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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 Jim Funaro, Wednesday, 4-2-08 (39.26MB; download) -- Guest: Jim Funaro, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Cabrillo College, was the guest for this special program to let everyone know about the Contact Conference, April 4-6, 2008 at NASA AMES, Mountain View, CA (please see www.contact-conference.org for more details). Jim explained the history and purpose of this small, intimate, but very important conference. As it says on their website, "CONTACT is a unique interdisciplinary conference which brings together some of the foremost international social and space scientists, science fiction writers and artists to exchange ideas, stimulate new perspectives and encourage serious, creative speculation about humanity's future ... on world and off world. Each year we meet to promote the integration of human factors into space age research and policy, emphasize the interaction of the Arts and Sciences and their technologies, and develop ethical approaches in cross-cultural contact, whenever and wherever it occurs." This year is no exception and as you listen to Jim give us the program and speaker information, you will concur. In response to listener questions, Jim mentioned the costs of the conference, the locations past and present, the after hours activities, and more. Jim received several listener questions about the fit of anthropology with the more traditional space studies and science. Listeners wanted to know about the fit in academia, conferences, the space industry, among space advocates and among the advocate organizations. Jim said it's not without a struggle and I know you will appreciate what he has to say about this evolving subject. Other listeners wanted to know about SETI and if it was the only practical way to search for ET civilizations. Another listener asked about the 2012, the ascensions, and the Esoteric Agenda. Listen to the show to see what Jim has to say about this issue. In response to yet another listener question, Jim briefly mentioned what he sees as the future of humanity. Jim also pointed out a different set of working definitions for "human factors," a frequently discussed topic here on The Space Show. There is still time for people to attend this conference, especially for those located in or near Northern California. The agenda, speaker, registration, and even lodging information can be found on the Contact website per above. If you have additional questions or comments for Jim Funaro, please send them to him at jafunaro@cabrillo.edu.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:53:32 UTC
Add this to another station David Dunlop, Tuesday, 4-1-08 (51.78MB; download) -- Guest: David Dunlop, the Director of Project Development for The Moon Society (www.moonsociety.org), was the guest for this special two hour program. We started our discussion talking with David about why we should be returning to the Moon rather than going to Mars or a NEO. Listen to what he says and see if you agree. Also, would you go to the Moon to have a McDonalds' hamburger for lunch? He invites one of our listeners to do this and you will want to hear this somewhat playful discussion as well. One listener asked about radiation problems on both Mars and the Moon and inquired if there were lava tubes for radiation protection to be found on the Moon. David put forth several working theories on how lunar explorers would be able to be protected from radiation, including when they go on EV excursions. You will want to hear what he has to say. We also had a comprehensive discussion regarding why we should continue to support space versus other priorities for our nation. This came about because of a potential guest whom I am working to bring on the show although he has no use for space. We talked about presenting an advocate's case for the Moon and space development to such a person to see if we could change the perspective of one who does not believe public space expenditures are worthwhile. You will want to listen to this discussion and the listener phone call as well as email comments that this conversation generated. Later in the show, David Dunlop spoke to us extensively about the Moon Society University of Luna Project. This project generated many questions, so don't miss it. Other listeners challenged him and asked him questions pertaining to political policy and how to once again rekindle space as a priority within government. Listeners wanted him to suggest ways to get politicians to care again about space. You can send your comments or questions to David Dunlop at dunlop712@yahoo.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:46:04 UTC
