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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Ken Davidian, Sunday, 3-2-08 (35.33MB; download) -- Ken Davidian returned to The Space Show as the NASA EMSD (Exploration Systems Mission Directorate) Commercial Development Policy Lead. You can follow part of Ken's discussion with the following URLs. The first is part of his presentation from the recent Space Exploration Conference and can be found at: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/214648main_1015-Davidian%20.pdf. The second URL is a complete list of presentations from the conference: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/exploration/main/3rd_exploration_conf.html. In the first segment of the program, Ken explained the position and effort NASA is making regarding both commercialization and commercial development. Ken went into some detail in order to explain the difference between the two and described some of the challenges facing the organization in the transition from commercialization to commercial development. We discussed the value behind NASA contracting for private services versus doing them in-house and a listener brought in the Zero G flights as an example. You will want to hear this discussion. Ken spoke about the need to sustain a commercial presence on the lunar surface when we go back. When asked about the high cost of the ESAS architecture needed to take us back to the Moon as being unaffordable for the private sector, he spoke about possible private options that he and others in NASA hope develop. Another interesting topic was the reception within NASA for commercial development. Ken had much to say on this topic throughout the program and you will certainly want to hear this. We spoke a little about the COTS program, but he also brought us current on Centennial Challenges and that there is now a new director of the program. He talked about a few of the specific programs still in play, including the Lunar Lander Challenge and we went into some detail about the next contest. While the date and location are not finalized, Ken was optimistic that it will take place later this year. Ken Davidian provided a superb inside NASA look at efforts to support commercialization and commercial development. This was a comprehensive discussion covering many more topics than I am summarizing here and you will want to hear what he has to say. Toward the end of the show, we discussed new forms of networking and Generation Y, including his having attended a recent Gen Y conference at NASA Ames. This is important, so don't miss this part of the discussion. Also, note that Ken is on FaceBook and Twitter and can easily be found by searching for Davidian or KDavidian on either one. If you want to send Ken further comments or questions, his email address is kdavidian@nasa.gov. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:58:39 UTC
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Alan Steinberg, Friday, 2-29-08 (50.42MB; download) -- Guest: Alan Steinberg was the guest for this Space Show program. Alan represents the brightest of the brightest of the American youth who we talk about frequently on The Space Show. Today, we get to hear about common Space Show topics and themes through the eyes, ears, and perspective of our future policy makers. We talked about many topics that, while not unique to youth, clearly have a special meaning for young Americans. For example, you will definitely want to hear how Alan responded to questions about ITAR and planetary defense from a potential incoming NEO. The same goes for competition, China, and other space countries. As Alan Steinberg is experienced in politics and policy, we also addressed space as a political issue and as an important policy. Again, you will want to hear what he said about this, even regarding the upcoming changes in our government for later this year and 2009. We talked with Alan about ways to get more of his peers interested in space and space development. See what you think of his ideas and his analysis of the key issues impacting related problems. Several listeners asked how we would know if Alan would be a truly dedicated space-focused elected official, instead of just another empty suited politician paying lip service to space with the right buzz words and timing. Alan addressed these questions and concerns head-on without missing a beat, so you will definitely want to hear this discussion. Later, he told me these were easy questions compared to what was asked of him when he was running for Congress in Texas. Early in the show, I asked Alan about science fiction and reality, a subject we have been discussing lately with many Space Show guests. I asked Alan if he had read Robert Heinlein and surprise, surprise, the answer was no. Listen to his story of how he became interested in space. He did not take a path to space from sci-fi, and instead quite the opposite. Of course, growing up in Texas and being able to visit NASA JSC made a difference. This archive summary of our program today does not cover all the great topics and discussion points we had on air with Alan Steinberg. Perhaps Alan will have continued opportunities to influence his peers toward the space direction, certainly as you will hear on this show, he has the know-how, the smarts, and the ability to do so. But as you will hear, it's not easy to do, even for someone like Alan with his credentials and experience . Visit his blog which is at www.steinbergforcongress.com/. You can send your comments and questions to Alan Steinberg at either alan_steinberg@yahoo.com or SteinbergForCongress@gmail.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:39:53 UTC
