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. Phil Chapman, Tuesday, 3-18-08 (44.27MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Phil Chapman. Dr. Phil Chapman returned for this special Space Show program dedicated to the memory of Sir Arthur C. Clarke who passed away today. As it turned out, Dr. Chapman knew Sir Arthur, so for the first part of the program, we talked about Arthur Clarke and Phil shared his experiences with him with us. If you have not yet seen it, Arthur Clarke recorded a video for his "Last Message To Earth" recorded on his 90th birthday this past December. You can and should watch this YouTube video located at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qLdeEjdbWE. As we started our discussion with Phil, we focused on space solar power (SSP). Arthur Clarke's message led us to this discussion as one of Clarke's wishes in his final talk was to get off fossil fuels and to develop a clean source of energy. SSP does do this, assuming it can be made to work both technically and economically. In this segment, Phil explains some of the basic reasons for SSP and I drilled him on some of the basic objections to SSP, especially economic objections. Don't miss this first segment of this two hour program. We continued our discussion on SSP throughout the show, but Phil also talked about the need to pursue other forms of energy. Among the other forms of energy discussed included ethanol, natural gas, methane, nuclear, and terrestrial solar. Phil received a few questions about nuclear, so he spent considerable time on this subject and explained some of the new work being done on nuclear power and why its far safer than older systems, making it a must for serious energy production. He also spent considerable time talking about methane options. These are discussions that you will want to hear. Dr. Chapman also took the opportunity to compare the potential benefits of SSP with terrestrial solar. As explained to us, SSP has clear benefits and advantages over terrestrial solar. When Dr. Chapman talked about launch costs, he explained how we need to get the cost down below $2500/KwH for power, but we are a long way from reaching that goal right now. In the context of lowering launch costs, he was asked for his ideas on how to do this and if he supported the idea of the space elevator as a way of accomplishing the lower launch costs. Listen to what he says on this subject and the space elevator. We also talked about the need for political leadership to bring about the development of SSP systems. If you have a comment or question for Dr. Phil Chapman, please send it to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will send it on to Phil. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:53:49 UTC
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Robert Zimmerman, Monday, 3-17-08 (47.15MB; download) -- Guest: Robert Zimmerman. Robert Zimmerman returned to The Space Show and we started our discussion mentioning what was happening with the current Shuttle Endeavor flight. This led Bob to mention that Endeavor was going to be the back-up safety shuttle for the Hubble repair mission which is planned for late August of this year. As Bob has a new book coming out this May, "The Universe in a Mirror: The Saga of the Hubble Space Telescope and the Visionaries Who Built It," we embarked on a comprehensive discussion of the Hubble Space Telescope, its original mirror problems and resolution, the upcoming repair mission, and the potential life expectancy of Hubble after the current repairs are made. Many other topics came up for discussion including the private sector, the VSE, NASA, funding issues, our recent satellite shoot down and U.S. space policy, and much more. Toward the end of the program, we embarked on some controversial subjects as Bob espoused a strong belief in space freedom for everyone, suggesting that when settlements are established in space, the space settlers themselves will rebel against many of the regulations and prohibitions now in place regarding space access. Bob talked a lot about competition during this program and when asked about space access for third world countries and countries without the means to get to space, he said if they wanted it bad enough, they need to get their house in order and compete for it like India and other nations have and are still doing. Another important topic for today's program included a discussion about humans travelling to Mars. Here, I referenced a review of a recent book about the subject by Dr. Don Rapp and a Space Review article of today's date. We also read a post from the Space Cynics site regarding our current economic problems and what this may mean for space development, I asked Bob if he thought our space program could be seriously damaged or derailed by our current economic woes and a possible recession. Don't miss this discussion. I have no doubt that many of you who listen to this show will be very supportive of what Bob is talking about and many of you will be on the launch pad with your own ballistic missile ready to fire off for comments deemed "offensive." Lots of listener questions asked Bob about many space topics so this is a must hear program. You can visit Bob's website at http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze3cxxp/zimbib.htm. His email address for your comments and questions can be found at the bottom of his main website page and is zimmerman@nasw.org. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:14:45 UTC
