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. Mike Gruntman, Tuesday, 8-7-07 (33.58MB; download) -- Dr. Mike Gruntman was the guest for this Space Show program. First, please be aware that this interview had substantial phone line noise which could not be cleared up during the call or show processing. We do apologize for any inconvenience this "noisy" conversation causes you. We began the program by discussing his award winning book published by AIAA, "Blazing the Trail: The Early History of Spacecraft and Rocketry." AIAA has just completed a second printing of the book with a substantial price reduction. Also, for those of you who are AIAA members, if you buy it from AIAA, you get the AIAA discount. This is a superb book and I recommend it as one of the needed space reference and informational books. We then shifted our focus to Dr. Gruntman's new book, "From Astronautics to Cosmonautics." In this book, Mike tells the important story of two pioneers of space exploration, Robert Esnault-Pelterie and specifically, Ary Sternfeld. These two pioneers brought us the words astronautics and cosmonautics. As Mike explained, the term astronauticcs is well documented but the history of the word cosmonautics is poorly known and Ary Sternfeld is largely forgotten. As Mike discussed with us, this book tells the story of the two words and describes the unusual life of Ary Sternfeld who was a pioneer rocket engineer, ideologically a socialist/communist, a Jew, and one who went to the Soviet Union but soon encountered discrimination and all sorts of problems as did other minorities in the old Soviet Union. Dr. Gruntman received several listener questions about Ary Sternfeld, asking if he could be compared to the German rocket scientists from World War II such as Wernher von Braun. You will find the response by Dr. Gruntman to be most interesting on this subject. We also discussed why bright people make dumb choices as exampled by Sternfeld choosing to live in the USSR with the discrimination, etc. During the next segments of the discussion with Mike Gruntman, we talked about space education, ideas on how to improve it, science and math education starting in K through 12 and on into middle school, high school and college. Mike described successful space engineering programs and suggestions for improving our space science and engineering education, especially in light of how dependent the US has now become on space and space based resources. Dr. Gruntman's website where you can learn more about his books, papers, and projects is http://astronauticsnow.com, a a site dedicated to astronautics, spacecraft design, space technology, and the history of astronautics. Please send your comment and questions to Mike at mikeg@usc.edu or use the information provided for contacting him through his website. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:42:08 UTC
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Gerald Blackburn, Monday, 8-6-07 (39.21MB; download) -- Gerald Blackburn was the guest for this show regarding the work of Aerospace Legacy Foundation (www.aerospacelegacyfoundation.org). The discussion with Mr. Blackburn took us down historic roads as we learned about the historical preservation and out reach programs of the Foundation, especially with the old Downey Boeing site and the City of Downey, California Columbia Memorial Space Sciences Learning Center. In addition, listeners asked Jerry questions about his work experience which spanned X-15 to the ISS. Questions asking him to compare then and now were frequent, especially regarding our willingness to accept risk in the days of X-15 and Apollo versus now. Also, he was asked about the focus of the Apollo work, was it on the mission, on crew safety, equally on both. Listen to what he says in response to this question. He was also asked about the feeling the workers had on the Apollo project in terms of the public support behind what they were doing and if it mattered to them or not. Again, you won't want to miss his response. We talked with Jerry about the early days of aviation in Downey going back to the summer of 1929. One listener asked him about his teaching experience and the space IQ of both students and teachers. Here again, don't miss his reply. You might be shocked when you hear what students said about the first man on the Moon! The Aerospace Legacy Foundation website is full of great historic pictures and information so don't miss it. You can send your questions and comments to Jerry through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:36:54 UTC
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Monte Davis, Sunday, 8-5-07 (45.58MB; download) -- Monte Davis was the guest for this almost two hour special Space Show program. Mr. Davis had as a focus for this show to discuss the Space Shuttle and lessons learned from it, if any. As such, this program looks at the question of cheap space access, the role of the shuttle, our expectations, RLVs and much more. Monte went into detail about the difficulty of accessing space and why the systems in place now and the programs we are now developing it work against cheap access. He also talked about the role of the private sector, what it can likely do and not do, space tourism, and much more. Several listeners asked him many questions about the problem as he defined it and how best to undertake a plan that does lead us to low cost space access so we can develop a space-faring capability. You will want to hear the questions and his answers. Also, toward the end of the program, he was challenged by a listener for making it more difficult to raise investment capital by saying and even writing the things he was talking about on today's program. For sure, you will want to hear his response to this listener. He also has a proposal and action plan for how to move forward, through small steps, incrementalization. You will definitely want to hear his program. You can continue asking Monte Davis questions or sending him your comments at monte.davis@verizon.net. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:47:26 UTC