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Dr. Jeff Bell, Tuesday, 2-26-08 (49.33MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Jeff Bell returned to the Space Show for a two hour controversial discussion on many important topics. This is a program you will not want to miss. For example, did you know that we might soon see the cancellation of the human spaceflight program? Listen and see if you agree with Dr. Bell and his analysis. We also talked about the much needed human factors research which is not being done as well as other problems with NASA along with its focus on the VSE/Aries 1. Dr. Bell suggested that space tourism was the most promising of possible space business ventures Furthermore, he suggested the industry was top heavy with visionaries. Later in the show, we talked about confusing science fiction with real science and what can be done about it. This led to comprehensive discussion about sci-fi authors, such as Robert Heinlein, and the fact that they were writing escape literature and were not intending to produce blueprints for space development or space travel. You will want to hear this discussion. Space Solar Power was discussed along with the recent NSSO report. Don't miss Dr. Bell's analysis of this potential source of energy. During the first segment of our show, our military presence in space was discussed as well as our having recently shot down an ailing U.S. spy satellite. Engineering designs of space capsules came up and you will hear us compare the capsule design to an American Indian teepee. You will also hear Dr. Bell's requirements for real engineering regarding space mission and design work. We concluded this two hour program with a discussion about space journalism, blogs, and websites. Dr. Bell suggests that the credibility of many websites can be lacking, so you will want to hear what he has to say about this important subject. I asked him what we can do to defend against misinformation and bad facts. His solution to the problem makes this a must-hear part of the show. You can send your email comments and questions to Dr. Bell through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:24:16 UTC
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David Hook, Monday, 2-25-08 (35.05MB; download) -- Guest: David Hook. David Hook was the guest for this special program in order to discuss the unusual topic of security regulations for space tourism. As President of his company, Planehook Aviation Services in San Antonio, Texas, David specializes in security work for general aviation, but he has quietly expanded this interest to space tourism. During the first segment of the program, David referenced the FAA/AST regulations dealing with security issues and told us what they mean and how they are likely to be interpreted and applied. We then discussed how space tourism companies would likely comply with these regulations, the costs which may be incurred, and if there would really be added safety for spaceflight participants. David received many listener questions about the No Fly List for spaceflight participants, possible terrorism for suborbital tourism, insurance, and much more. Several listeners also asked him to give an opinion on the way airport security and searches are carried out now, including shoe removal and other methods used which many people find offensive and/or even useless. You will want to hear what he has to say about the subject. David also received questions about applying the security regulations to overseas spaceports given that many FAA regulations are enforced overseas. Again, listen to what he says about this issue. Another question dealt with the timeline of when the space tourism industry would start taking this issue of security seriously. David suggested it should be taken seriously right now given the lead times to have things in place for commercial flight operations. Much more was discussed, even the fact that there are forces who want to harm and destroy what we and others do, thus the need for security and the regulations. I am sure you will find this program as informative as I did and I am equally sure that Mr. Hook will return as a Space Show guest to keep us abreast of this important topic. You can send David Hook your comments or questions at david.hook@spaceflightsecurity.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:17:59 UTC