Add this to another station General James B. Armor, USAF (RET), Monday, 3-31-08 (37.39MB; download) -- Guest: General James B. Armor, USAF (Ret) was the guest for this program. General Armor discussed his policy recommendation that now is the time to create a special Space Corps within the Air Force. This position is explained in detail in Astropolitics, Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2007, pages 273-288, in his article entitled "It is Time to Create a United States Air Force Space Corps." I highly recommend that you read this article as it's excellent and Gen. Armor does a superb job of outlining where we are today in space, where will be in the future, and what our capabilities are now and for the foreseeable future. Many topics came up on the show, including ITAR. General Armor was very familiar with ITAR regarding the military, so you will want to hear what he has to say about this important issue. He also recommended we read the recently published CSIS paper on export controls. Many listener questions inquired about the logistics of creating a special Space Corps within the Air Force. Gen. Armor answered questions about the ICBM segment of Space Command, ballistic missile control with the Army, Space Command in general, the budget for such a program, and much more. Gen. Armor does not want a new branch of the military, nor does he want to see another large government bureaucracy created, but listen to what he says and let us know what you think. Specific questions were asked of him regarding space asset defense and scenarios with China, North Korea, and Iran. Do not miss this discussion. We also talked about responsive space and its status, space tourism, entrepreneurial space and the need, if any, for military protection for these developing commercial activities. One listener even mentioned there was no need for protection, space is not evolving as sea commerce did early in our nation's history when a navy was need to stop piracy. Again, do not miss this discussion. Other important threads you will hear during this discussion relate to why Space Command is not yet in favor of a Space Corp within the Air Force. General Armor mentions over and over again the importance and the need for enhanced and heightened Space Situational Awareness (SSA). We will be hearing more about this in the future. If you want to ask a question or give a comment to General Armor, he welcomes
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:07:07 UTC
Add this to another station Esther Dyson, Sunday, 3-30-08 (34.56MB; download) -- Guest: Esther Dyson was our guest for this Space Show program to discuss the upcoming Flight School 2008. This year's Flight School, "Where the Rubber Meets the Clouds," is going to be at the St. Julien Hotel in Boulder, CO from June 4-6, 2008. For more information, please visit www.aviation.com/flightschool/ or Esther's business website for EDventure Holdings, www.edventure.com/. Please note that there was an audio telephone line issue and we apologize in advance for audio that is less than our usual high standard. However, you should still easily be able to listen to and profit from this program. Ms. Dyson went through the schedule for Flight School and the guests and topics. Listeners had many questions for her about the guests and topics, for example, Alexandra Hall of Airship Ventures, Eclipse Aviation, the Transportation Security Administration with Dave Gobel, and more. You can see the list of speakers on the Flight School website. Several listeners asked her aviation related questions, including questions about SST business jets, security for general aviation, and air taxi service. Several aviation topics transitioned nicely to the space subjects, to which fully one-third of Flight School is dedicated. As Esther explained it, one-third of Flight School addresses aviation, one-third addresses space, and the remaining one-third discusses both aviation and space. As you will hear when listening to this show, there was no shortage of questions for all three categories. As for Flight School, it's considered a high level networking and business conference. You will want to hear how Esther describes it in her own words as this is important in deciding your attendance at this important venue. I inquired if a CD or DVD of the program would be made available for those of us unable to come and Esther hopes so. If this happens, I will let Space Show listeners know about the availability. We also mentioned insurance exclusions for space and air travel. Listeners also asked Esther many questions about investing in NewSpace opportunities, due diligence, the length of time needed for a return, and more. Don't miss what Esther Dyson has to say about NewSpace and start-up space investing. I am sure you will find this a most informative program. For more information about Flight School or if you have questions or comments for Esther Dyson, please put Space Show in the subject line and send them to her at edyson@boxbe.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:05:30 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Robert Conger, Friday, 3-28-08 (49.74MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Robert Conger was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss the upcoming Responsive Space Conference, April 28-May 1, 2008 at the LAX Westin Hotel, Los Angeles, California. Dr. Conger started out with a definition and explanation for the term "responsive space", then later he did the same for operationally responsive space. He pointed out a new dictionary tool on the Responsive Space website, www.responsivespace.com, we will all find useful, not just for responsive space, but for space terms and definitions for the entire industry. This new tool is on the main page in a large black box towards the right side. I urge you to bookmark this page. After our initial