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Dr. Pete Worden & Open Lines, Friday, 8-3-07 (55.16MB; download) -- Dr. Simon Pete Worden (Brig. Gen., USAF, ret.) is the new NASA Ames Research Center Director. Prior to becoming Director, Dr. Worden was a Research Professor of Astronomy, Optical Sciences and Planetary Sciences at the University of Arizona where his primary research direction was the development of large space optics for national security and scientific purposes and near-earth asteroids. Additionally he worked on topics related to space exploration and solar-type activity in nearby stars. He is a recognized expert on space issues—both civil and military. Dr. Worden has authored or co-authored more than 150 scientific technical papers in astrophysics, space sciences, and strategic studies. Moreover, he served as a scientific co-investigator for two NASA space science missions. In addition to his former position with the University of Arizona, Dr. Worden served as a consultant to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on space-related issues. During the 2004 Congressional Session Dr. Worden worked as a Congressional Fellow with the Office of Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), where he served as Senator Brownback's chief advisor on NASA and space issues. Dr. Worden retired in 2004 after 29 years of active service in the United States Air Force. His final position was Director of Development and Transformation, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA. In this position he was responsible for developing new directions for Air Force Space Command programs and was instrumental in initiating a major Responsive Space Program designed to produce space systems and launchers capable of tailored military effects on timescales of hours. Dr. Worden was commissioned in 1971 after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan. He entered the Air Force in 1975 after graduating from the University of Arizona with a doctorate in astronomy. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Dr. Worden served in every phase of development, international negotiations and implementation of the Strategic Defense Initiative, a primary component in ending the Cold War. He twice served in the Executive Office of the President. As the staff officer for initiatives in the George Bush administration's National Space Council, Dr. Worden spearheaded efforts to revitalize U.S. civil space exploration and earth monitoring programs. Dr. Worden commanded the 50th Space Wing that is responsible for more than 60 Department of Defense satellites and more than 6,000 people at 23 worldwide locations. He then served as Deputy Director for Requirements at Headquarters Air Force Space Command, as well as the Deputy Director for Command and Control with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operations at Air Force headquarters. Prior to assuming his current position, Dr. Worden was responsible for policy and direction of five mission areas: force enhancement, space support, space control, force application and computer network defense. Dr. Worden has written or co-written more than 150 scientific technical papers in astrophysics, space sciences and strategic studies. He was a scientific co-investigator for two NASA space science missions. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 04 Aug 2007 16:08:52 UTC
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Col Michael Smith, USAF (Coyote), Wednesday, 8-1-07 (34.35MB; download) -- USAF Col. Michael V. Smith (Coyote) was the guest for this Space Show program. As Chief of Future Concepts of the National Security Space Office, Col. Smith looks forward in time to how best to design and bring to fruition advanced technology that is not yet doable today in 2007. The program today largely focused on Space-Based Solar Power (SSP) and the Feasibility Study he is undertaking, a study which ends Sept. 15, 2007. Later during the show we also talked about launch platforms and the need for RLVs. Col. Smith told us why the military is interested in SSP and this is something you need to hear Col. Smith explain. But as you will see, this is a national imperative. Listeners asked many questions about economics, time tables, antennas, frequencies, and more. Questions were asked about space tourism as a possible facilitator as well as ITAR issues. You will note that Col. Smith faces the same challenges with ITAR as does everyone else and clearly understand ITAR is a four letter word! This is an excellent program, forward looking and without Kool Aid which is so often present when SSP is discussed. Col Smith regularly posts information and discusses SSP and this project on a website blog, http://spacesolarpower.wordpress.com/. Your posts and comments for Col. Smith are welcome. If this subject and today's program interest you, I urge you to become a regular to this website and be a part of the discussion. Many other wide ranging issues and topics were mentioned so this is definitely a show you will want to hear. For my part, and I don't say this lightly but I say it frequently on the show, the key to achieving SSP as a commercial venture is for leadership to take it on for national security/defense purposes. Coyote and his team are doing just this and I think you will agree with me when you hear the discussion that SSP development could not be in more capable hands than with this Air Force/DOD team. I personally believe this is the path to SSP and Col. Smith certainly breeds confidence in the effort. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:30:51 UTC
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Mike Kelly, Tuesday, 7-31-07 (46.52MB; download) -- Michael Kelly was the guest for this Space Show program. The main focus of this show was our reusable launch vehicle (RLV) discussion. Mike took us through all aspects of RLV engineering, R&D, economics to show us why and how we could have RLVS very quickly with the real hope of lowering our cost to space. Many listener questions were asked of Mike, including many dealing with the R&D, accounting, and economic issues. Some of the questions and comments followed the lines of needing large rockets for big payloads, but Mike showed how this was not necessarily so given the ability to build and put things together in space. You will want to hear this discussion. We talked about economic drivers for RLVs, including SmallSats. Our discussion also led us to talk about ITAR and its impact on RLV development This is also a discussion you will want to hear. This is a comprehensive RLV discussion and Mike Kelly, as Chairman of the RLV Working Group for COMSTAC, is the best person to lead such a discussion and answer our questions. If you have comments or follow up questions for him, please send them through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:56:54 UTC