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Don Beattie, Sunday, 2-24-08 (41.93MB; download) -- Guest: Don Beattie. Don Beattie returned to The Space Show in order to continue our discussion about the current Vision for Space Exploration, NASA, and our future in space. Don started us off with a bit of NASA lunar history and then took us forward to three planned NASA lunar missions, GRAIL which is to use twin satellites to study the Moon's gravitational pull, another program to measure factors within the lunar atmosphere, and yet a third program to do penetration experiments of the Moon itself. Mr. Beattie posed the question as to why we are spending upwards of a billion dollars for these missions when we have already done similar experiments in the past and learned a lot about all three of these issues. He made the case that the NASA budget should be used on learning and researching new things, not revisiting old things. I made the case that we should be doing necessary human factors experiments in order to enhance our chances of maintaining a long-term presence in space. I invited listeners to call in with an explanation of why these missions were being planned as well as funded rather than new missions, but no such calls or comments were forthcoming during the show. Later in the program, Don strongly suggested that the NASA budget should reflect more spending on science and robotic missions rather than being top-heavy towards the human space program. Listeners and I asked him what the percentage should be and then I asked if he could calculate the probable delay in the manned program to return to the Moon for each percentage removed from the manned budget. This is an interesting discussion and I liked Don's idea of getting the task of doing this over to the GAO. If anyone has any connections with GAO, this might prove to be a productive task with important charts, graphs, and conclusions, whatever they may be. During the show, listeners asked him about Mars and what the business and economic case would be for going to Mars. You will want to listen to his comments on this point. We also talked about being a visionary in the space world, but holding on to the need to be grounded in reality. Don suggested that today's NASA is missing its focus on the aeronautics part of its mission. You definitely need to hear his discussion on this point throughout this program. As we heard, all our aviation today has been greatly influenced by NASA and he calls for a return of that work, influence, and progress. Later in the show, we discussed China, space militarization, and the private sector, especially space tourism. Please send your comments and questions to Don Beattie through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:11:44 UTC
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Dr. Louis Friedman; Open Lines, Friday, 2-22-08 (50.95MB; download) -- Guest: Dr. Louis Friedman. Dr. Louis Friedman returned for this special Space Show program to discuss the recent Stanford University workshop regarding "Examining The Vision: An Independent Look At The Future Of Human Space Exploration." You can read the workshop's statement at http://www.planetary.org/programs/projects/advocacy_and_education/space_advocacy/20080214.html. Dr. Friedman explained the purpose of this workshop, the many issues and subjects which were discussed, as well as the conclusions from the workshop. We then applied these findings to our current space policy and the upcoming changes in our government. Don't miss our discussion about how this influential group and their conclusions will work to successfully influence the new administration to keep the VSE on track. There were numerous questions for Lou which focused on lunar commerce, sustainability for a lunar presence, and ultimately the grand prize of going to Mars. One listener asked about LaGrange points as an intermediate destination. You will want to hear what he has to say about this idea . Dr. Friedman spoke about science and the human program in balance and we received several questions which suggested science should not be funded by NASA, but rather by the NSF and similar organizations. Listen to Dr. Friedman's response to these questions. Another listener asked Dr. Friedman how and why he started The Planetary Society as well as what he perceives the future of The Planetary Society to be, so you will want to hear this bit of important history and hear about his future vision. Also, near the end of the show, I mentioned that I get emails about supporting the VSE from many listeners outside America. I suggest the listeners should write to their government to create or support or participate in the space program to return to the Moon, etc. Lou agreed, but said that NASA is the world's space program although they don't realize or understand this. His comment led to an interesting discussion about global involvement in the VSE, NASA, China, and more. You will hear parts of this discussion throughout the program. If you want to send a follow up comment or question to Dr. Friedman, please do so through the Planetary Society website at www.planetary.org or through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. During the Open Lines portion of this show, our first caller was Charles Pooley of Microlaunchers and Mohave, CA. Charles took issue with some of what Dr. Friedman said, instead preferring his incremental approach. Surprisingly, Charles received many questions including a few about the space tourism industry in Mojave and elsewhere. As you will hear, Charles is not enthusiastic about the commercial potential of space tourism. After Charles got off the line, a second caller called the show, John from Montana. John continued talking about the incremental approach which Charles had introduced and also the applicability of it with student and academic payloads. This makes for an interesting, but brief Open Lines segment.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:16 UTC
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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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