POPULARITY
The Space Show Presents Isaac Arthur, Sunday, 12-14-25Quick SummaryOur program began with a discussion about space exploration projects and the evolution of telecommunications, followed by a conversation about AI's impact on education and society. The Wisdom Team then explored various space-related topics including lunar missions, space habitats, and the importance of public-private partnerships in funding exploration efforts. The discussion concluded with Isaac, as president of the National Space Society, emphasizing the organization's mission and encouraging listener participation in space exploration initiatives.Detailed SummaryIsaac and I started the conversation talking about space exploration, with Isaac expressing caution about discussing specific details of NASA's Artemis program due to its frequent changes. David emphasized the need to balance discussion of Artemis with other space-related topics to avoid overwhelming our conversations as Artemis is a hot topic at this time. We began talking about space exploration projects, including Mars missions and space elevators, with Isaac expressing skepticism about fusion technology progress. I then introduced the program schedule, noting upcoming guest appearances and the annual fundraising campaign. Isaac, as the president of the National Space Society, started the space discussion which over time covered various space-related topics and the importance of listener end of the year support for The Space Show given we are 100% listener/participant financed.David and Isaac discussed the impact of AI on education and society. Isaac emphasized that AI should be viewed as a tool to augment human creativity and learning, rather than a replacement for critical thinking. He suggested that professors adapt their teaching methods to account for AI's presence, such as conducting in-person exams. David shared his experience using AI for medical information, which led to complaints from doctors. Isaac advised that while AI can be a useful diagnostic tool, it should not replace professional medical advice. Both agreed that critical thinking and understanding the limitations of AI are essential skills in the modern world.Isaac went on to discuss the current state and future of space exploration, emphasizing the significant progress made in the last decade and expressing optimism about returning to the moon, whether through Artemis or private sector initiatives. He noted that while commercial involvement in space has increased, NASA remains crucial for fundamental research and large-scale projects without a clear profit motive. Isaac also highlighted the importance of learning from past missions and the need for careful planning, suggesting that while Mars missions could be feasible in the near future, they should not be rushed.Our Wisdom Team along with Isaac discussed space exploration plans and competition with China. Isaac emphasized the importance of making detailed plans for space missions, including a permanent moon base with features like a nuclear reactor and the ability to rescue astronauts. He downplayed concerns about China's space program, noting that competition can drive progress. The discussion also covered the size and staffing requirements for a moon base, with Marshall and Isaac agreeing that it should be larger than the ISS and have a higher ratio of robots to humans due to communication delays. This part of the conversation concluded with Bill asking Isaac about his views on the future direction of NASA, given the potential confirmation of Isaacman as administrator.Isaac suggested that NASA should focus on the moon mission as its primary goal, requiring strong leadership and centralization to motivate and align companies involved. He emphasized the need for NASA to shift its focus towards commercial development and experimentation, potentially separating it from military space operations. John Hunt proposed that China's potential moon landing before the U.S. could actually benefit the U.S. space program by creating a sense of competition and urgency, though Isaac noted the risks of complacency and the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to space exploration.Isaac and David discussed the potential for public-private partnerships to fund lunar exploration and the challenges of predicting commercial opportunities in space. They explored various options for lunar and space-based activities, including manufacturing, resource utilization, and energy production. Isaac emphasized the importance of real-world testing and innovation in low gravity, while David raised concerns about the energy requirements for AI and data centers, suggesting that space-based data centers could offer regulatory advantages. Both agreed on the need for diverse energy sources and technological advancement to address global energy shortages.The Wisdom Team discussed energy solutions, with Dr. Kothari and Isaac agreeing that molten salt reactors using thorium could provide a safe and scalable solution for both civilization's energy needs and data center requirements. Isaac emphasized the importance of increasing energy generation capacity across multiple technologies rather than focusing on efficiency alone, while David raised concerns about the difficulty of getting broad support for these solutions from policymakers. The discussion concluded with Isaac noting that while government agencies like NASA struggle with public relations, private space companies have shown more success in marketing space initiatives to the public and policymakers.The team next discussed strategies for promoting space and nuclear initiatives to policymakers, with Isaac highlighting the importance of personal engagement and storytelling to generate enthusiasm. Dr. Kothari proposed collaboration between NSS and TSS to present a unified pitch for space and nuclear programs to key figures like J.D. Vance's Chief of Staff. Isaac shared insights on the economic and strategic benefits of space exploration, emphasizing the need for realistic messaging to avoid a space bubble. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the potential impact of SpaceX's IPO on the U.S. economy, with Isaac suggesting it could stabilize after an initial fluctuation.Isaac and Marshall discussed the economic potential of SpaceX's Starlink, with Marshall highlighting its rapid revenue growth and potential impact on global telecommunications. They explored the challenges and opportunities of space settlement, with Isaac emphasizing the importance of creating space habitats for long-term human presence, while acknowledging the need for gravity and the potential for new ecosystems in space. Before ending, David inquired about the feasibility of space settlement and the necessity of knowing the gravity RX for children, to which Isaac responded that while humans currently require gravity, future solutions like cybernetic organisms or genetic modifications could provide alternatives.Isaac discussed the feasibility of space habitats, noting that while O'Neill cylinders might not be built this century, smaller habitats like Calpana could be more realistic. He expressed skepticism about Musk's plan for a Mars city by mid-century, questioning the need for biological self-sustaining settlements and emphasizing the importance of medical intervention for gravity-related issues. Isaac also highlighted the potential challenges of raising children in space and suggested that space habitats would likely start with small, specialized populations rather than large, self-sustaining cities.Isaac and Dr. Ajay discussed the feasibility of building a smaller lunar lander within 3-5 years, with Isaac expressing skepticism about meeting such a tight timeline due to the complexity and risks involved in space missions. They also debated the merits of building a lunar lander versus a space station, with Isaac advocating for a more robust approach that includes both options. David raised concerns about potential regulatory and economic challenges that could hinder space exploration efforts in the coming years.Isaac discussed the importance of space regulations, emphasizing the need to balance economic development with safety and environmental concerns. He highlighted potential issues with space advertising and the need for international cooperation in regulating space activities. The conversation also touched on nuclear waste management, with Isaac suggesting recycling radioactive materials and disposing of them in deep oceanic trenches as safer alternatives to space disposal.Isaac, the president of the National Space Society, discussed the organization's mission and encouraged listeners to join, emphasizing its inclusive nature and the opportunity to contribute to space exploration efforts. He reflected on the journey of space exploration, highlighting the importance of enjoying the process rather than solely focusing on destinations. Isaac also mentioned upcoming events, including the ISDC conference in McLean, Virginia, and discussed plans for future roadmaps and white papers on space-related topics.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 No program today | Tuesday 16 Dec 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonTuesday, Dec. 16: No Program today. We are still in our campaign for 2026 funding. Please support us. See PayPal to the right side of our home page.Broadcast 4474: Hotel Mars with Dr. Sabyasachi Pal | Thursday 18 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Sabyasachi PalHotel Mars with Dr. Sabyasachi Pal re Giant Radio Quasars and his 53 black hole research papeFriday, Dec. 19, 2025 No program today. Please support The Space Show/. See the PayPal button on the right side of our home page. | Friday 19 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program today due to medical. Support The Space Show by using our PayPal button on the right side of our home page.Broadcast 4475 ZOOM Michael Listner, Atty. | Sunday 21 Dec 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Michael ListnerZOOM: Michael Listner, space atty breaks down legal, policy and more for 2025 space Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