discussion, Dr. Conger took us through the conference agenda and the main speakers. He received many listener questions relating to the conference structure and organization, so don't miss this discussion. We also talked in-depth about responsive space issues, the Air Force, Army and Navy, satellite defense, weapons in space, space policy, our dependence on space, and who pays for it all. Again, do not miss this comprehensive discussion, which includes space for all branches of our military service and even the idea of starting a new branch of service supporting only space. We also talked about using space to defend and help the war fighter on the ground or sea, but in addition, using space for space itself and for our assets in space. Dr. Conger received several questions about defending commercial space ventures if necessary, space tourism and its impact on responsive space, and the progress being made in entrepreneurial space which might impact and dictate a strong military role in space. You will want to hear his responses to these questions and issues. If you have questions or comments about the upcoming conference or this show, Dr. Conger's contact information is listed on the Responsive Space website on the main page under "Points of Contact." His email address is rconger@microcosminc.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:13:32 UTC
Add this to another station Matt Hancher, Wednesday, 3-26-08 (36.63MB; download) -- Guest: Matt Hancher. Matt Hancher was the guest for this special Wednesday Space Show program. We began our discussion with an explanation of the Yuri's Night global celebrations. For more information on this event, please visit their main web page www.yurisnight.net. From their website, you can find where the parties are located in the United States as well as around the world. If you find there is no party near you, you can start one. Just follow the instructions on the website and add your party's information. After Matt explained the origins of Yuri's Night and we discussed the organization and its parties on the large scale, we focused on the party to be held at NASA Ames in Mountain View, CA (near San Francisco). Matt told us about the event, the programs, and there were several listener questions asking about the event, bringing children to NASA Ames, the possibility of an Ames tour, and much more. As we learned, there will be no Ames tours but you will want to hear about the other positive aspects of this event hosted at Ames. To visit the NASA Ames Yuri's Night website, go to http://sf.yurisnight.net/. Matt also told us more event information would be added to the site as we get closer to April 12. From this site, you can purchase your tickets and find out more about what is planned for this 12 hour party on April 12, 2PM-2AM PDT! You will want to hear about the entertainment, the installations, and much more as Matt takes us through the event details for this particular Yuri's Night celebration. Later in the show, we turned to topics related to Matt's robotic work and his background in this field. We discussed state-of-the-art technologies in robotic development, we talked about both robotic and a human space program and how to more successfully blend the two together to capitalize on the strengths of both, not just focusing on one or the other. We also fielded questions and discussed robotics in education, even the best path of study in high school for those wanting to study robotic engineering in college. In response to a question about the best high school path, Matt said to focus on physics and calculus, but do extra things to give you an edge as you enter college. If this field of study interests you or someone you know, you will definitely want to hear what Matt has to say. Another topic we touched on was the line between robotics and animatronics as used in movies. Matt had some very interesting stories to tell us about working with movie stuntmen and people who design and make animatronics and he clearly defined the line between robots and animatronics. This is a fascinating discussion you will not want to miss. If you have questions or comments about the Yuri's Night celebration at NASA Ames, please send them to info@yurisnightbayarea.net. If you have questions for any other Yuri's Night event, use info@yurisnight.net. If you have questions or comments for Matt, please put The Space Show in the subject line and use Matthew.D.Hancher@nasa.gov.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:36:45 UTC
