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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 Lt. Col. Carol Welsch, Friday, 9-22-06 (64.29MB; download) -- Lt. Col. Carol Welsch, USAF, was the guest for this special program. Col. Welsch, as Acting Commander, Space Development Group, of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center Space Development and Test Wing (formerly Detachment 12), Kirtland AFB, NM, spoke at length about the Air Force program and plans to fly as many smaller and secondary payloads as possible, using all types of launch vehicles, even those in Russia. We talked about the development of the ESPA ring which will allow for secondary Atlas V EELV payloads with the first launch of the new system scheduled for Dec. 12, 2006. Col. Welsch explained this program in detail, the DOD priorities, the need for sponsorship, eligibility, etc. She talked about using various launch sites and commented several times about having as many tools and options as necessary to further their mission. In response to a question about the program being political and its funding possibly be political, Col. Welsch described the stability of this particular program in no uncertain details. We also spoke about launch demand, launching at the Cape versus private spaceports, satellite defense, rapid response and a host of other topics. In response to another listener question, Col. Welsch described rapid response as used by the Air Force and we discussed the various ways rapid response can be and is interpreted. She also commented on the divisions within the Air Force and possible conflicts of interest between the flight section and Space Command. We learned that Col. Welsch and this program are aware and following what happens in the suborbital market and that they are interested in suborbital and sounding rocket flights as well as orbital flights. We also talked about this program needing to be better known throughout the space community better communication with the general population about the value this program brings to space development and the taxpayers. Visit the website www.smc.kirtland.af.mil. For follow up questions or comments for Lt. Col. Welsch, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will immediate forward them to Col. Welsch.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Fri, 22 Sep 2006 23:42:38 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Dorin Patru, Tuesday, 9-19-06 (47.35MB; download) -- Dr. Dorin Patru was the guest for this program to discuss Project Meteor and the building of a small launch system using balloons for academic cube sats weighing less than 1 kilo. Dr. Patru explained the beginnings of this program, the student participation in it at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the status of the project, what each class builds and the fact that they hope to fly this coming summer. Several RIT students used chat to ask Dr. Patru questions, others asked questions about how a rocket is launched from a balloon, the characteristics of the balloon flight, and the usefulness of a cube sat. Dr. Patru also discussed why smaller is better, not only cheaper, why he believes the aerospace industry needs to change and will change its business model to smaller satellites (the science and research market in particular), and he used vivid comparisons with the semiconductor industry as well as the field of imaging science. We also talked about space exploration being much more of a collaboration among nations, not a race and we stressed the importance of education. Dr. Patru's program is a very exciting program and even more so because its a student teaching program! You can learn more about the project and see a concept video at http://meteor.rit.edu/. For further comments and questions, you can email Dr. Dorin Patru at dxpeee@rit.edu or meteor@rit.edu.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:43:23 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Paul Webb, Sunday, 9-17-06 (46.07MB; download) -- Dr. Paul Webb was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss his innovating Space Activity Suit, a different type of spacesuit that holds great potential for lower costs, more maneuverability by the astronaut, greater safety, less maintenance, and less required training. As explained by Dr. Webb, this new spacesuit is a mechanical counter pressure spacesuit made from a special type of elastic-like material. The Space Activity Suit would have no joints, no pressurizing gas, it would have reduced weight, it would need reduced expendable supplies and according to Dr. Webb, the suit has already been demonstrated through proof of concept. Dr. Webb's team will be submitting an RFP to NASA early in 2007 for developing this unique spacesuit as part of the VSE program. Dr. Webb field many listener questions asking about this new type of spacesuit so you will definitely want to hear this program to understand this spacesuit and its applications from the space tourism market to our return to the Moon then our voyages to Mars. This interview with Dr. Webb is comprehensive and his Space Activity Suit holds great promise for astronauts to have a simpler, safer, more trouble-free spacesuit with lots more maneuverability and hardly any maintenance. Dr. Webb has pictures and a very impressive video which he will send to interested people. Also, he will respond to your questions or comments. For the pictures, the video and for your comments/questions, please contact Dr. Webb at paul.webb@wright.edu. I also have the video which I can send to listeners if you contact me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. The video is 9mb so for you to receive a file this large by email, your email service must allow this file size and your email inbox must have the space in it to receive the video, otherwise it will bounce back to Dr. Webb or me. Only request the video if you can process and receive a 9mb file. Otherwise, Dr. Webb can send you pictures of the suit.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:48:15 UTC