The Space Show Presents BRYCE MEYER, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025Quick SummaryWe initially focused on our Space Show program featuring Bryce Meyer discussing his upcoming book on space agriculture, which explores technologies and principles for growing food in space environments. The discussion covered various challenges of space farming, including plant adaptation, soil biomes, and the need for further research on growing crops to maturity in microgravity conditions. The conversation concluded with an examination of agricultural techniques for space colonization, including the use of bioreactors, mushrooms, and various animals for food production, while emphasizing the importance of certifying existing technology and addressing biological questions related to plants in different gravity regimes.Detailed SummaryDavid hosted a Space Show program featuring Bryce Meyer, who discussed his new book “Designing Farms in Space” scheduled for release on January 2nd by Springer Publishing. The book aims to provide a comprehensive guide on technologies and principles for space agriculture, covering topics from biochemistry to farm system calculations. David announced upcoming programs for the month, including guests Manuel Cuba, Isaac Arthur, and Michael Lissner, and reminded listeners of their annual fundraising campaign. Former NASA Administrator Dr. Mike Griffin with be with us Tuesday evening, Dec. 23.Bryce and David discussed the challenges and unknowns of growing plants in space, emphasizing the need to adapt Earth technologies while accounting for microgravity, different gravitational forces, and radiation. Bryce highlighted the lack of data on growing crops to maturity in space and the need for experiments to understand plant responses in these environments. They also touched on the potential impact of the space environment on plants, including chemical emissions from the structure and unknown factors like the moon's magnetic field. David humorously asked about plant consciousness, but Bryce focused on the practical challenges and the importance of further research.Marshall and Bryce discussed the adaptability of plants and the importance of a living soil biome for crop productivity. Bryce explained that while plants are highly adaptive, certain crop strains are specifically optimized for certain conditions. They explored the concept of transforming simulated lunar soil into a living soil biome, with Bryce mentioning research by Adam Williams on using red worms and manure to achieve this. Bryce also described the spectrum of growing methods from aeroponics to soil-based systems, highlighting the benefits of a full soil biome for plant resilience and nutrient availability.Bryce discussed the development of space farming and agriculture, noting that while significant progress has been made, such as China's 360-day closed-loop system with a crew of eight, there are still challenges. He suggested that dietary diversity and the inclusion of animals in the system could improve outcomes, as monotony and inadequate nutrition could lead to weight loss and decreased productivity. John Jossy and David explored the possibility of cultured meat in space, with Bryce warning about the risks of contamination in bioreactors, while suggesting tofu and other resilient crops as viable alternatives.Bryce continued discussing various animals and plants suitable for space agriculture, including chickens, goats, mealworms, and plants for pharmaceuticals. He explained the challenges of shipping animals, particularly mammals, due to their sensitivity during long space journeys. Bryce also highlighted the existing market for vertical farming technologies, which could be adapted for space agriculture, and mentioned the need to test these technologies in different gravity conditions.Our guest talked with us about the evolutionary model for Space Farms and emphasized the importance of adapting agricultural solutions to different settlement types. He noted that while China is ahead in some areas, the U.S. has made significant advancements in bioreactor technology. Bryce outlined a sequence for growing food on Mars, starting with salad greens, followed by high-value crops like peanuts and soybeans, and eventually tree crops like citrus. He also suggested growing strawberries and melons, as well as using aquaponics to cultivate shrimp for protein. The Wisdom Team discussed the potential of using crickets for protein, but Bryce suggested focusing on shrimp instead due to the “ick factor” that could deter settlers.The group discussed the challenges of growing food for children in space, focusing on nutritional needs and the impact of gravity on plant growth. Bryce explained that children require a more diverse amino acid profile and different fat content than adults, suggesting the need for animal or yeast-developed crops. They also touched on the importance of controlling environmental factors like light and CO2 levels for optimal plant growth. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the potential use of LED lights and the need for different growing strategies depending on the location, such as using lava tubes on the Moon or natural sunlight on Mars.Bryce mentioned different agricultural regimes for rotating habitats and the importance of energy calculations in determining the type of lighting used. He explained the processing steps needed to convert raw crops into edible foods, including the use of storage tanks and various storage mechanisms like vacuum packing. Our guest highlighted the role of spices in space agriculture and the challenges of growing certain spices like cinnamon. David inquired about the viability of Mars One's agricultural plan, and Bryce suggested that AI and augmented reality could be used to assist with maintenance and troubleshooting in space habitats without the need for excessive volunteers and labor.The Mars One topic led to a discussion about the labor requirements for farming, noting that while some tasks could be robotically assisted, people would likely be eager to participate in gardening activities. He shared personal anecdotes about his grandmother's farm management and suggested that future farms would need designated farm bosses to oversee operations. Marshall inquired about the maximum population density for efficient space farming, to which Bryce responded that current Earth-based farming supports 8 people per acre, while vertical farming could potentially accommodate 20 people per hectare. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the benefits of mushrooms in farming, particularly their ability to break down lignin in plant waste and their role in managing CO2 and oxygen cycles in closed-loop systems.Bryce continued by talking about agricultural techniques for space colonization, including the use of bioreactors, mushrooms, and various animals for food production. He explained the progression of animal farming in space, starting with birds and rabbits before moving to larger mammals like cows. Bryce also covered the potential use of genetically modified bacteria and lab-grown meat as backup food sources. The discussion touched on the practicality of these methods in space habitats like O'Neill colonies and long-duration space vehicles, considering factors such as radiation, contamination risks, and the efficiency of current agricultural technologies compared to those in the 1970s and 1980s.The challenges and benefits of rotating habitats for plant growth in space, emphasizing that they might be better than growing in lower gravity environments was one of our later topics. Phil inquired about the feasibility of a large-scale, long-duration experiment like Biosphere 2, to which Bryce responded that similar experiments have already been conducted by China and that a larger, more diverse structure like Biosphere 2 would be beneficial. The team touched on the potential ethical concerns surrounding the manipulation of life in space, including animal rights and dietary restrictions based on religious beliefs. Bryce suggested that vegetarian or vegan diets might be more feasible in the early stages of space settlement, as it could take several years to establish a self-sustaining food supply on Mars.Bryce concluded by talking about the need for further studies on space agriculture, emphasizing the importance of certifying existing technology in space and addressing biological questions related to plants in different gravity regimes. He highlighted the potential for large-scale plant testing in rotating settlements or on the moon within the next five to six years, as China is already planning to send plants to the moon. Bryce expressed hope that SpaceX and other experts would collaborate on these efforts, noting that the technology needed is already available. The discussion concluded with a reflection on ethical considerations in food production and consumption.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 No program today | Tuesday 16 Dec 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonTuesday, Dec. 16: No Program today. We are still in our campaign for 2026 funding. Please support us. See PayPal to the right side of our home page.Broadcast 4474: Hotel Mars with Dr. Sabyasachi Pal | Thursday 18 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Sabyasachi PalHotel Mars with Dr. Sabyasachi Pal re Giant Radio Quasars and his 53 black hole research papeFriday, Dec. 19, 2025 No program today. Please support The Space Show/. See the PayPal button on the right side of our home page. | Friday 19 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program today due to medical. Support The Space Show by using our PayPal button on the right side of our home page.Broadcast 4475 ZOOM Michael Listner, Atty. | Sunday 21 Dec 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Michael ListnerZOOM: Michael Listner, space atty breaks down legal, policy and more for 2025 space Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