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Chris Carberry, Sunday, 3-16-08 (48.69MB; download) -- Chris Carberry, the new Executive Director of The Mars Society was the guest for this Sunday Space Show program. We started out by discussing the new Mars Society and his personal and organizational goals for the organization under his leadership. Increasing both membership and funding are high priorities, as is getting ready for the 11th Annual Mars Society Conference to be held in Boulder, CO from August 14-17, 2008. Chris went through the list of many of the keynote speakers and the special programs planned, plus he described the Mars Project, full details are available on their website at http://www.marssociety.org/portal/MPC. Listen to what he has to say about this project and how you can participate and contribute. As the new Executive Director, he asked for comments, suggestions, even help in changing the course of the Mars Society to be even more effective than it already is. He welcomes your email as well as your questions and comments at info@marssociety.org and carberry@marssociety.org. Among the many listener questions Chris received, one was about colonizing the Earth and mastering the skills needed in space here on Earth first. This led to my mentioning an early 90's book about going into space by first creating ocean settlements. In the last segment of this two hour program, we discuss space policy and the presidential campaign. Chris told us about space advocate access to the two parties and the three presidential candidates. He told us how important it was for us all to communicate our views on space and Mars to the candidates and members of Congress. Whether it is by letter with a real signature on it or by the Mars Society fax tool I mention on air all the time, it's important that we let the candidates know that we care about space. In response to other questions, he suggested frequent use (in moderation) of the Mars Society fax tool and even referencing previous letters in order to keep a dialogue going. He reminded us that even if we have a larger participation by the space community, we are still but a blip among all the groups that want to influence policy since space is not that broadly based throughout our population. Earlier in the show, Chris was asked challenging questions about why Mars and why now. This is a show you will want to hear in its entirety given the variety of questions and issues discussed. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:39 UTC
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Per Wimmer, Friday, 3-14-08 (50.72MB; download) -- Guest: Per Wimmer. Per Wimmer of Wimmer Space and Wimmer Financial was the guest for this Space Show program. During the first segment, we discussed basic business requirements for entrepreneurial space businesses and start-up companies to follow when seeking venture capital or other financing. Mr. Wimmer grouped these requirements into three main areas focusing on: making early returns for the business and establishing cash flow, quality management teams, and a quality market analysis. He spent considerable time explaining each of these categories and answering numerous listener questions about them. You will find this discussion interesting, revealing, and most relevant, so don't miss what Mr. Wimmer had to say about this important topic. For example, he defined what he meant by "cash flow" and what the company should do with it, he also defined the term "quality management team" and responded to several questions about company management. He answered questions about market studies and pro formas, ROIs, and assumptions. As a result of a listener question asking him about the choice for VC capital, Mr. Wimmer outlined the ideal sources for capital for a start-up space business. We asked him about various Wimmer Space Projects and here we learned much and got a glimpse of how he shares and gives back to the community. Mr. Wimmer was also asked about his future spaceflights and whether he would have time to conduct any experiments during a suborbital mission. He said he wanted to make his time in orbit useful and he invited listeners to email him with any experiment suggestions. Later in the show, a listener asked him about his travels and the way people around the world regard space and what he does, including wanting to go to space. His answer was quite interesting and surprising. It seems space captivates people everywhere, regardless of nationality, location, economics, education, etc. Again, you will want to hear this discussion. He was asked about China in space and how China in space was viewed in Europe. Don't miss his response, but this question led to another about his and other future space travelers having fear or being very brave to go to space. Mr. Wimmer talked about the right stuff mentality, the fact that the early pioneers are higher risk-taking people than average and that they like being part of a pioneering wave. This group welcomes roughness, is educated, knows the risks, and takes them on. This line of questioning came about as a result of a listener asking him about any physical or medical requirements he and others must meet in order to be a space tourist. He said there are essentially none, but as we know, the FAA AST is developing spaceflight participant medical guidelines that will likely become the standard everywhere. In response to another listener question, Mr. Wimmer discussed a little about how the Danish school system treats space in the science classroom. Toward the end of the program, he was asked if the current economic mess the U.S. and other countries are in can slow down, or even derail space development. He said economic conditions could definitely slow down space development, especially in the private sector, as risk capital has dried up. Areas of China, Asia, and India are still strong as is the Middle East, which is collecting record oil income. The subprime problems here in the States have made things worse. As we concluded the program, please note his final remark and message to us all. It's very appropriate for now and into the future. You can learn more about Per Wimmer by visiting http://www.wimmerspace.com/ and http://www.wimmerfinancial.com/script/site/default.asp. If you have a question or comment for Per Wimmer, please send it to him through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com or use info@wimmerspace.com. If you use the latter address, please reference The Space Show in the subject line of your email. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:15:35 UTC
