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. James Dewar, Tuesday, 2-19-08 (37.50MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. James A. Dewar. Dr. James Dewar returned to The Space Show to explain and discuss nuclear rockets and what they would mean for space and economic development were they to be used to obtain low cost space access. Dr. Dewar began our discussion with a good explanation of how a nuclear rocket engine works and the advantages such an engine provides in terms of specific impulse. An engine with a higher specific impulse means a significantly larger payload can be brought to space faster than if the engine had a lower specific impulse. Since understanding the specific impulse advantages of a nuclear rocket is fundamental to understanding the importance of taking this technology off the shelf, testing and perfecting it, and getting it into routine operations, this is a must-hear part of the program. Dr. Dewar addressed several important issues and concerns including costs, safety, launch safety, radiation, and fuel which requires weapons grade uranium. Dr. Dewar goes into the history of our nuclear rocket program, its safety and accident record, and addresses radiation issues head-on. In later segments of the program, we talk about the leadership needed to bring about a change in thinking in order to allow for the use of nuclear rocket propulsion. Dr. Dewar suggests that in the political and policy world of 2008, such leadership has to come from out-of-the-box thinkers, scientists, economists, and engineers. These groups will then have the ability to drive the development of policy and new leadership. This comprehensive discussion tackles a complex issue, but a history with a track record which any of us can verify as being available today with a minimum of new R&D needed to bring the technology to commercial status. Dr. Dewar's book, "To The End Of The Solar System: The Story of the Nuclear Rocket," is a good starting point for understanding the nuclear rocket's history and where we left off, so we can move forward. It's clear that the nuclear rocket holds a realistic promise for low cost space access and commercial development, and it's near term! Please direct any questions or comments you have for Dr. Dewar to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:51:11 UTC
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Rick Citron, Monday, 2-18-08 (35.04MB; download) -- Guest: Rick Citron. Rick Citron was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss what it takes to be successful with a space business. This is a must-hear program for space businessmen and women, for entrepreneurs, or those considering their own business of any kind. Some of the important business concepts Rick talked about included the need for the entrepreneur to build a team of qualified and experienced people and to have the ability to let go of different jobs and work in favor of those team members who can do these jobs better than the entrepreneur. As for space businesses, a listener asked Mr. Citron about the illusive "killer application." As you will hear, Mr. Citron went through a brief history of what, at the time, was thought to be a killer ap, but did not turn out to be so. Listen to what he has to say about this and the future of the killer ap idea for space commerce. Clearly, space tourism is a favorite for Rick Citron. We discuss some of the market and financial aspects of space tourism, so don't miss this discussion. China and their space policy came up in the context of military space as well as economic development. A listener asked Rick to tell us how he visualized China in the not too distant future and how this might impact the American economy. This led to an extensive discussion about China which is far from limited to space. Don't miss it! Another listener asked Rick about frequent launching of small rockets and their small payloads versus heavy lift with fewer, but very large payloads. Rick expressed a definite preference and good explanation for the why behind his preference. Again, this is a very important discussion to hear. Towards the end of the show, a listener asked about creative entrepreneurism and opportunity in small town America versus what might be available in a major city or metropolitan area such as Los Angeles. Rick provided a very good answer to this based on his real life experience with many successful entrepreneurs. In short, creativity is everywhere, but opportunity is more abundant in the major areas, so they need to be prepared to move to LA or a similar location. He details the strategy that many entrepreneurs have used to address this issue. In looking forward to the future, he is very bullish on commercial space opportunities and the use of new ways to do media projects for 2008 and beyond for the benefit of us all and for space. These are very important observations, so don't miss them. If you have a question or comment for Rick Citron, please forward your email to him at rcitron@candlaw.com or me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:12:41 UTC
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Ross Tierney, Chuck Longton, Stephen Metschan, Sunday, 12-17-08 (50.29MB; download) -- Guests: Ross Tierney, Chuck Longton, Stephen Metschan. Ross Tierney, Chuck Longton, and Stephen Metschan returned to The Space Show for an important discussion about the Direct 2 alternative to the NASA ESAS approach for returning to the Moon. To follow along with this discussion, please visit www.directlauncher.com and up near the top, you will see a link to download this special Space Show presentation material in the format of your choice. If you do this and follow along, you will find that the excellent graphics and presentation materials facilitate understanding these important issues which are discussed by our guests. With excellent listener questions throughout the two hours of this program, we covered the strong and weak points of the NASA ESAS program and as well as for Direct 2, show just how the Direct 2 approach offers unique advantages in significant cost, time savings, and more. Lots of listeners asked questions about NASA management in the Ares program as well as the process for getting more attention focused on Direct 