Add this to another station Gil Moore, Friday, 9-15-06 (51.91MB; download) -- Gil Moore was the guest for this special Space Show program. Our interview with Mr. Moore began with his starting to work while at New Mexico State University with the greats like James Van Allen, Wernher von Braun, Homer Newell, and Fred Whipple. In pursuing these experiences with Gil, we got a glimpse of early space technology and tools. Later in the program we discussed modern day scientific and engineering tools in comparison to what was available even during the Apollo era. We discussed education and outreach with Gil then and now and the importance of this for our future. Space Grant was discussed, specific Space Grant projects were discussed and Gil certainly connected the dots for us as to why the public requires a perceived benefit from our space program and efforts. As part of our discussion on education and reaching people, especially school children, Gil talked with us about his Project Starshine program and the former NASA Get Away Special Program. Through these programs, Gil demonstrated the value of space education for the students and the teachers, and how these programs did provide the benefits demanded and expected by the pubic. We also talked about cube sats and what they can do. Gil told us about the potential for earthquake sensing using cube sat arrays. He also talked about sparse arrays and their increasing value to our space program and development. Toward the end of the program, Gil talked about SSP as the possible "killer app." for the public's interest in space. Realizing that we are not yet ready to develop SSP, its for the future and he explained it quite well. This is yet another important Space Show program and another that demonstrates the value and the wisdom of tapping into our older or retired space pros. Should you have comments or questions for Gil Moore, please send them to him in care of me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 16 Sep 2006 00:53:16 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Hylan Lyon, Tuesday, 9-12-06 (54.79MB; download) -- Dr. Hylan Lyon was the guest for this two hour Space Show program to discuss how best to accomplish sustained human activities in space. In this discussion, we referenced several OECD documents and reports. You can find these documents at these URLS: (1) http://www.oecd.org/document/13/0,2340,en_2649_33707_35059341_1_1_1_1,00.html. (2) http://www.oecd.org/document/18/0,2340,en_2649_201185_34726866_1_1_1_1,00.html. (3) http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/58/29/35461106.pdf. Our discussion covered many important topics including the acceptance of the NASA exploration program and unmanned earth observing - we are not going to change what is. Dr. Lyon used his personal experiences from his inside positions in government and organizations to help us understand policy making, the global importance of space, negotiations and much more. We talked about stepping out of our comfort zones to prepare for a new future regarding space but as Dr. Lyon points out, what are we stepping outside to and how are we going to do it. You need to listen to this show and Dr. Lyon and I want your feedback. With valuable insights from our guest who has been involved in policy and process development at the highest level, we discussed many important topics that can have a positive impact on space development for everyone. This program challenges our perspectives along with our comfort zones. For questions or comments for Dr. Lyon, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 13 Sep 2006 16:41:24 UTC
Add this to another station Laura Woodmansee & Open Lines, Sunday, 9-10-06 (42.79MB; download) -- Laura Woodmansee, author of "Sex In Space" was the guest for the first hour of this show, followed by Open Lines for the balance of today's program. Ms. Woodmansee explained why she wrote this book, provided us with research stories and experiences, and talked about how difficult it was to get information about sex in space with astronauts, NASA and the Russians. She explained how important it was to get specific biological information in advance establishing space settlements. This information the research needed would focus on the effectiveness of contraception in space, radiation, pregnancy in space, child birth, gravity and its effects on the pregnancy, and more. She suggested it would be unlikely for a government space agency to do the type of research needed so we discussed the idea of a private sector scientific committee that might establish scientific protocols for priority research projects that could be carried out by space tourists. Laura responded to several listener questions regarding the rumors of various Russian and American space crew members having sex in space. We talked about physical barriers in space to having sex, a space oriented dating service, romantic and sexy space clothing, and much more. This is an important program and Laura raised some valid, interesting and important questions that need to be answered prior our full scale space settlement and orbital space tourism where sex in space is sure to happen. You can find out more about her book and Laura by visiting her website, www.laurawoodmansee.com. The email address for her is provided on her website, LauraWoodmansee@mac.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Mon, 11 Sep 2006 04:49:34 UTC