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Dr. Roger Launius, Tuesday, 3-11-08 (37.13MB; download) -- Dr. Roger Launius returned as the guest to The Space Show for this important, interesting, and fun program. We started our discussion asking if NASA itself might find that it is an artifact worthy of being collected by the Air and Space Museum. While this was a tongue-in-cheek question, it took us right to the point about the future for the VSE, NASA programming, its budget, and its programming. Don't miss his response! Listeners asked Dr. Launius several questions about the Smithsonian, their collection, tours, even tours to the undisplayed items. One listener asked about space art in the museum, such as by Alan Bean and other well-known space artists. Again, don't miss this discussion as Dr. Launius explained to us a bit of the inner workings at the Air and Space Museum as to what items are deemed collectable, how an item is chosen to represent history, and more. This is a fascinating look behind the scenes at the Smithsonian. Next, we discussed the VSE and manned vs. human space exploration. Dr. Launius referenced his new book along with co-author Dr. Howard McCurdy and published earlier this year, "Robots in Space: Technology, Evolution, and Interplanetary Travel." One listener asked if robots could do what human can do on the Moon or on Mars, or even inspire and motivate others. Don't miss what he had to say about this important issue! As part of this discussion, Dr. Launius mentioned the need for new activities for humans to do in space that justified the high dollar cost and the risk. He said that we definitely needed to lower the cost of space access in order to make human spaceflight more valuable. When asked about the possibility of a commercial silver bullet as the driver for human spaceflight, he admitted that he did not know what it was. We did talk about space tourism and, like many of us, Roger wants to go to space too. We also talked about the human work on the shuttle and the ISS. This is an important discussion that you will not want to miss. Later in the show, a listener from Austin asked about the development of a space cadet wax museum. This was a first for both Roger and me, but I immediately received much email in support of the idea. As we tossed the idea around for a few minutes, we liked it. Let us know what you think of such an idea after you hear this discussion. Also in the last segment of the show a listener asked what the Smithsonian was doing for outreach to Generation Y, a group we have been talking about often in recent shows. You will want to hear what he has to say about outreach. Dr. Launius was also asked how he thought NASA would fare in the next administration. One thing he did say was he suspected there would be an increase in NASA activities for Earth science. However, he was not sure if new funding would be given NASA or if the existing NASA budget is simply divided up differently. If you have questions or comments for Dr. Launius, you can send them to him at launiusr@si.edu.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:43:26 UTC
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Dr. Eligar Sadeh, Monday, 3-10-08 (37.26MB; download) -- Dr. Eligar Sadeh returned to The Space Show to update us on the recent National Space Forum which was held in Washington, DC. in early February 2008. Dr. Sadeh summarized most of the panels and presentations at the Forum, so we addressed U.S. space policy for the upcoming administration, U.S. space leadership and its effectiveness, space commerce, and civil space. It was brought to his attention that many attending the Forum were disappointed that NewSpace / alt.space were not a significant focus of any of the Forums. You will want to listen to this discussion and Dr. Sadeh's comments on this. We also talked about the think tank nature of the Eisenhower Center as well as its planned future programming. In fact, if listeners want to be included in their database and receive notification of their events, please send an email to Dr. Sadeh and let him know your interests, your background, and your contact information. As you will hear with this program, the Forum lived up to its theme, "Space Challenges Facing The New American Administration of 2009." If you have questions or comments for Dr. Sadeh or want to get on the Eisenhower Center list, please send your email to esadeh@gmail.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:41:23 UTC
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Theresa Hitchens, Sunday, 3-9-08 (36.99MB; download) -- Theresa Hitchens, Executive Director of the World Security Institute's Center for Defense Information, was the guest for this Space Show program. We started our interview by asking Ms. Hitchens about the recent U.S. shoot-down of its ailing satellite and considering this event from the perspective on U.S. space policy and how others around the world see us as a nation. Don't miss this important discussion. We then discussed U.S. space policy now and for the future by looking at space weapons, ASAT policy, national defense, budgets, and more. Ms. Hitchens explained several times during the program just why such weapons do not increase security or protect space assets. In fact, they do just the opposite! You will want to hear this discussion to learn why. In the context of U.S. space policy, we talked about the VSE, NASA and its funding, and much more. A listener asked about establishing a separate military force for space, potentially removing Space Command from the USAF. Another listener asked how our policy was perceived by our close European allies as well as other nations and another asked if the current NASA should be given additional funding. Ms. Hitchens stated she was for increasing NASA's budget, but the magic number is not known. This led to another listener question about how many projects NASA can take on without leading to problems or failures with existing projects. She did not know the answer, but thought this would be an excellent research project by the GAO. In the last segment of the show, she was asked how we in the space community could be more effective in advocating and lobbying for a good space policy and program. She put forth a multi-step program which I urge each of you listen to and consider following. It's excellent. In response to another listener question, she discussed the future of space policy. Also, visit the Center for Defense Information website (www.cdi.org/) as many papers are there that relate to today's discussion and space policy. If you have additional comments or questions for Theresa Hitchens, please send them to her at thitchens@cdi.org. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:16:46 UTC