The Space Show presents Manuel Cuba of Helix Space Luxembourg, Friday, 12-12-25.Quick SummaryOur program focused on Helix Space's operations in Luxembourg and their role in the European space sector, including discussions about funding, defense services, and commercial space activities. Manuel explained how Helix Space helps European companies access funding and develop innovation programs, while also addressing European space initiatives and launch capabilities. The conversation concluded with discussions about space medicine research, European space capabilities and challenges, and potential collaboration opportunities between American and European space companies.Detail SummaryOur guest shared that Helix Space, based in Luxembourg, has been operating for five years, noting that the COVID period was relatively mild in Luxembourg compared to other regions. John Jossie inquired about the impact of the UK's cancellation of its space department on European space activities, to which Manuel responded that it caused some media attention but had minimal practical impact, as the UK continues to contribute to the European Space Agency. This program began with an introduction to Helix Space and its ecosystem, focusing on the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and its role in accessing European Space Agency funding. Manuel explained the differences between the European Space Agency and the European Union Space Agency, highlighting their distinct responsibilities and occasional conflicts. The discussion also touched on European space initiatives like Iris Squared and the competition among European nation-states in the space sector.Manuel discussed his role as Managing Director of Helix Space in Luxembourg, explaining the company's focus on space technology and satellite manufacturing. David announced upcoming programs featuring Isaac Arthur, Michael Listner and Dr. Mike Griffin, and reminded listeners of the ongoing annual campaign. The show also highlighted the importance of listener support and various payment options, including PayPal, Zelle, and Substack.Manuel explained that Helix Space, which he co-founded over five years ago, initially focused on developing microgravity research products for both humans and animals, but later shifted its focus to 90% defense-related services and 10% civil space services. He detailed how the company helps European companies obtain public and private funding, develop innovation programs, and improve cybersecurity standards. David inquired about the commercial space boom, to which Manuel shared that both Luxembourg's Space Agency and the European Space Agency prioritize funding projects with strong commercial viability, requiring detailed business plans and evidence of market potential before supporting research and development.Manuel discussed the Feed for Start program, a national accelerator in Luxembourg that supports space companies worldwide, with successful graduates eligible for government funding to establish operations in Luxembourg. He highlighted a French company that enables rocket launch bookings, noting its improved website and growing customer base. John Jossy inquired about the market sectors for satellite customers, and Manuel outlined the main categories: traditional SATCOM, Earth observation, space services, and space resources, with Europe focusing on defensive measures rather than weaponization in space. David asked about Europe's stance on space weaponization, to which Manuel confirmed that Europe prioritizes defensive capabilities and cybersecurity measures, such as zero-trust architectures and potential robotic arms for satellite protection.Manuel discussed the significant impact of the Russian Ukrainian war on Europe's space sector, highlighting increased investments and the rapid sale of SAR satellites by Finnish company Ice Eye. He mentioned European companies like Redwire and Tumi Robotics developing autonomous systems for microgravity research and lunar exploration. Manuel also explained Helix Space's involvement with the European Space Resources Innovation Center's Startup Support Program, which helps startups develop terrestrial applications of lunar technology, and addressed the criticism and potential impact of the Artemis program on the European space industry.Next, the discussion focused on European space launch capabilities and trends. Manuel explained that while Ariane Space remains a significant provider with 11-12 launches annually, Europe is developing multiple new rocket companies including Rocket Factory Augsburg, ISAR Aerospace, and PLD Space to reduce dependency on foreign launch providers. Marshall inquired about European preferences for launch providers and payment methods, to which Manuel responded that public procurement follows open tenders while private actors choose based on availability and cost. David raised questions about European spaceports and private space stations, with Manuel noting that while there's activity around autonomous vehicles and payload capabilities, European companies like Airbus are partnering with American companies like Voyager Holdings for space station development.Manuel discussed Helix Base's for-profit business model, highlighting their success in helping companies raise funds and their work with European Space Resources Innovation Center. He mentioned several companies they work with, including Tumi Robotics, Space Backend, and Polymux Space, which are developing innovative technologies for space exploration and resource utilization. John Jossy inquired about Luxembourg's space resources law and asteroid mining, to which Manuel provided insights into the companies involved in these activities and their progress.Manuel explained that Helix Space focuses on preventive medicine rather than pharmaceutical development, drawing inspiration from his father's experience with alternative treatment in Peru and historical medical practices. He noted that healthcare costs are skyrocketing globally, with a significant portion of budgets dedicated to healthcare, and emphasized the need for preventive measures. Manuel and his wife, a systems biology expert, are exploring unconventional medical approaches based on historical anecdotes and scientific research, though he acknowledged that some of their findings should be taken with a grain of salt.Manuel discussed his company's efforts to develop preventive medicine treatments for conditions like osteoarthritis through space-based experiments. After assessing microgravity service providers in Europe, they found limited interest and decided to pause their efforts until there is more commercial demand. Manuel expressed frustration with the current space research ecosystem, particularly regarding the International Space Station's capabilities and the lengthy development processes, and emphasized the need for streamlined, autonomous operations in the future.Our guest explained that while space medicine research exists, there are no concrete medical products developed in space that have made it to market on Earth. He described the European Space Agency's requirement for business plans, which led to the adoption of the Business Model Canvas as a structured framework for proposal submissions. Manuel detailed how the Value Proposition Canvas tool helps identify and balance the diverse needs of different stakeholders in a business context, particularly relevant for space projects where system engineering processes are crucial.Manuel explained the opportunities for American startups to access the European market through Helix Pace, a chartered member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg. He highlighted the country's openness to American companies setting up subsidiaries or headquarters, as well as access to funding and expertise. He also discussed the European Space Agency's interest in lunar exploration and the selection process for astronauts, emphasizing the need for diplomatic negotiations and collaboration with NASA.Toward the end, our Managing Director guest discussed Europe's space capabilities and challenges, noting that while Europe lacks expertise and infrastructure to compete with China's moon program, it is focused on defense and rearmament. He mentioned that the European Space Agency is concerned about space debris and space weather and is developing programs to track debris and study its impact on infrastructure. Manuel also shared that RSS Hydro, a Luxembourg-based commercial space company specializing in flood and wildfire risk management, has been doubling revenue for the past three years and is expanding in the US. David invited Manuel to join the show's advisory board and suggested potential US events for Manuel to attend, including the Space Symposium and ISDC in Washington, D.C.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 No program today | Tuesday 16 Dec 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonTuesday, Dec. 16: No Program today. We are still in our campaign for 2026 funding. Please support us. See PayPal to the right side of our home page.Broadcast 4474: Hotel Mars with Dr. Sabyasachi Pal | Thursday 18 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Sabyasachi PalHotel Mars with Dr. Sabyasachi Pal re Giant Radio Quasars and his 53 black hole research papeFriday, Dec. 19, 2025 No program today. Please support The Space Show/. See the PayPal button on the right side of our home page. | Friday 19 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program today due to medical. Support The Space Show by using our PayPal button on the right side of our home page.Broadcast 4475 ZOOM Michael Listner, Atty. | Sunday 21 Dec 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Michael ListnerZOOM: Michael Listner, space atty breaks down legal, policy and more for 2025 space Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