Add this to another station Tim Pickens, Friday, 9-8-06 (69.68MB; download) -- Tim Pickens returned to The Space Show to discuss updates with Orion Propulsion, space developments, commercial space business basics, and much more. In addition to understanding the success behind Tim and Orion, we talked about COTS, CEV, budgets, Congress, etc. Tim discussed in some detail his role with Space Ship 1 and its development. We talked about hybrid engines as well as methane engines and getting commercial customers, financing, investment and the overall commercial space market as it exists today in 2006. In response to listener questions, Tim discussed his rocket powered truck and bike, his plans for the coming X Prize Cup in Las Cruces, NM, and much more. You will not want to miss this show and the insights you will get from this discussion with Mr. Pickens. Tim Pickens can be contacted through his website, www.orionpropulsion.com or through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 09 Sep 2006 15:53:11 UTC
Add this to another station David Moore, Tuesday, 9-5-06 (39.12MB; download) -- David Moore was the guest for this program which explores the relationship between space and science fiction. During the discussion, Mr. Moore talked about myths that connect sci-fi with space and the marketing of space through sci-fi which can often lead to expectations based on fantasy and then disappointment. He talked about space as a frontier and the frontier's place in science fiction writing. As a result of listener questions, he connected dots with space exploration and science fiction. We talked about space and science fiction in Europe as well as Russia. During the last segment of the program, we talked about Pluto no longer being a planet and planet finding in general. If you have questions or comments for David Moore, please send them to me in care of drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will make sure Mr. Moore promptly gets the email.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 06 Sep 2006 05:33:11 UTC
Add this to another station Dr. Harrison Schmitt, Friday, 9-1-06 (67.94MB; download) -- Dr. Harrison Schmitt was the guest for this program to discuss his new boo, "Return To The Moon," and Lunar He3 and fusion for our future energy usage. Dr. Schmitt spent two hours with us outlining the importance of going back to the Moon for commercial purposes and the exploitation of lunar resources, specifically He3 combined with fusion here on Earth. To carry out this program, we need fusion so a good portion of the show was spent discussing fusion, the different types, the status and progress of each time. Specifically regarding the Moon, we discussed the need for heavy lift access and everything from creating a new Saturn V type vehicle dubbed the Saturn VI to using a heavy lift vehicle derived from shuttle parts per the current NASA plan. We discussed financing, capital acquisition and above all, project management. Dr. Schmitt received many questions about the viability of his proposal, you will want to hear them all and his responses. We also talked about the NASA of today and is it up to the job. Dr. Schmitt spoke at length about NASA under the direction of Dr. Griffin and his support for the way in which Dr. Griffin is running NASA. We spoke about science program funding and cutbacks and how to prioritize science programming in today's age. He also outlined some alternative plans to ease some of the cutbacks. He also spoke about his position as Chief of the NASA Advisory Council and recent press articles about controversy inside the organization. He explained the role of the organization and the responsibilities of its members to support the program and team they are serving. We spoke at length about connecting the dots to properly sell the return to the Moon program to the American people and why, even with his having the ear of our political and administrative leaders, this is not done. You will want to hear his answer. If you have further questions and comments for Dr. Harrison Schmitt, please send them to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will forward them to him. I urge you to buy his book and read it. Its most valuable and important.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Sat, 02 Sep 2006 14:48:12 UTC
Add this to another station Jeff Krukin, Wednesday, 8-30-06 (40.74MB; download) -- Jeff Krukin, Executive Director of the Space Frontier Foundation (SFF) was with us today to talk about their important new White Paper. The White Paper, "Unaffordable and Unsustainable? Signs of Failure in NASA's Earth-to-orbit Transportation Strategy," is available for download at http://www.space-frontier.org/Presentations/UnaffordableUnsustainable.pdf. This paper puts fourth four recommendations by SFF to change current NASA policy regarding the VSE. Jeff received many listener questions that challenged some of the positions in the paper and you will want to hear Jeff's response as his responses go to the very heart of this paper and its need. Mr. Krukin also referenced the recent GAO report that came out after the White Paper and is also critical of the NASA VSE direction. The GAO report can be downloaded at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06817r.pdf. Jeff Krukin welcomes your feedback, comments, and suggestions. You can contact him at jkrukin@spacefrontierfoundation.org. For more information about SFF, visit the website, www.spacefrontierfoundation.org.
Selected by: David Livingston [ stations ], Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:13:49 UTC
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