Add this to another station Steven Milloy, Tuesday, 3-26-08 (38.94MB; download) -- Guest: Steven Milloy, founder of JunkScience.com (www.junkscience.com), was the guest for this program. Steven started out telling us how and why he started JunkScience.com. This is an interesting story about agenda driven and controlled financing of science projects and experiments, so don't miss it. From this topic we went to the topic of aerial spraying, DDT, and real vs. imaginary science behind such government or NGO programs. Again, this is an important discussion. If anyone would like a copy of the Bay Area spraying article that I referenced in the show, please let me know by email and I will send it to you. The next topic Steve discussed at length was global warming. We talked about many different aspects of global warming, what it means, carbon credits, CO2, water vapor, economic controls, the proper reading of graphs, and much more. Both the listeners and I asked him why so many scientists have signed on to the global warming consensus that carbon dioxide produced by human activity cause it. Don't miss what Steve has to say about this important issue, an issue which is the most popular discussed issue on junkscience.com. I know that this discussion will be upsetting to listeners who disagree with Steve and myself. For future shows, I would be willing to present information representing the "consensus" point of view so if you would like this, please email me with your guest suggestions. Note also that when global warming comes up on the show with many guests, again the consensus of comments is in support of anthropogenic global warming and the guests state it as a matter of fact without being challenged by either listeners or myself. Thus, Steve represents only a handful of guests that have been on the show that have represented the contrarian view regarding humans causing the warming. This important subject has been given airing on both sides of the issue. Still, Steve presents the contrarian facts and view forcefully so some listeners will find this to be controversial, possibly even upsetting. As I support what Steve and many climate scientists say, some listeners will also find my comments on the subject to be controversial. Again, I invite your guest suggestions on this topic regardless of your point of view. Other issues discussed on the show dealt with space and rocket engineering, the Mars Rock, STEM education in the United States, China and India industrial pollution and economics, and much more. A listener asked Steve if he would consider starting a similar site for JunkEngineering. Steve invited all suggestions and comments, and liked the idea of JunkEngineering. If you are interested, please send your suggestions, comments, and questions to him at junkman@junkscience.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:30:07 UTC
Add this to another station Michael Potter, Monday, 3-24-08 (37.35MB; download) -- Guest: Michael Potter, documentary film maker, was the guest for this show to talk with us about his new documentary film, "Orphans of Apollo: The Battle of the Mir & the New Space Revolution" (see www.orphansofapollo.com for more information). Mr. Potter told us the story of his documentary, the origin of the name "Orphans of Apollo," and we spoke at length about the cast of characters involved in working to buy the Mir Space Station from Russia for a commercial venture. You will hear about personalities, strategies, grand dreams, and plans. Don't miss it! Listeners asked Michael many questions, including looks forward as well as telling us what space would have been like today had Mir been purchased by this group of entrepreneurs and financiers. You will find this view most interesting. Other listeners asked about the attitudes of those interviewed about their efforts to buy Mir. For example, are there regrets because they were unsuccessful? Are there solid ideas as to what could have been done differently, for example, to be more partnership oriented with NASA? Was the business plan for MirCorp sound, were there good ROI projections and marketing plans? Michael can answer all these questions and he does on this show. Another listener asked him if he thought the ISS might go up for sale commercially when its NASA and space agency life is declared over. Don't miss what Mr. Potter has to say about this. How about spending $1.00 for the ISS? Any takers? Michael knows the answer! The schedule for theaters playing Orphans will soon be available on the website, but if listeners want information about the film, the schedule, or pricing when the DVD becomes available later in the year, visit this site and fill out the email form : www.orphansofapollo.com/contactus.htm. In addition, if you have comments or questions for Michael Potter, please use this form. In the subject line, please reference The Space Show radio program
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:08:02 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Mike Neufeld, Sunday, 3-23-08 (36.20MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Michael Neufeld. Dr. Michael Neufeld was the guest for this Easter Sunday Space Show program. Dr. Neufeld is the chair of the Space History Division of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and author of the biography, "Von Braun: Dreamer of Space/Engineer of War." As today's program is on what would have been the 96th birthday of Von Braun, having a discussion on his life was most appropriate. We discussed Von Braun's Nazi past and Dr.Neufeld was clearing up myths and rumors, providing us with factual history regarding Von Braun. Many listener questions came in about Von Braun's Nazi background and its influence on the American space program. Several listeners were interested in Von Braun's focus, humans versus robotics, and one question toward the end of the program even asked how Von Braun might see things today given the VSE and tight NASA budgets. You will want to hear this discussion. There were listener questions about the V2 rocket program, the Von Braun relationship with Walt