The Space Show Presents Isaac Arthur, Sunday, 12-14-25Quick SummaryOur program began with a discussion about space exploration projects and the evolution of telecommunications, followed by a conversation about AI's impact on education and society. The Wisdom Team then explored various space-related topics including lunar missions, space habitats, and the importance of public-private partnerships in funding exploration efforts. The discussion concluded with Isaac, as president of the National Space Society, emphasizing the organization's mission and encouraging listener participation in space exploration initiatives.Detailed SummaryIsaac and I started the conversation talking about space exploration, with Isaac expressing caution about discussing specific details of NASA's Artemis program due to its frequent changes. David emphasized the need to balance discussion of Artemis with other space-related topics to avoid overwhelming our conversations as Artemis is a hot topic at this time. We began talking about space exploration projects, including Mars missions and space elevators, with Isaac expressing skepticism about fusion technology progress. I then introduced the program schedule, noting upcoming guest appearances and the annual fundraising campaign. Isaac, as the president of the National Space Society, started the space discussion which over time covered various space-related topics and the importance of listener end of the year support for The Space Show given we are 100% listener/participant financed.David and Isaac discussed the impact of AI on education and society. Isaac emphasized that AI should be viewed as a tool to augment human creativity and learning, rather than a replacement for critical thinking. He suggested that professors adapt their teaching methods to account for AI's presence, such as conducting in-person exams. David shared his experience using AI for medical information, which led to complaints from doctors. Isaac advised that while AI can be a useful diagnostic tool, it should not replace professional medical advice. Both agreed that critical thinking and understanding the limitations of AI are essential skills in the modern world.Isaac went on to discuss the current state and future of space exploration, emphasizing the significant progress made in the last decade and expressing optimism about returning to the moon, whether through Artemis or private sector initiatives. He noted that while commercial involvement in space has increased, NASA remains crucial for fundamental research and large-scale projects without a clear profit motive. Isaac also highlighted the importance of learning from past missions and the need for careful planning, suggesting that while Mars missions could be feasible in the near future, they should not be rushed.Our Wisdom Team along with Isaac discussed space exploration plans and competition with China. Isaac emphasized the importance of making detailed plans for space missions, including a permanent moon base with features like a nuclear reactor and the ability to rescue astronauts. He downplayed concerns about China's space program, noting that competition can drive progress. The discussion also covered the size and staffing requirements for a moon base, with Marshall and Isaac agreeing that it should be larger than the ISS and have a higher ratio of robots to humans due to communication delays. This part of the conversation concluded with Bill asking Isaac about his views on the future direction of NASA, given the potential confirmation of Isaacman as administrator.Isaac suggested that NASA should focus on the moon mission as its primary goal, requiring strong leadership and centralization to motivate and align companies involved. He emphasized the need for NASA to shift its focus towards commercial development and experimentation, potentially separating it from military space operations. John Hunt proposed that China's potential moon landing before the U.S. could actually benefit the U.S. space program by creating a sense of competition and urgency, though Isaac noted the risks of complacency and the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to space exploration.Isaac and David discussed the potential for public-private partnerships to fund lunar exploration and the challenges of predicting commercial opportunities in space. They explored various options for lunar and space-based activities, including manufacturing, resource utilization, and energy production. Isaac emphasized the importance of real-world testing and innovation in low gravity, while David raised concerns about the energy requirements for AI and data centers, suggesting that space-based data centers could offer regulatory advantages. Both agreed on the need for diverse energy sources and technological advancement to address global energy shortages.The Wisdom Team discussed energy solutions, with Dr. Kothari and Isaac agreeing that molten salt reactors using thorium could provide a safe and scalable solution for both civilization's energy needs and data center requirements. Isaac emphasized the importance of increasing energy generation capacity across multiple technologies rather than focusing on efficiency alone, while David raised concerns about the difficulty of getting broad support for these solutions from policymakers. The discussion concluded with Isaac noting that while government agencies like NASA struggle with public relations, private space companies have shown more success in marketing space initiatives to the public and policymakers.The team next discussed strategies for promoting space and nuclear initiatives to policymakers, with Isaac highlighting the importance of personal engagement and storytelling to generate enthusiasm. Dr. Kothari proposed collaboration between NSS and TSS to present a unified pitch for space and nuclear programs to key figures like J.D. Vance's Chief of Staff. Isaac shared insights on the economic and strategic benefits of space exploration, emphasizing the need for realistic messaging to avoid a space bubble. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the potential impact of SpaceX's IPO on the U.S. economy, with Isaac suggesting it could stabilize after an initial fluctuation.Isaac and Marshall discussed the economic potential of SpaceX's Starlink, with Marshall highlighting its rapid revenue growth and potential impact on global telecommunications. They explored the challenges and opportunities of space settlement, with Isaac emphasizing the importance of creating space habitats for long-term human presence, while acknowledging the need for gravity and the potential for new ecosystems in space. Before ending, David inquired about the feasibility of space settlement and the necessity of knowing the gravity RX for children, to which Isaac responded that while humans currently require gravity, future solutions like cybernetic organisms or genetic modifications could provide alternatives.Isaac discussed the feasibility of space habitats, noting that while O'Neill cylinders might not be built this century, smaller habitats like Calpana could be more realistic. He expressed skepticism about Musk's plan for a Mars city by mid-century, questioning the need for biological self-sustaining settlements and emphasizing the importance of medical intervention for gravity-related issues. Isaac also highlighted the potential challenges of raising children in space and suggested that space habitats would likely start with small, specialized populations rather than large, self-sustaining cities.Isaac and Dr. Ajay discussed the feasibility of building a smaller lunar lander within 3-5 years, with Isaac expressing skepticism about meeting such a tight timeline due to the complexity and risks involved in space missions. They also debated the merits of building a lunar lander versus a space station, with Isaac advocating for a more robust approach that includes both options. David raised concerns about potential regulatory and economic challenges that could hinder space exploration efforts in the coming years.Isaac discussed the importance of space regulations, emphasizing the need to balance economic development with safety and environmental concerns. He highlighted potential issues with space advertising and the need for international cooperation in regulating space activities. The conversation also touched on nuclear waste management, with Isaac suggesting recycling radioactive materials and disposing of them in deep oceanic trenches as safer alternatives to space disposal.Isaac, the president of the National Space Society, discussed the organization's mission and encouraged listeners to join, emphasizing its inclusive nature and the opportunity to contribute to space exploration efforts. He reflected on the journey of space exploration, highlighting the importance of enjoying the process rather than solely focusing on destinations. Isaac also mentioned upcoming events, including the ISDC conference in McLean, Virginia, and discussed plans for future roadmaps and white papers on space-related topics.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 No program today | Tuesday 16 Dec 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonTuesday, Dec. 16: No Program today. We are still in our campaign for 2026 funding. Please support us. See PayPal to the right side of our home page.Broadcast 4474: Hotel Mars with Dr. Sabyasachi Pal | Thursday 18 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Sabyasachi PalHotel Mars with Dr. Sabyasachi Pal re Giant Radio Quasars and his 53 black hole research papeFriday, Dec. 19, 2025 No program today. Please support The Space Show/. See the PayPal button on the right side of our home page. | Friday 19 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program today due to medical. Support The Space Show by using our PayPal button on the right side of our home page.Broadcast 4475 ZOOM Michael Listner, Atty. | Sunday 21 Dec 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Michael ListnerZOOM: Michael Listner, space atty breaks down legal, policy and more for 2025 space Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