2. As you will hear from our guests, Direct 2 is getting attention and most of what could be reported about NASA management is available on the web and responsible blogs and news services. We did not break any new compelling stories on this program. However, one of the best sources of information on Ares and this subject is www.nasaspaceflight.com. You will need to register, but registration is free. I recommend you do visit the site frequently as the issues you heard mentioned on today's show are frequently discussed in detail on this site. In fact, for listeners who have questions or comments for our three guests today, one way to ask them is to do so through nasaspaceflight.com as all three guests are frequently there as they discuss Direct 2 and the Ares program. While some of today's show is heavy duty engineering, it's not all engineering. Other topics include policy, leadership, and political support on a bipartisan basis. Our guests pointed out the need for this trip to the Moon to be different than before, we need to be able to sustain the presence there and here is where the lower costs and more rapid time table available with Direct 2 can make a major difference. Also, this could provide motivation and inspiration for the public and for education because with Direct 2, a dozen or so flights a year could launch for the Moon where as it's estimated that maybe two flights a year might go to the Moon with NASA's ESAS architecture. Prior to the end of the show, I made a few requests for NASA people who might be listening to the show to call, email, or chat with us and comment on what they were hearing from our guests. Unfortunately, we did not hear from anyone with NASA, but as you will hear during the program, the invitation is certain extend to those at NASA involved with this project to come on The Space Show and discuss Ares with us. If our guests are wrong, let us all know. Everybody is on board with the NASA vision, it appears that any dissent is in the implementation of the vision not the vision itself. Certainly as host of The Space Show, I welcome NASA officials to talk to us all about Ares and the issues we are reading about right now on an almost daily basis. Our guests concurred with my request for NASA personnel to participate in The Space Show on this important subject. You will want to hear this full program as it is packed with important information, excellent graphics that you can look at and follow along with the discussion, and ample opportunity for you to continue to ask our guests questions. In addition to doing so at www.nasaspaceflight.com, please send any comment or question you might have for either or all of our guests to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will promptly forward your note.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:05:33 UTC
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Taylor Dinerman, Friday, 2-15-08 (58.02MB; download) -- Guest: Taylor Dinerman. Taylor Dinerman returned to The Space Show in order to discuss U.S. space policy, the current U.S. plans to shoot down a malfucnctioning U.S. spy satellite, and much more. During our first segment, we discussed the plans to use a U.S. Navy SM-3 missile to bring down the spy satellite, NRL- 21/USA 193. This prompted several listener questions about possible Outer Space Treaty violations, space debris, and why is this OK when the anti-satellite test that China performed in early 2007 was not ok? Do not miss this discussion as Taylor answers all of these questions and more and I get in a few licks as well. Another important event which happened this week was a meeting held at Stanford University which examined the Vision for Space Exploration (now called the U.S. Space Exploration Policy). The workshop, "Examining The Vision: An Independent Look At The Future of Human Space Exploration" issued a summary statement, which can be found on The Planetary Society website: www.planetary.org/programs/projects/advocacy_and_education/space_advocacy/20080214.html. Mr. Dinerman discussed this workshop and the VSE, so you will have the latest information when listening to this program. During the next segment, we talked about European space policy, both civil and military, and space solar power (SSP). For our SSP discussion, we focused on the economics of it now and possibly in the future, especially with energy demand peaking and rising to new levels in many nations around the world. Taylor pointed out the type of energy demand which is going to occur in coming decades and we also talked about the likely pricing for this energy. He concludes that SSP has to be the best solution. You do not want to miss this discussion. Since we were on the topic of economics, the issue of earmarks in the federal budget became a discussion topic. Listen to why Taylor believes these are important and should not be banned from the federal budgetary process. He also mentioned testimony before Congress by Dr. Robert Zubrin a few years back and how up-to-date and knowledgeable Senator McCain seemed to be about the topic of Mars and what Zubrin was talking about. Near the end of the program, Taylor mentioned the $2 billion flagship program scheduled by NASA for 2017 to explore the outer planets, possibly Jupiter or Saturn, or maybe Europa or all the moons of Jupiter. He suggested we watch for the open discussions on how they decide the nature of this mission as he expects it to be very interesting. Listener questions zoomed in on keeping the shuttle flying past 2010 in order to avoid the gap in the U.S. manned spaceflight program which everyone is talking about as well as the possible retiring of the ISS soon after it's actually finished. You will want to hear what our guest has to say on these topics. If you have questions or comments for Taylor Dinerman, please send them to him through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to him. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:37:39 UTC