Disney, Bonestell, Carl Sagan, O'Neill, Korolev, and more. Dr. Neufeld also talked about Von Braun in context with Goddard and his earlier work, as well as the secrecy of the Soviet program versus the openness of what Von Braun was doing with our program. We talked about early influences in the life of Von Braun and Dr. Neufeld said without a doubt the primary early influence was Herman Obrecht. He then followed with the details of Von Braun's formal education and academic degrees. One listener asked about Von Braun influencing the behavior of space advocates and space cadets, as was discussed in the program a few days ago with Dr. John Jurist . Dr. Neufeld agreed, but added it was more than just Von Braun and Heinlein, these influences included Willy Ley, Colliers Magazine, Walt Disney, Arthur C. Clarke, and others. You will want to hear what says in response to this question. We also talked about unity within the German rocket team, the Army's role, Sputnik, Explorer 1, and the early days of the Marshall Spaceflight Center. We discussed Von Braun's decision to move from Huntsville to work at NASA Headquarters. Yet another listener aske d d about President Eisenhower and his relationship with Von Braun. In this part of the program, you will hear myths and rumors dispelled and a factual, well researched Von Braun history. I urge all listeners to get a copy of this book and read it as it is a comprehensive history of one of the most important and famous pioneers of the American, and in fact, world, space program. Clearly, it shows the complexity of the man, the good and the bad. If you have questions or comments for Dr. Neufeld about his book or Von Braun, you can email them through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com or use his public Smithsonian email address, NeufeldM@si.edu.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:57:18 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. John Jurist, Friday, 3-21-08 (51.67MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. John Jurist was the guest on this program to discuss his hypothesis as to why space cadets behave as they do. His paper, "Dorky Space Cadets: An Hypothesis," can be found on the Space Cynics site as of March 13, 2008, http://spacecynic.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/ . Click on the link provided to Space Cynics and scroll down to his article starting with "Dorky." During our discussion today, Dr. Jurist explained how he created the hypothesis and what types of research, tools and methodologies he used to formulate his theory. He received many listener questions asking him about the appropriateness of using regret analysis. On the other hand, he also received several comments and questions from spacers suggesting that they had experience with others using regret analysis and also other means to formulate their space related behavior. Dr. Jurist compared space cadet behavior to the behavior of those advocating other causes and I joined in with examples from the CF community, which I know only too well. John's comparisons are most interesting and relevant. Dr Jurist also spoke about trash talking and putting others down within the space community, rather than being more supportive of different efforts and approaches. This is a must-hear discussion. One listener brought up the idea of failed expectations because of policy and political leaders, not because of technology or engineering barriers. Another brought up ego as an issue among other characteristics which could explain some of the actions which, as Dr. Jurist point out, appeared to be destructive behavior. Yet other listeners pointed out the contributions made to the developing space industry, especially space tourism, by space cadets and advocates. So, clearly the proposed hypothesis does not work for all circumstances. Listen to how Dr. Jurist responds to this set of questions. The last segment of the show was dedicated to Open Lines. I started this segment with a brief comment about a recently received email saying that the archive file size of Space Show programs was too large. Please listen to these few minutes as I explain how shows are archived, uploaded, etc. One listener called in asking about my MBA focus when I did my MBA work and also what I did to provide a space education for my sons as an explanation of why they know so much and are interested in space today though space is not their primary focus in their life. I explain what I did years ago when my sons were young, to teach them about space and the difference between science fiction and reality. Another listener sent in a note about how to choose a space studies graduate program when he finishes his undergraduate work in a few years. I pointed out to this listener that things were changing rapidly and what I say today may not be relevant in four or five years regarding existing academic programs. However, I did talk about specific science and engineering programs versus interdisciplinary space studies programs both in the States and abroad. If you have follow up questions for Dr. Jurist about his hypothesis, please send your emails to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to him.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:38:56 UTC
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