The Space Show present Brian Clegg, author of “The Multiverse When One Universe Isn't Enough” on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025Short summaryOur discussion featured Brian Clegg, a UK science author, who talked his book “The Multiverse: When One Universe Isn't Enough.” The conversation explored various scientific theories about multiple universes, including inflationary cosmology, string theory, and the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, while acknowledging that these concepts remain largely speculative and not yet supported by strong scientific evidence. The discussion concluded with Brian sharing insights about writing science for general audiences and exploring the philosophical implications of multiverse theories, including their connection to spiritual perspectives and the challenges of communicating between different universes.Detailed SummaryI introduced the participants, including John Jossy, Dr. Sherry Bell, and Brian, who was joining from Wiltshire, England. Others from The Space Show Wisdom Team joined during the discussion.I introduced Brian Clegg, a well-known UK science author, to discuss his book “The Multiverse: When One Universe Isn't Enough.” Brian explained that the multiverse theory suggests the existence of multiple universes beyond our own, though he noted that this concept is still largely speculative and not yet widely accepted in mainstream science. The discussion touched on recent developments in physics, including Professor Tutani's work at the University of Tokyo on dark matter, which Brian expressed skepticism about without further confirmation. I also provided updates on the show's upcoming programs and encouraged listeners to support the show through donations and subscriptions.Brian discussed the concept of a multiverse, explaining that it extends beyond the traditional universe and is influenced by both scientific and fictional perspectives. He explored various scientific theories, including multiple universes resulting from more than one big bang or additional dimensions, and addressed the fine-tuning problem, which suggests that a multiverse could explain the existence of life in our universe. Brian noted that while some cosmologists and physicists support the idea of a multiverse, it remains largely philosophical and unproven, with no current scientific method to confirm its existence.We discussed various theories about the multiverse, including the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics and the concept of bubble universes expanding in a higher-dimensional space. Brian explained that while inflation is well-accepted in our universe, other universes could be based on different inflation models. Marshall raised questions about the 11 dimensions in string theory and their potential connection to other universes and gravity. Brian noted that while the Ekpyrotic Universe theory offers an interesting picture, there are still many gaps in the physics that need to be sorted out. He concluded that while the multiverse concept is intriguing, it remains largely speculative and not yet supported by strong scientific evidence.David and Brian discussed the concept of a multiverse, exploring its origins and the evolution of ideas about the universe over time. Brian explained that ancient civilizations, like the Greeks, had a limited view of the universe, constrained to the solar system, and lacked the scientific basis to conceptualize a larger universe. The invention of the telescope expanded their understanding, revealing a much larger scale with more stars and galaxies. Brian noted that modern multiverse theories, such as the many-worlds hypothesis and inflationary cosmology, emerged in the 20th century, often driven by philosophical and fictional influences. He also criticized the use of statistics in some multiverse theories, arguing that they do not provide a sound basis for concluding the existence of other universes.The Space Show Wisdom Team discussed the concept of fine-tuning in the universe, with David questioning how finely tuned properties could exist alongside random creation. Brian shared insights from physicist Fred Hoyle, who believed in some form of organization outside the universe, while John explained the anthropic principle, which suggests that the universe must have certain properties for conscious beings like humans to exist. Marshall inquired about the interrelation of physical constants, but Brian stated that no general theory unifying all constants into one basic constant like Planck's has been developed. Brian also clarified the distinction between the weak and strong anthropic principles, noting that while the weak principle is widely accepted, the strong principle faces challenges due to the lack of evidence for other universes and the misuse of statistics.Brian discussed his approach to writing about complex scientific concepts like the multiverse, emphasizing the importance of providing an overview and presenting different theories without getting overwhelmed by details. He highlighted the tendency of media headlines to overhype scientific ideas, using examples like the quantum multiverse and Google's analogy, and noted that scientists themselves often do not make such grand claims. Brian also explained the concept of colliding universes based on M-theory, where each universe is a multidimensional brane floating in a wider space, and discussed how gravity's weakness could be explained by these universes colliding.The Wisdom Team discussed the concept of multiple universes and how people might connect with the idea through spiritual or religious perspectives. Brian noted that the concept of parallel dimensions became popular in the late 19th century with the rise of spiritualism. John Hunt and David explored the possibility of extraterrestrials coming from other universes, but John emphasized that this is more science fiction than science. The discussion also touched on the challenges of communicating between different universes and the potential for time travel to create new realities.We continued focusing on multiverse theories and their implications, with Brian explaining that different bubble universes don't overlap because space itself is expanding rather than universes expanding into each other. He explored concepts of infinity and time with us, with Marshall and Brian discussing mathematical perspectives on infinity and Brian noting that while time travel is technically possible according to relativity, practical backward time travel remains unlikely. The conversation concluded with Brian discussing his upcoming biography of the electron and his approach to writing science for general audiences, noting that while multiverse theories remain speculative, they continue to be an interesting area for scientific and philosophical exploration.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4471 ZOOM Bryce Meyer | Tuesday 09 Dec 2025 700PM PTGuests: Bryce MeyerZOOM: Bryan talks about his upcoming book and growing food in spaceBroadcast 4772 Hotel Mars with Dr.Sabyasachi Pal | Wednesday 10 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Sabyasachi PalBlackhole discovery and theoryBroadcast 4473 ZOOM Manuel Cuba | Friday 12 Dec 2025 930AM PTGuests: Manuel CubaZoom: Manuel reports back from Helix Space in Luxembourg on private space investment in Europe and more,Broadcast 4474 Zoom Isaac Arthur | Sunday 14 Dec 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Isaac ArthurZoom: Isaac return with NSS news and other space, science, engineering news and questions and answers Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
The John Batchelor Hotel Mars program featuring co-host Dr. David Livingston and guest Rick Fisher discussed the space safety issues in that China's Space Station lacked an emergency lifeboat when their space craft sustained a crack in the window in space. Evidently a high-velocity space debris cracked a porthole on the Chinese space station, forcing the unmanned return of the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft given space safe concerns for occupants. Fisher criticized the Chinese space program for failing to maintain a backup “lifeboat” spacecraft attached to the station as this left their crew vulnerable for about ten days until an emergency backup vehicle could be sent up to them for return to Earth. The Chinese situation did not conform to the safety standards in place with the ISS without functional exit capability, a critical safety violation contradicting International Space Station protocols. John Batchelor pointed this out during the program. Rick also addressed other concerns with the Chinese space program.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:See The Space Show Upcoming Program Information on the right side of our home page, www.thespaceshow.com. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
Share a commentLooking for peace that doesn't evaporate when life changes? We dive into Philippians 4 and trace Paul's road-tested way of contentment from a prison room that felt more like a garden than a cell. Chained, underfed, and largely forgotten, he still rejoices—and shows us why gratitude, responsibility, acceptance, and dependence are not clichés but practices that reshape the heart. We also tackle the most misused line in the passage—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—and set it back into its true frame: strength to endure what God assigns, humility to handle abundance, and courage to keep going when resources run low.You'll hear how Paul reframes a small gift as blooming care, why learning in Scripture always means applying, and how contentment draws from inner resources in Christ rather than external substitutes like income, status, or comfort. We share practical ways to translate knowledge into wisdom under pressure, resist comparison, and accept today's assignment without resentment. Along the way, an unforgettable story about David Livingston's “walking stick” becomes a vivid picture of what we've been given—not a tool from the King, but the King himself.If your heart keeps reaching for “one more thing,” this conversation offers a grounded path forward. Expect honest realism about suffering and joy, plus clear steps to practice: name present mercies, apply one truth today, accept where you are, and rely on Christ for the next faithful move. