comments section. Make sure you mention you heard her on The Space Show. You can as always send your comments and questions for her to me in care of drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:37:35 UTC
Add this to another station William Grahame, Sunday, 10-26-08 (39.89MB; download) -- Guest: William Grahame was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss hypersonic R&D, programs, and flight. We began the discussion with a short summary of some of the existing or better known hypersonic and scramjet programs including Hi-Fire, Blackswift, and Falcon. We talked about development of these vehicles needing to come from the military side of things, not civil or the private sector. We also talked about educating the public as to why hypersonic vehicles are important and how the press is probably not that aware of their importance. Bill went through several projects in some detail and we also compared hypersonic potential to suborbital potential. Toward the end of the program, Bill outlined his own idea for a passenger hypersonic vehicle for Point A to Point B transportation. You can contact William (Bill) Grahame with your questions or comments by using his email address wegdrg1@cox.net.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:06:03 UTC
Add this to another station Space Cynics Discussion on SSP, Saturday, 10-25-08 (40.69MB; download) -- Guests: The Space Cynics, Shubber Ali, Tom Olson, Dr. John Jurist, and Dr. David Livingston, came together for this conference call round table discussion on the topic of the day, Space Solar Power (SSP). In keeping with the true Space Cynics fashion, this was a hard-hitting program addressing some of the fundamental challenges facing SSP and why the Cynics do not share the joy of seeing a future SSP world as do those promoting it. As we started the discussion, Shubber outlined three basic areas that we addressed: technical challenges, economic and political (policy) challenges, and those challenges represented by substitute technology. All of us were in agreement that the technical challenges can be met over time and with sufficient funding and R&D. All the Cynics believe that substitute technologies here on Earth will typically give the economic and policy advantage to terrestrial power over SSP. Furthermore, the economic, political, and policy challenges ahead for SPP are formidable and likely to prove much harder, complex, and costly to resolve than many of those promoting SSP believe will be the case. Since many listening to this discussion will not agree with some or even all of the points made, should you choose to reply, comment or question what you hear, please do so factually. For example, if you are going to report or comment that the launch cost will be $200/kilo to GEO or some other very low rate , tell us how that happens so we can respond factually. If you are talking theoretical, please provide the support and basis for your theory. Another interesting point offered in this discussion came up when we talked about the need for low cost space access. Shubber made the point that the military does not really want cheap and easy access to space by the general public, thus it's unlikely that there will be any government action taken to significantly change the way we access space. I believe we should give some serious consideration to this as a real potentiality. In another part of the SSP discussion, we discussed new launch technology, mag lift, the space elevator, and SSP as an economic driver for these possible launch technologies. See what you think of the comments offered up by the Cynics. Here, I differ a bit from my fellow Cynics. I want to hear more about the advanced and different propulsion ideas to examine their merit, economic potential, etc. I want to apply real comprehensive due diligence to what I hear and I am hoping to have some of these advanced and out of the box propulsion and lift concepts discussed by their promoters on The Space Show. Watch the newsletter for this type of future programming. We also discussed upcoming reports suggesting that we may run out of terrestrial energy by the end of the century. I personally withhold judgment until I see the report(s) mentioned on the show, but the other Cynics do not, as of now, subscribe to resource limitation theories as presented or described in this discussion. I hope to do a full Space Show program about one particular energy report once it is made public. This Space Cynics show will also post on The Space Cynics blog site at http://spacecynic.wordpress.com. If you want to ask a question, offer a comment, or provide information for your position, theory, or anything else, please do so as a comment to the Cynics blog for all to read once the show is posted on Cynics . Any email I receive at The Space Show for this particular discussion will be posted in full on the Space Cynics blog as we Space Cynics blog are very transparent. Your comments, challenges, theories, information, and critiques are most welcome by us all and we look forward to hearing from you over at Cynics. And please remember, the Tuesday, Nov. 4th Space Show program is an Open Line discussion by me on my own personal feelings about SSP based on my interviews and contacts with many of those working to make SSP a reality. As you will hear on that show, I