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Bruce Pittman, Tuesday, 2-12-08 (35.96MB; download) -- Guest: Bruce Pittman. Bruce Pittman returned to The Space Show to talk about fusion energy, specifically aneutronic fusion from hydrogen (Deuterium) and Boron. During the program, Bruce explained the difference between the ITER/Tokamak approach to fusion vs. aneutronic fusion. Aneutronic fusion is fusion which does not release very much energy in neutrons so it reduces the need for radiation protection. Next, we discussed the funding of this as well as other fusion projects . He told us about the continued funding of fusion projects even though little progress has been made. We also talked about the politics behind funding this and other projects as well as other issues related to advancing cutting-edge science and engineering R&D projects. Listeners asked Bruce about fusion compared to the space elevator and also space solar power. You will want to hear what Bruce says about all of these technologies. Many listeners asked him about realistic timetables and costs for developing commercial fusion. Again, you will want to hear what Bruce has to say about establishing fusion at the commercial level. Bruce suggested we all read the GAO study on Fusion Energy published by the GAO in October 2007. The full name of this report is "Fusion Energy: Definitive Cost Estimates for U.S. Contributions to an International Experimental Reactor and Better Coordinated DOE Research Are Needed" and this report can be found at: www.gao.gov/new.items/d0830.pdf. You can email a question or comment or your suggestions regarding fusion advocacy to Bruce at bpittman@earthlink.net.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:11:39 UTC
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Burke Fort, Monday, 2-11-08 (37.20MB; download) -- Guest: Burke Fort. Burke Fort was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss the 8th Continent Project (www.8cproject.com). Mr. Fort explained how the 8th Continent Project integrates technology with space business concepts and projects and incorporates them into the global economy. When asked what type of technology or space related activity was the easiest or smoothest to integrate, he said those activities which use data in the form of a data stream are probably the easiest type of business or product to work with. You will want to listen to this entire discussion, it's illuminating! Mr. Fort was also asked about STEM education and the state of aerospace education in the country. His response was different than what we normally hear on The Space Show. Please make sure you listen to this part of the show. One thing Burke pointed out was the slow disappearance of the "giggle factor" for space commerce and activities. This helps the integration of space technology and financing of space ventures as they are being taken more seriously all the time. Burke also told us about the NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Campaigns and we talked about the NASA Means Business program. In response to a listener question about what triggered his space interest, Mr. Fort talked about being of the Baby Boomer generation and growing up with the space program as part of our culture. We compared that to how it is now. Then a southern listener in her mid-twenties sent in a note saying that her generation only has negative news to ponder and experience space. I brought this up to Burke and was actually surprised when he said he had heard this response before from younger Americans. This led to a very interesting discussion, don't miss it. If you want to send Burke Fort a question or comment, you can do so through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com or directly to him at burke.fort@8cproject.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:32:16 UTC
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Dr. John Jurist, Sunday, 2-10-08 (52.40MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. John Jurist. Dr. John Jurist, long time friend and supporter of the Space Show, was the guest on this slightly over 2 hour Sunday program. In this discussion, we covered many topics including science education, human factors, the balkanization of various components of the space industry , radiation, microgravity experiments, commercial space, suborbital and orbital space tourism, spaceport talk, and more. Dr. Jurist was asked about his science education ideas and what he would do to improve science education so he talked about rocket clubs and what it does for those participating in them. He also spoke about the importance of hands-on building and tinkering with things and what it means to fail and how this teaches vital concepts, and much more. He talked about being an activist with school boards, teacher groups, classes, etc. A listener asked him about the Teachers In Space program, not to be confused with the NASA Teacher in Space program, and you will want to hear what he says about this program as a tool for improving science and space education. One significant part of our discussion was the continuation of the negative talk that goes back and forth in some segments of the space community. Listen to what he says about this and why it's so destructive. He was also asked about the vibration issues with Ares 1 and he spent time explaining this problem to listeners as well as talking about possible solutions. I added in some information I learned both in Huntsville and at the National Space Forum this past week. Toward the end of the show, we discussed a killer app for justifying manned spaceflight. You do not want to miss what Dr. Jurist has to say about this subject. The issue of other nations, especially China, going to the Moon was discussed. Listeners provided some relevant comments from their own experience which added to this discussion. This is a comprehensive two plus hour show covering many important topics and issues facing our emerging space industry and our public space program. You can send your comments or questions to Dr. Jurist through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:06:37 UTC