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs steady hope, and leave a review to help others find these messages.The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMYSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Send us a textLooking for peace that doesn't evaporate when life changes? We dive into Philippians 4 and trace Paul's road-tested way of contentment from a prison room that felt more like a garden than a cell. Chained, underfed, and largely forgotten, he still rejoices—and shows us why gratitude, responsibility, acceptance, and dependence are not clichés but practices that reshape the heart. We also tackle the most misused line in the passage—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—and set it back into its true frame: strength to endure what God assigns, humility to handle abundance, and courage to keep going when resources run low.You'll hear how Paul reframes a small gift as blooming care, why learning in Scripture always means applying, and how contentment draws from inner resources in Christ rather than external substitutes like income, status, or comfort. We share practical ways to translate knowledge into wisdom under pressure, resist comparison, and accept today's assignment without resentment. Along the way, an unforgettable story about David Livingston's “walking stick” becomes a vivid picture of what we've been given—not a tool from the King, but the King himself.If your heart keeps reaching for “one more thing,” this conversation offers a grounded path forward. Expect honest realism about suffering and joy, plus clear steps to practice: name present mercies, apply one truth today, accept where you are, and rely on Christ for the next faithful move. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs steady hope, and leave a review to help others find these messages.Support the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Brief SummaryOur main program focus was on space exploration, where participants discussed various aspects including NASA's role, commercial space initiatives, and the future of human spaceflight, with particular emphasis on SpaceX's development timeline and capabilities. The conversation concluded with discussions about space markets, orbital data centers, and the broader implications of space exploration on American society and politics. The Space Show Wisdom Team including myself, guest Bob Zimmerman, Marshall Martin, Phil Swan, Dr. Doug Plata, John Hunt and Zoom phone caller Daniel. Note that in this program I experimented with various Zoom speaker layout positions. If you have a preferred format, please let me know by sending an email to drspace@thespaceshow.com or posting a blog message on the blog page on our website, www.thespaceshow.com/show/11-nov-2025/broadcast-4459-zoom-bob-zimmerman-returns.Detailed Summary:David and Bob discussed potential candidates for the position of NASA Administrator, expressing reservations about Isaacman and Sec. Duffy. They agreed on the importance of maintaining professional decorum during these discussions. The conversation also touched on the upcoming appearance of Avi Loeb on their show and the breaking up of the comet 3i Atlas.During the program Bob made some predictions about the future of space exploration. Zimmerman claimed that SpaceX, rather than NASA, is currently the most effective American space program. He predicted that in two years, everyone would recognize SpaceX's dominance. Zimmerman also suggested that NASA's role should become less significant, with its focus shifting to supporting private space endeavors rather than leading space exploration efforts.Bob predicted that Isaacman's nomination as NASA administrator would successful despite potential challenges, as he expects Isaacman to be confirmed. He speculated that Trump's initial withdrawal and subsequent renomination of Isaacman were influenced by Isaacman's past Democratic Party affiliations and his recent statements at a Turning Point USA event, which may have reassured Trump about Isaacman's loyalty. Bob expressed hope that Isaacman would reshape NASA to focus on public-private partnerships, making it more efficient and less relevant, though Congress's involvement could complicate this process. He also hoped that Isaacman, as a former astronaut, would prioritize safety and engineering over schedules, potentially delaying the Artemis mission to test critical systems without risking human lives. Bob believe it is unsafe or at least very risky to fly humans on the first mission with the Orion spacecraft.Our Wisdom Team discussed the Artemis program and its workforce, with Bob estimating around 2,000 people directly involved in building Artemis missions, plus additional contractors. They debated the future of human spaceflight, with Bob expressing skepticism about the long-term value of the Artemis program compared to private space initiatives like SpaceX's Starship. This part of the discussion concluded with Bob advocating for a more flexible approach to space exploration that focuses on building American space industry capabilities rather than competing with China to be first to return to the Moon.Phil and Bob discussed the challenges and approaches to space exploration, focusing on the differences between NASA's cautious engineering approach and SpaceX's faster, iterative testing method. Bob expressed concerns about the Orion spacecraft's heat shield issues and NASA's tendency to prioritize schedules over engineering safety, drawing parallels to past accidents. He emphasized the importance of rigorous testing and learning from failures, advocating for a SpaceX-like approach of frequent testing and flying. Bob also criticized Blue Origin's slowdown under new leadership, highlighting the need for continuous testing and improvement in space technology development.The Wisdom Team discussed SpaceX's upcoming launches and development timeline. Bob predicted that SpaceX's Flight Test 12 would be successful and occur around the end of December, with Flight Test 13 potentially featuring a double catch around February. He noted that SpaceX aims to conduct an orbital mission next, followed by tests of controlled re-entry and in-orbit refueling. We also discussed SpaceX's financial independence, with Bob emphasizing that Starlink revenue is solid and will allow SpaceX to pursue its own space program without relying on NASA. He predicted that in 2-3 years, SpaceX will be close to operational with Starship, capable of lunar missions and demonstrating refueling in space.Our team talked about Elon Musk's space ambitions and political stance, with Bob noting that while Musk's trillion-dollar bonus is not yet earned, his Mars colonization plans remain a key goal. David raised concerns about political polarization affecting space policy, particularly regarding Musk's relationship with NASA and the FAA's handling of SpaceX permits during the Biden administration. The discussion concluded with Bob comparing Musk to Cornelius Vanderbilt, emphasizing that despite Musk's failed attempt to create a new political party, his primary focus remains on engineering and space exploration rather than politics.The Wisdom Team went on to discuss the scientific analysis of comet 3i Atlas, with Bob expressing frustration that Avi Loeb's claims about it being an alien spacecraft have distracted from the significant finding that it is a typical interstellar comet, similar to others in the solar system. Bob criticized Loeb's approach as overanalyzing and not supported by the data, while Phil and John suggested that Loeb's intentions might be more about raising awareness and preparedness for such phenomena rather than genuinely believing in an alien origin.We shifted to a discussion about space exploration, with Bob predicting a busy year for commercial space launches, including attempts from several companies like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and various Chinese and Indian startups. David inquired about the timeline for establishing private lunar habitats, to which Bob suggested that within two decades, thriving commercial operations could be established on the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies, pending the freedom for private enterprise in space exploration.We went on to talk about the role of robots and AI in space exploration while emphasizing that while AI and robots are valuable tools, they should not replace human exploration. Bob noted that SpaceX's Elon Musk uses AI sparingly in their operations and views robots as tools to enable human achievement rather than as the primary goal. The conversation then shifted to Mars exploration, where Bob highlighted that current rovers have focused on scientific research rather than potential colony sites, and he suggested that future robotic missions should focus on scouting locations where humans might establish colonies. David raised concerns about Space Show programs continued heavy focus on SpaceX, noting that while SpaceX dominates the American space program, he strives to diversify the discussion topics. Not always do the participants pay attention to that effort at program diversity.The Wisdom Team started talking about development of space markets and the cost of accessing space. Bob argued that while launch costs have decreased, they are still high enough to support private investment in space companies, citing examples like SpaceX's success and new competitors like Rocket Lab and Stoke Space. Phil countered that launch costs have not significantly decreased, with Falcon 9 still costing around $6,500 per kilogram, and emphasized that more significant cost reductions are needed for a major increase in space businesses. Collectively we discussed how competition could eventually drive down launch costs, with Robert expressing regret that Blue Origin's delays have hindered competition with SpaceX.The Wisdom Team discussed the economics of space launch vehicles, with Bob and Phil debating the extent to which SpaceX has achieved “cheap access to space.” While Phil noted that SpaceX's prices haven't significantly decreased from historical rates, Bob emphasized that SpaceX's reusable rockets provide a cost advantage over other launch providers. The discussion then shifted to Daniel's question about space-based data centers, with Phil providing engineering insights about the challenges of power and heat management in different orbital locations.As our program was ending, phone listener Daniel brought up for discussion the feasibility of orbital data centers, with Marshall proposing the idea of using Starlink satellites equipped with AI processors and solar panels. Bob emphasized that while the concept might be promising, it would require investment capital and launch capacity. David shared his concerns about the practicality of orbital data centers, citing the challenges of energy supply and cooling in space. The discussion concluded with suggestions for future projects and the need for concise communication with our team members and the guest in future shows.HISTORICAL NOTE:During the discussion, I mentioned an older show with the student posting cube sat instructions on the web back in the day when cube sats were not a common term or space hardware item. The program in question featured Zac Manchester who was doing a Kickstarter program and he posted cube sat diagrams on the web. The program link is www.thespaceshow.com/show/05-feb-2013/broadcast-1944-special-edition. This program with Zac was dated Feb. 5, 2013. If any of you know what Zac is doing today, I would like to catch up with him, maybe have him return as a Space Show guest. If you have trouble playing this oldie but goodie, email me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Matthew GrahamDr. Graham discusses the slow consumption of a star by a black holeBroadcast 4461: ZOOM Dr. Daniel Whiteson | Friday 14 Nov 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Daniel WhitesonZoom: Dr. Whiteson discusses his book “Do Aliens Speak Physics?”Broadcast 4462: Zoom: Dr. Doug Plata | Sunday 16 Nov 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Doug Plata Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