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:25:22 UTC
Add this to another station Scott Cassell, Friday, 10-24-08 (57.92MB; download) -- Guest: Scott Cassell was the guest for this Space Show program exploring the relationship and synergy of our oceans with space. Our discussion with Scott started off by focusing on the Humboldt Squid, which is as much a foreign life form to humans as anything that may be encountered on or off this planet. You must hear Scott describe this mollusk in detail, including its behavior, characteristics, appearance, and its unusual proliferation across oceans into areas where it previously never used to be found. We continued our discussion of not just the squid, but other extremophiles and we did some extrapolation to space and learned about space scientists coming to see Scott's work in their off-hours as the relationship is clearly understood and valued even if not yet formally so by NASA or JPL. We spent a considerable amount of time comparing environmental and life support systems in a sub and in the ocean as compared to what is required for space travel and habitation. We talked about space tourism as a driver for favorable space policy, regulation, and interest, yet there is a noticeable absence of undersea tourism despite the fact the technology is here and available. See if you concur with the explanation Scott puts forth during this discussion. Unusual ocean features such as extremophiles, hydrothermal vents, and more were discussed. Scott also brought us current with the reality of fishing problems and what it is doing to the oceans and the food supply chain. When you hear him, you might decide to modify some of your seafood habits. A listener asked why the presidential candidates talked about space, but never mentioned the oceans. Again, do not miss what Scott Cassell had to say about this situation. Caller Reda asked about the funding going to space and also to the study of the oceans. It should not be one or the other, both domains need R&D and study. The three of us discussed this situation in detail. Toward the end of the program, Scott talked to us about the importance of learning lessons and not repeating history and that we need to learn right here on Earth and with the oceans and then take the lessons with us to space so we don't make the same mistakes over and over again. In many ways, the oceans are our school ground. Scott described his Undersea Voyager Project which is very important and in many ways similar to the "Teacher In Space" program. Visit http://www.underseavoyager.org/ for more details about this fascinating project and your ability to participate. If you want to contact Scott with questions, comments, or if you are seeking information about his project, please do so through his website at info@underseavoyager.org or fill out the form at www.underseavoyager.org/contactus.html. The Space Show thanks Reda Anderson for introducing us to Scott.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:15:36 UTC
Add this to another station Robert Scaringe, Tuesday, 1-21-8 (45.00MB; download) -- Guest: Robert (Bob) Scaringe was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss the long-term goals which are needed for the public support of our space policy. Bob has defined the type of both short-term and long-term goals needed to create more grassroots support of our space policy. Referencing several studies from the public, he shows that such grass roots support is currently not there to take the NASA budget to a 1% of the federal budget, which would allow for research and the types of programs and goals that he talks about in his AIAA paper and presentation. He has called for NASA to do segmentation studies to see what the non-space community thinks about NASA, its programs, the budget, etc. to get real cross-culture and population feedback, so NASA can make space more relevant to the general public. He also suggested that short-term NASA and other space goals need to show an ROI, a benefit for the public and show how these short-term goals then fit in to support the longer term goals that NASA should engage in, such as discovering Earth-like planets and even being able to travel to them at some point in our future. Several listener questions inquired about both short-term and long-term goals, the former NIAC program, and even the possibility of recreating a new version of that program in the coming new administration. We also talked about opportunities that lie ahead for NASA and space arising out of our present national and global economic conditions and that we needed leaders with vision to see the opportunity rather than just the problem. Bob put forth many ideas and suggestions so you will want to hear what he has to say about this important subject and why it's so important to do the segmentation studies with NASA and reach the general public for a grass roots influence on policy makers. He cited the energy problem we face as a potential model for grass roots influencing of government policy and our elected officials. If you would like to read Bob's AIAA paper and view his Power Point slide presentation, please send me a note and I will send them to you. If you have a comment or question for Bob Scaringe, you can send it to me at drspace@thespacehsow.com or you can email him at raz1215@msn.com .