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James Bamford, Saturday, 2-9-08 (23.18MB; download) -- Guest: James Bamford. James Bamford was the guest for this special Saturday morning Space Show program in order to discuss the upcoming NOVA PBS Television Special, "Astrospies." Mr. Bamford is the co-producer of the program and is an investigative journalist known for his expertise on the Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL) and the National Security Agency (NSA). During this hour long program, Jim talks with us about the information he learned from both the Americans and the former Soviets about their secret military espionage astronaut programs which occurred at the same time we were implementing our Moon program. Jim answered many listener questions about how the project could have been kept secret, about why the MOL participants were now willing to talk, and what he had to do to get them to open up and talk freely about this still mostly classified project. The same questions were asked about his research into the equivalent Russian Almaz program and his visits to Russia to talk to those involved with their Almaz program. Other listener based questions dealt with what would have happened if President Nixon had not cancelled the MOL program, spy satellites and their entry into the field, the modern day usage of high altitude unpiloted craft versus spy satellites, and much more. I am quite sure you will find this program, and the upcoming Nova show, to be very interesting. "Astrospies" is scheduled to air on PBS on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 at 8PM ET/PT. You can find out more about it and confirm your viewing schedule by visiting www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/schedule-local.html. Please forward any questions or comments you might have for Jim Bamford to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:31:42 UTC
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Dr. Charles Lundquist; Dr. David Livingston, 2-8-08 (95.25MB; download) -- Guests: Dr. Charles Lundquist, 1st hour; Dr. David Livingston, 2nd hour. Dr. Charles Lundquist was the guest for the first hour of this Space Show program. He was one of the original team members who launched Explorer 1, America's first satellite in space, on Jan. 31, 1958. Listen to Dr. Lundquist tell the story of Explorer 1, his work with the Von Braun team, the Army Ballistic Missile Center at the Redstone Arsenal and much more. Dr. Lundquist tells us some fascinating stories as we walk back in time with him as he helped make history that evening fifty years ago. Dr. Lundquist then takes us forward in time to some of his work with more recent space projects including his space pioneers oral history project at the University of Alabama, Huntsville Library.
The second hour of this program (actually its closer to 1 hr, 45 minutes), as host of The Space Show, I deliver the First Annual Space Show State of Space Message. In this long speech, in the best tradition of our many of our long-winded presidents giving their own State of the Union speech, I cover space from the entrepreneurs, to NASA, and to the military. I talk about RLVs and the days of SSTO being just around the corner to knowing that I will soon flip a switch and my electricity will be coming to me from space solar power! Business planning, education, inspiring and leading others, politics, rhetoric, space tourism, and much more are the topics of this first Space Show State of Space message. I hope you have the patience to listen to it, I promise the message for next year will be shorter.
If you have any questions or comments about either portion of this Friday Space Show program, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sun, 10 Feb 2008 06:51:38 UTC
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Mike Moore, Tuesday, 2-5-08 (24.66MB; download) -- Guest: Mike Moore. Mike Moore was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss his new book, "Twilight War: The Folly of U.S. Space Dominance." We started our discussion by asking Mr. Moore to give us the premise of his book as well as a working definition for what might constitute a space weapon. This is a very interesting discussion. As you will hear, common sense and logic both play a fundamental role in how one defines a space weapon, since almost anything can qualify as a weapon just like here on Earth. Mike does a terrific job of cutting through the chaff on this issue, making it clear what can rationally be considered a weapon. The subject of operationally responsive space came up and we talked about approaches to defending space assets and supporting the war-fighter in combat. I shared with him my understanding of the need to quickly launch with lots of replacement satellites and other assets. This would probably be the best way to defend space-based assets rather than trying to use weapons to defend those assets. Again, this is a good discussion and you will want to hear how Mike sees the situation. We also spoke about how many in the military view space dominance and space weapons. In addition, we talked about pitfalls of a space dominance policy and how it can drive nations to conflicts. Here, a listener asked about the Chinese ASAT test last year being a result of the changes President Bush made to our National Space Policy. Mike did not believe that was the case, but you will want to hear the full discussion on this issue. Mike brought up the treaty that other nations want to create which would go further with banning space weapons than our current treaties we now have in force. We learned that the U.S.and Israel consistently block these new treaty efforts. We also learned that this has been a policy of administrations of both parties. It's not one party or the other. Eventually during the program, we defined the problem as being directly associated with national security and defense, thus it becomes harder to see space dominance as a separate issue. We also talked about this issue becoming a political in the near future. Visit the Independent Institute website for more information about Mike Moore and his book, www.independent.org/. Mike wrote a Space Review article on Jan. 28, 2008 and you can find it on The Space Review website at www.thespacereview.com/article/1049/1. If you have comments, questions, or feedback for Mike Moore, please email him at
m-smoore@socket.net. I urge all of you to buy his book and learn about this subject. It's important and has the potential to shape our space-faring future one way or the other. We need to be informed about this issue.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:29:44 UTC
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