The Space Show Presents Open Lines Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025Brief Summary: The program began with discussions about the delayed New Glenn rocket launch due to weather concerns, followed by conversations about space policy, regulations, and the future of the International Space Station. The group explored various space exploration programs and technologies, including NASA's Orion program, commercial space stations, and potential human settlements on the Moon and Mars. They concluded by discussing upcoming launches, space policy uncertainties, and more.Detailed Summary:Our program began with a discussion about the New Glenn rocket launch, which was delayed due to weather conditions. Bill Gowan provided updates on the launch window and weather concerns. David discussed potential changes to the Space Show which might include plans to post videos on YouTube for a broader audience. The Space Show (SS) Wisdom Team also touched on upcoming Space Show guests and programming changes for 2025. Ryan Watson, a caller, joined the discussion to share his concerns about the FAA's new regulations on rocket launches and the current state of air traffic control.The Space Show Wisdom Team discussed an article by Casey H. that critically assesses NASA's Orion program, highlighting concerns about cost, schedule, and technical issues. Bill shared this article with the participants, noting his interest in further investigating these concerns. David mentioned inviting the author back to his show for a future discussion which will be Dec. 2. Peter raised questions about the future of the International Space Station (ISS), expressing concern about its planned deorbiting in 2030. Marshall explained that the ISS, like any aircraft, experiences stress and wear over time, making its continued operation unsafe beyond a certain point. He suggested that the modular design of the ISS could allow for partial reuse in a new station or other projects. David noted that space biomed researchers would like to see the ISS continue due to its valuable contributions to medical research, but he expressed doubt about its extension given budget constraints and the high cost of maintenance.The Wisdom Team discussed the future of the International Space Station (ISS) and its potential replacement with commercial space stations. Doug cited a high cost per paper ($700,000) produced by ISS research, questioning its value for American taxpayers. Phil and Doug agreed that NASA should focus on Moon and Mars programs rather than extending ISS operations, as commercial space stations are unlikely to become commercially viable without NASA funding. Bill inquired about the potential value of relocating ISS to a resource-rich location, but Doug expressed skepticism about the feasibility and cost of such an operation.The Wisdom Team discussed the value and necessity of maintaining a human presence in space, particularly focusing on space stations, the Moon, and Mars. Doug expressed skepticism about the economic benefits of space stations, emphasizing the potential for national prestige and military applications, though he questioned whether these justify human presence in orbit. The conversation shifted to the long-term potential of establishing human settlements on the Moon and Mars, with Phil and Doug agreeing that such endeavors would require a long-term perspective and careful consideration of each step. John Jossy highlighted Elon Musk's focus on infrastructure and transportation for Mars, while also noting the need to address the question of human reproduction in space. Bill shared an update about a recent incident involving Chinese astronauts being stranded at their space station due to debris damage.The Wisdom Team took on the challenge to discuss hardware incompatibility between different space programs, particularly regarding the Chinese space station, with Bill suggesting that an adapter similar to the Apollo-Soyuz test flight project could be a solution. They also explored the Artemis program's future, with Phil expressing optimism about its success despite public perception issues regarding cost, while Doug and Marshall discussed the potential for SpaceX's Starship to eventually replace the Artemis program, particularly for missions beyond Artemis III.Next, the Wisdom Team discussed the upcoming New Glen launch, with Phil expressing confidence in its engineering capabilities and potential to compete with SLS. Doug highlighted Blue Origin's Blue Moon program as a significant alternative to SpaceX's Starship, noting its hydrogen upper stage for lunar resource utilization. David raised concerns about the lack of constants in current space policy and the challenges of planning in such an uncertain environment, while Peter suggested that private industry might be more reliable than government policies due to their focus on profitability.Our Wisdom Team discussed several key topics related to space exploration and technology. They examined the potential for data centers in space, with some skepticism about the feasibility due to thermal and cost constraints. The conversation also covered the upcoming New Glenn launch and NASA leadership candidates, with particular focus on Jared Isaacman's potential appointment as NASA administrator.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4459 ZOOM Bob Zimmerman returns | Tuesday 11 Nov 2025 700PM PTGuests: Robert ZimmermanZOOM. Bob is back and policy and news plus a look at space 2025.Broadcast 4460 Hotel Mars: Dr. Matthew Graham, an astronomer at the California Institute of Technology | Wednesday 12 Nov 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Matthew GrahamDr. Graham discusses the slow consumption of a star by a black holeBroadcast 4461: ZOOM Dr. Daniel Whiteson | Friday 14 Nov 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Daniel WhitesonZoom: Dr. Whiteson discusses his book “Do Aliens Speak Physics?”Broadcast 4462: Zoom: Dr. Doug Plata | Sunday 16 Nov 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Doug Plata Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
The Habitability of Venus's Clouds: Following Chemical Clues to Possible Life. Dr. David Grinspoon (Planetary Science Institute) and Dr. David Livingston (The Space Show) discuss the growing mainstream focus on the potential for life in the clouds of Venus. Although the surface is too extreme, the cloud layer provides a relatively benign environment with low pressure and cool temperatures, prompting questions about potential habitability. Life might have migrated to the clouds if Venus lost its ancient, biologically promising oceans. The controversial detection of phosphine, a chemical largely produced by life on Earth, serves as an intriguing, strange chemical clue suggesting something "weird" is happening. Grinspoon also addresses panspermia, noting that hardy organisms like tardigrades could potentially survive natural transfers between planets or even interstellar journeys. The ideal altitude, or "sweet spot," for possible life is around 50 kilometers, where conditions resemble Earth's surface.
New NASA Missions DAVINCI and VERITAS Set to Decipher Venus's Atmosphere and History. Dr. David Grinspoon (Planetary Science Institute) and David Livingston (The Space Show) describe the upcoming NASA missions to Venus: DAVINCI (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) and VERITAS. DAVINCI will be the first entry probe with modern instruments since 1979, descending through the atmosphere to sample gases and measure temperature and pressure, also capturing descent photographs. A core scientific goal is obtaining a precise measurement of the deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio and noble gas abundances to better reconstruct the history of water loss and the atmosphere. VERITAS, an orbiter, will use radar and infrared mapping to look for signs of active volcanism and geological evidence of ancient shorelines on the surface. These missions aim to collect detailed data that will allow scientists to walk backward through time and understand how Venus transitioned into its current extremely hot state. Retry
Power Struggle Over NASA and the Moon Race Guests: Douglas Messier, David Livingston Douglas Messier discusses a power struggle over NASA, including acting administrator Shawn Duffy's interest in folding NASA into the Department of Transportation and his concern that the United States might lose the Moon Race 2.0 to China. Duffy has challenged SpaceX's contract for the Artemis 3 moon landing, aiming to accelerate lander development amid fears that dependence on the complex Starship/Superheavy architecture might delay the mission beyond 2029.