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:29:17 UTC
Add this to another station Andrew Chaikin, Monday, 10-20-08 (40.00MB; download) -- Guest: Andrew Chaikin was the guest for this Space Show program. We talked about his new book, "A Passion for Mars: Intrepid Explorers of the Red Planet," discussing inspiration, the pioneers that have explored Mars, and why exploration is so important for today and our future. We mentioned some of the fabulous pictures in the book including art from Carter Emmart and Chesley Bonestell and images from NASA which were sent to the White House to make the case to go to Mars decades ago. The subject of the youth came up and we referenced several studies suggesting that many of the Gen Yers are not interested in going to Mars or even leaving Earth. Andy told about one set of emails he received from an editor saying words to this effect and a Gen Y listener, Mel in Georgia, chatted in about being miffed that all of Gen Y was grouped together when there were many Gen Yers who absolutely wanted to go to Mars and do work, or want to work, in the space development community. Andy suggested we might have a better following with Gen Y and others if NASA was actually doing something of interest and this led to quite a discussion on the show. You can find out much more about Andy Chaikin's book and his work at his website, www.andrewchaikin.com. If you have comments or questions for Andy, please email him at contact@andrewchaikin.com. Please reference The Space Show in the subject line of your email.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:06:14 UTC
Add this to another station Robert Black, Sunday, 10-19-08 (41.29MB; download) -- Guest: Robert Black, author of "Lunar Pioneers," was the guest for this Space Show program. His book is written for the middle grades of 5th-9th grade. Visit his website, http://www.rablack.com for ordering details, information on his others books, and more. As Robert wrote nine scripts for the Nickelodeon show, "You Can't Do That On Television," almost the entire first segment of the show was focused on this program, writing TV scripts, and Green Slime! When Robert was asked if his space interests were ever reflected in any of the scripts for the show that he wrote, we found out that the first script he did was a space theme with its own set. You will want to hear this story. There were lots of questions about green slime and Robert even revealed what it was originally made from, so now all of you can mix up your own batch of the stuff. For those of you interested in writing for a TV show or writing in general, listening to what Robert had to say about his experience and how he got the job will be of great interest to you. Toward the end of the first segment and for the rest of the program, we focused on Robert's books, specifically "Lunar Pioneers." In the course of our discussion, publishing, children's books, space books, the use of agents, and more were discussed in detail. Even self-publishing was talked about though Robert used a small publisher and hopes to go to a bigger publisher with his next book. We talked about some of the space, flight, gravity, and science information in the book, as well as when and how best to provide real scientific and engineering information to a young reader and to what degree of accuracy, plus how to make see the story from the eyes of the book's characters. In this light, the reader will learn about spacesuits, some about flight and gravity, lunar historical sites, radiation and more. If you have children or your friends have children in the target age range of 5th to 9th grade, please consider this as a book for them as they will learn about space, leaving Earth, living on the Moon, and even missing their home back on the ground. If you order the book from Robert's website, you can get an autographed copy. If you want to email Robert with comments or questions, you can do so from his website or use rablack@rablack.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:05:59 UTC
Add this to another station Space Law Center @ Ole Miss Program, Friday, 10-17-08 (57.92MB; download) -- Guests: Professor Joanne Gabrynowicz, Director of the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air and Space Law, along with students Jason Crook, Erik Lundin, Rebecca Beckett, Nathan Wilson, and Nick Welly, were the guests for this two hour Space Show program focusing on this excellent space law center. The students joined the discussion at various times during the program as we discussed space environmental issues, military space and policy, China, and the need for an interdisciplinary focus for space studies of all kind. Each student was asked why they were attracted to the study of space law and what they wanted to do with space law for their career plans, so listen to what the five students had to say in response to this question. During the discussion, space policy comparisons of the two presidential candidates came up. As you will hear during the show, there are some resources listeners can use to study the comparisons. One resource provided by Professor Gabrynowicz was http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php?id=42/ . Another was an email attachment that Nick Welly sent me. If you would like a copy of it as a Word document, please send a note to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com