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Robert Richards, Monday, 7-30-07 (40.97MB; download) -- Robert Richards was the guest for this Space Show program. We began talking about the upcoming NASA Phoenix mission to Mars as Bob's company, Optech, Inc. in Canada, had a Mars weather station on board. We talked about various aspects of the mission and the weather station, from how it was built, to having backup hardware in case of a launch disaster, to doing Martian missions and more. This discussion led to yet another discussion about the importance of the manned space program for the Moon and eventually to Mars as compared to science, robotic and delayed manned missions. Bob provided listeners with quality answers to their questions on these subjects and its a discussion you will definitely want to hear. One listener asked Bob if taking government money for space in Canada has a stigma attached as it does in some quarters of the commercial space community in the States. Bob's answer is most interesting. During the second segment, we asked Bob about the International Space University. If you are interested in this school or know people who might be, please tell them about it. This is not only a first rate academic institution in France, but its totally space directed and focused. Check it out at www.isunet.edu. In the final segment, we spoke about New Space, space commerce and a possible space race to the Moon or elsewhere. Bob talked about the new space race which would have the private sector going to the Moon. This led to a discussion of economic drivers and for tomorrow. During the show we spoke about reaching younger and more diverse segments of the population to tell the space story and to get people interested in space. We talked about space needing to be relevant to the people, not a government program. Again, don't miss this discussion. If you have a question or comment for Bob, please send it to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:01:42 UTC
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Shubber Ali, Sunday, 7-29-07 (45.30MB; download) -- Shubber Ali was the guest for this Space Show program. We covered many discussion topics from the accident at Scaled last week to the problems reported with NASA, including possible shuttle sabotage and possible drunk shuttle crews. The points made by Shubber on these topics are interesting and to the point so don't miss them. We also talked about SSP and its possible R&D development by the Air Force or the military in general. Shubber went through the economics of SSP and talked about from the perspective of a future investment for our nation and the world. Making use of military and government R&D over the coming years makes sense. Shubber discussed space commerce and commercial/economic drivers. We talked about returning the Moon and even heading off to Mars. As you will hear, he believes the manned program should be cancelled in favor of science. Lots of listener questions came in on these issues, all of which he fielded in some detail. When questions came in about China or India getting to the Moon and not us, he was not swayed from his view. You will certainly want to listen to what he has to say about this issue. We also talked about the Space Cynics blog which he founded of which I am part of as is Dr. Jurist and Tom Olson. The new Space Cynics URL is http://spacecynic.wordpress.com. Shubber Ali can be reached through the Cynics website or spacecynic@mac.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:46:55 UTC
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Dr. Jon Clark, Friday, 7-27-07 (54.81MB; download) -- Dr. Jon Clark was the guest for this Space Show program. This show covers many issues and aspects of human factors for space, ranging from sport diving from high altitude or even space to the more common discussion topics of air sickness. We discussed the forces that one encounters when making this type of jump, we talked about the equipment needed, we compared it to SCUBA, and much more. Scattered throughout the program we discussed crew safety, ejection from a disabled spacecraft, and much more. Dr. Clark was asked many questions about suborbital space flight, centrifuge training, even airsickness and vomiting. Listen to his responses. We also talked about health screening needs, how medicines work or don't work in space and what type of R&D is being conducted to improve our understanding of pharmaceuticals in space. We also talked about the accident history in space and Dr. Clark noted that progress and evolution comes at a high expense, in blood, and we saw this again yesterday in Mojave. We talked about learning lessons from our mistakes and past history. Later in the program, space suits were discussed in some detail. We also went into detail about the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) and its work, including work available to the public at their website, www.nsbri.org. Here, you can find the contact information for Dr. Clark and an enormous amount of educational material on the subjects discussed today plus on the entire field of human factors for space travel. I urge you to visit this site and learn about NSBRI. Dr. Clark has also prepared a superb 5 mb Power Point presentation titled "Crew Survivability in Human Space Flight: Past, Present, and Future." I have permission to send this file to listeners by email but remember, its a 5 mb file so make sure your email account can receive it before requesting it. If you would like this presentation by Dr. Clark, please send your request with a valid email address and I will send it to you. This was a comprehensive two hour discussion with Dr. Clark on a wide ranging list of subjects, topics, and items of importance and interest for human space flight. Again, this is a must listen to show. You can communicate your comments and questions to Dr. Clark through the NSBRI website information or of course through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:54:49 UTC
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Elon Musk & open lines, Thursday, 7-26-07 (28.23MB; download) -- Elon Musk was the guest for this special Space Show program. Mr. Musk was with us for half an hour, the balance of this hour long program was open lines. During Elon's visit with us, he brought us up to date with Falcon 1 with an expected launch date for first quarter 2008. We also talked about the challenges of rocket building, we compared Space X to the complexity of Pay Pal and Elon talked to us about the Russian Roulette characteristic so strongly present with rocket building. Listeners who sent in advance questions asked Elon questions ranging from private placement and IPO plans, to docking versions for the Dragon capsule. We talked about Falcon 9, Dragon, COTS and more. You will certainly want to hear this interview. At one point, I asked him to rate his satisfaction on the progress he was making with Falcon. You will want to hear his answer. Toward the end of our time with Elon, I asked him about the Tesla Car Company. Again, you will not want to miss what he has to say about it. You can forward comments or questions for Elon through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. The second half hour was Open Lines. Many questions came in regarding the Scaled accident that happened earlier in the day but I could not really answer them. Other questions asked me to elaborate on some of the questions asked Elon. Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:37:08 UTC
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