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Tracey Knutson, Friday, 3-7-08 (48.57MB; download) -- Tracey Knutson, Atty., was the guest for this Space Show program which focused on informed consent for spaceflight participants as required by the AST. This was a comprehensive discussion, largely from the spaceflight operator's perspective, but also pointing out what a participant or a participant's family would likely encounter were there an accident and litigation against the spaceflight operater. There were many listener questions covering all kinds of variables and scenarios that could happen with a space tourism flight. One listener asked Tracey if she would advise an operator to tell a client/passenger to get their will and estate in order before the flight. She said yes. Other issues came up from listeners regarding product liability and Tracey was excellent at separating these issues from the issues that would normally fall under the jurisdiction of a release and waiver agreement (informed consent). Another interesting point Tracey made was that the industry is definitely experimental and still in its "Barn Storming" days. In elaborating on this, Ms. Knutson made the excellent point that the spaceflight participant was actually part of the experiment and that makes it more difficult to pierce a well-made and administered informed consent agreement, or "release and waiver" as she called such documents. I urge listeners to listen to the full two hours of this discussion because she provides a comprehensive analysis of this important element of the developing space tourism industry. You can learn more about Tracey Knutson, read her articles, and contact her by visiting her website: www.traceknutson.com. Use her website contact page to send your email questions or comments to her, www.traceyknutson.com/contact_us.html (the email address on her page is tracey.knutsonlaw@alaska.net. ) Additionally, you can read a good analysis of this subject at http://rescommunis.wordpress.com/?s=tracey+knutson.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:24:07 UTC
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Charles Pooley, Tuesday, 3-4-08 (39.27MB; download) -- Charles Pooley of Microlaunchers (www.microlaunchers.com) returned as the guest for this Space Show program. Charles started the discussion by explaining the Microlaunchers concept, which is to design a spacecraft for a 200 grams or less payload in order to take advantage of new FAA regulations as well as the continuing evolution in the components and technology of small mechanisms. He also cited the example of the Google Lunar X Prize as a potential outlet for the Microlaunchers concept. You will certainly want to hear about the application of Microlaunchers to this prize. He also discussed his plan to divide his work and projects into smaller components for easier management and financing. In fact, he mentioned that he was far along with two such projects that he is personally funding. Listen to the show to hear details about these projects. Charles received lots of questions about mass ratios for both large and small vehicles, starting his own machine shop, expanding the market and awareness for Microlaunchers to reach the approximately 2% of the public who Charles believes to be the eligible part of the nation's population base for interest in the Microlaunchers concept. One listener asked how he plans to make Microlaunchers attractive for investment and Charles discussed various ideas on air. He also made it clear that he welcomed ideas and support from listeners. Another listener asked about having too many ideas and concepts floating around in the New Space industry and why there are so few mergers among the participants which would likely lead to more people working together for a stronger industry. Don't miss how Charles responds to this question. You can send Mr. Pooley additional questions or comments through the Microlaunchers website, www.microlaunchers.com. Use the email address ckpooley@microlaunchers.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:20:39 UTC
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Dr. Tahir Rahman, Monday, 3-3-08 (39.47MB; download) -- Dr. Tahir Rahman was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss his new book, "We Came In Peace For All Mankind: The Untold Story of the Apollo 11 Silicon Disc." Please refer to Dr. Rahman's website www.silicondisc.com for more information about his book and this interesting topic. This is a meticulously researched book on the subject of the goodwill silicon message disc which the Apollo 11 astronauts left on the moon. Dr. Rahman took us through many of the special goodwill messages that were on the disc, all of which are detailed in his book. Listeners commented on the absence of several nations and the messages of several other nations that did submit a message. Another listener commented on how many countries have changed their direction since Apollo 11, not just their government. Yet another listener suggested how messages today would be different from those of the late 1960s. I am sure you will find this discussion interesting, unique, and valuable. Tahir, as a practicing psychiatrist, was asked about lessons learned from this disc for the present and the future regarding our space development and exploration programs. You will want to hear what he says about it. Several other space behavioral issues came up during the show, even those which are seemingly unrelated to his book. His book is a beautiful and well-researched book with outstanding color plates, not only from Apollo 11, but of the messages from the different nations. Many, like the one from Thailand and the one from the Vatican, are a work of art and you have to see what they look like in their original form. Tahir's book does this, it shows us the messages in their original form. During the show, Dr. Rahman explains how he was able to do this and the tools he used to capture their original image. You do not want to miss this program. His book is widely available, especially with the online stores such as Amazon and B&N Online. If you have questions or comments for Dr. Tahir Rahman, please contact him using the email address on the website, info@silicondisc.com, or you can send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:44:28 UTC
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