requesting it and I will send it to you. One of the topics addressed had to do with new case law being established from the developing NewSpace community. Joanne cited cases in the ITAR and the anti-trust fields, but so far not that many legal cases have arisen from NewSpace that are space specific. We also talked about various space blogs and Res Communis was again suggested as a starting point for factual space information. This is an excellent blog and a source of information for The Space Show. Check it out at http://rescommunis.wordpress.com/ . If you want information about the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air and Space Law, visit http://www.spacelaw.olemiss.edu/ . Professor Gabrynowicz can be reached at jgabryno@olemiss.edu as well as by contacting The University of Mississippi School of Law, P.O. Box 1848, Lamar Law Center, RM 527, University, MS 38677. Their phone number is (662) 915-6877.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:17:36 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Marshall Kaplan, Tuesday, 10-14-08 (43.90MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Marshall Kaplan was our guest for today's show. We started our discussion with an introduction to his teaching, training, and education company, Launchspace (Please see http//www.launchspace.com/ ). We talked about his upcoming classes, Space Principles and Space Vehicle Mechanisms, plus other courses offered. Dr. Kaplan told us about the market for these courses, who teaches them, and many of the topics taught. In addition to talking about Launchspace, we talked about U.S. space policy, its importance, the risks it faces, and more. This is an important discussion and Dr. Kaplan had much to say on the subject. Our conversation covered terrestrial energy, space solar power, fusion and He3 on the Moon, and the importance of American space leadership. Dr. Kaplan did some future gazing about NASA and the VSE with a new president and Congress about to take office and the economic problems facing the country and the world. You will not want to miss what he has to say about a possible future in the space world. The subject of the killer application for human spaceflight came up and he suggested it would be space tourism. He also responded to questions about an RLV and thinks one is highly possible for about $2 billion, but the markets are not here with sufficient launch demand for developing the vehicle. Again, you will not want to miss what he has to say about the RLV. Lost cost launchers were discussed, Dr. Kaplan talked about the COTS program and his role in the early part of the program, and much more. This is an important interview and we agreed that Dr. Kaplan will return with additional insights, probably after the new president and Congress are sworn in early next year. If you have questions or comments for Dr. Marshall Kaplan or Launchspace, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to Dr. Kaplan.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:14:38 UTC
Add this to another station Robert Zimmerman, Monday, 10-13-08 (46.87MB; download) -- Guest: Robert Zimmerman was the guest for today's Space Show program. We started our discussion with updates on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the shuttle repair mission to the HST. From there, Bob told us about the waiver obtained for allowing NASA to continue using the Soyuz to access the ISS and the letter written by Dr. Griffin to Barack Obama thanking him for his help in obtaining the waiver. Bob speculated that Griffin might be showing Senator Obama that he wants to remain NASA Administrator, even in a possible Obama administration. Thus, we spoke about the Administrator position, Dr. Griffin, and even another potential for the position, Lori Garver. Bob presented us with some interesting ideas on this subject that you will certainly want to hear. We also talked about space tourism, the second generation American tourist Richard Garriott and his efforts to sell his research to cover the cost of his trip to the ISS. Bob mentioned the cosmonaut on the trip who was also second generation given this cosmonaut's father is still active in the Russian space program. We had several phone calls from listeners and listener emails about the ISS, even breaking the ISS a part and letting the Russian part go its way and the American sections go a separate way. Bob explained why the ISS could not be separated, especially from the American perspective. He used this opportunity to talk about the need to learn from the ISS about long- term space flight and the human medical issues needed to be resolved to go to Mars and other solar system destinations. Later in the program, we talked about the success of the Falcon 1, Space X and Elon Musk. The economic issues also came up and Bob opined on the effects on civil/NASA space and the private sector. I referenced the Open Lines show from yesterday to several email listeners. To find out more about Robert Zimmerman, check out his website at http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze3cxxp/zimbib.htm . You can email him through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com or you can search for his email address on his website and then contact him directly.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:19:56 UTC
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