Anthony and Laurie skip the news this week, except to point to some Halloween-themed content on TrekMovie.com along with our #TrekStarHalloween costume contest on Instagram, with prizes from Doug Drexler’s personal collection. The main part of the podcast is Laurie's recent interview with Star Trek's most prolific director, David Livingston, to celebrate Star Trek: Voyager‘s 30th anniversary and raise money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Laurie and David dug into specific choices in episodes of Voyager, working with guest stars like Scarlett Pomers and Sarah Silverman, David's joy whenever he's asked to talk Trek, and just how much involvement a Star Trek director had back in the Berman era. They wrap up talking about the microgrants created to honor the legacy of SyFy Sista Subrina Wood.
Anthony and Laurie skip the news this week, except to point to some Halloween-themed content on TrekMovie.com along with our #TrekStarHalloween costume contest on Instagram, with prizes from Doug Drexler’s personal collection. The main part of the podcast is Laurie's recent interview with Star Trek's most prolific director, David Livingston, to celebrate Star Trek: Voyager‘s 30th anniversary and raise money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Laurie and David dug into specific choices in episodes of Voyager, working with guest stars like Scarlett Pomers and Sarah Silverman, David's joy whenever he's asked to talk Trek, and just how much involvement a Star Trek director had back in the Berman era. They wrap up talking about the microgrants created to honor the legacy of SyFy Sista Subrina Wood.
SHOW 10-23-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1882 BLACK SEA RUSSIAN FLEET THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT A UKRAINE RESOLUTION... FIRST HOUR 9-915 Delayed Budapest Summit and Ukraine Negotiation Sticking Points. Anatol Lieven discusses how negotiations between the US and Russia, including a planned Budapest meeting, are delayed despite some progress on security issues like Trump's position on Ukraine joining NATO. The major sticking point remains Russia's demand that Ukraine withdraw from the rest of the Donbas, which Ukrainian leaders deem politically impossible. While Russia has scaled back some territorial claims, a viable peace settlement likely necessitates a ceasefire along existing lines, coupled with lifting sanctions. Escalation risks remain high due to potential accidental military clashes. 915-930 Delayed Budapest Summit and Ukraine Negotiation Sticking Points. Anatol Lieven discusses how negotiations between the US and Russia, including a planned Budapest meeting, are delayed despite some progress on security issues like Trump's position on Ukraine joining NATO. The major sticking point remains Russia's demand that Ukraine withdraw from the rest of the Donbas, which Ukrainian leaders deem politically impossible. While Russia has scaled back some territorial claims, a viable peace settlement likely necessitates a ceasefire along existing lines, coupled with lifting sanctions. Escalation risks remain high due to potential accidental military clashes. 930-945 Trump Administration Sanctions Hit Russia's Oil Lifeline. Michael Bernstam discussed the Trump administration's politically significant sanctions targeting Russia's two largest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, affecting 56% of Russian output. The sanctions caused world oil prices to jump temporarily and elicited an immediate angry response from Putin, who called it an "unfriendly act." The primary financial impact on Russia will be much deeper discounts demanded by buyers, significantly hurting the Russian budget. Europe is meanwhile nearing liberation from Russian energy dependence due to abundant US liquefied natural gas (LNG). 945-1000 UN Cyber Crime Treaty: Authoritarian Assault on Free Speech. Ivana Stradner discussed the controversial UN Cyber Crime Treaty, which she argues is an assault on international rule of law spearheaded by Russia and China. The treaty is feared because it enables digital authoritarianism, censorship, and surveillance by potentially forcing companies to grant government access to private data and share user information globally. The US should reject ratification and defer to the Budapest Convention, relying instead on powerful offensive and defensive cyber capabilities for deterrence. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Political Shifts and Security Crises Across Latin America. Professor Evan Ellis reported on a shifting Latin American landscape. Argentina's Milei navigates a key election after implementing painful economic cuts, backed by a new US currency swap deal. Bolivia's Luis Arce seeks warmer US ties while managing a severe economic crisis. Peru's president declared a state of emergency to address rampant insecurity and extortion in Lima. Concurrently, the US is escalating pressure on Venezuela's Maduro regime, primarily targeting the criminal Cartel de los Soles leadership. 1015-1030 Political Shifts and Security Crises Across Latin America. Professor Evan Ellis reported on a shifting Latin American landscape. Argentina's Milei navigates a key election after implementing painful economic cuts, backed by a new US currency swap deal. Bolivia's Luis Arce seeks warmer US ties while managing a severe economic crisis. Peru's president declared a state of emergency to address rampant insecurity and extortion in Lima. Concurrently, the US is escalating pressure on Venezuela's Maduro regime, primarily targeting the criminal Cartel de los Soles leadership. 1030-1045 Political Shifts and Security Crises Across Latin America. Professor Evan Ellis reported on a shifting Latin American landscape. Argentina's Milei navigates a key election after implementing painful economic cuts, backed by a new US currency swap deal. Bolivia's Luis Arce seeks warmer US ties while managing a severe economic crisis. Peru's president declared a state of emergency to address rampant insecurity and extortion in Lima. Concurrently, the US is escalating pressure on Venezuela's Maduro regime, primarily targeting the criminal Cartel de los Soles leadership. 1045-1100 Political Shifts and Security Crises Across Latin America. Professor Evan Ellis reported on a shifting Latin American landscape. Argentina's Milei navigates a key election after implementing painful economic cuts, backed by a new US currency swap deal. Bolivia's Luis Arce seeks warmer US ties while managing a severe economic crisis. Peru's president declared a state of emergency to address rampant insecurity and extortion in Lima. Concurrently, the US is escalating pressure on Venezuela's Maduro regime, primarily targeting the criminal Cartel de los Soles leadership. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Robert McNamara: From WWII Statistical Control to Kennedy's Star. Professor William Taubman detailed Robert McNamara's rise, beginning as a statistician in WWII advising General Curtis LeMay on firebombing techniques, a success McNamara later regretted as potentially criminal. After becoming president of Ford, he reluctantly joined JFK's administration as Secretary of Defense. McNamara's brilliance and efficiency led Kennedy to admire him as the cabinet's star, even considering him for vice president in 1964 and the presidential candidate in 1968. 1115-1130 Robert McNamara: From WWII Statistical Control to Kennedy's Star. Professor William Taubman detailed Robert McNamara's rise, beginning as a statistician in WWII advising General Curtis LeMay on firebombing techniques, a success McNamara later regretted as potentially criminal. After becoming president of Ford, he reluctantly joined JFK's administration as Secretary of Defense. McNamara's brilliance and efficiency led Kennedy to admire him as the cabinet's star, even considering him for vice president in 1964 and the presidential candidate in 1968. 1130-1145 Robert McNamara: From WWII Statistical Control to Kennedy's Star. Professor William Taubman detailed Robert McNamara's rise, beginning as a statistician in WWII advising General Curtis LeMay on firebombing techniques, a success McNamara later regretted as potentially criminal. After becoming president of Ford, he reluctantly joined JFK's administration as Secretary of Defense. McNamara's brilliance and efficiency led Kennedy to admire him as the cabinet's star, even considering him for vice president in 1964 and the presidential candidate in 1968. 1145-1200 Robert McNamara: From WWII Statistical Control to Kennedy's Star. Professor William Taubman detailed Robert McNamara's rise, beginning as a statistician in WWII advising General Curtis LeMay on firebombing techniques, a success McNamara later regretted as potentially criminal. After becoming president of Ford, he reluctantly joined JFK's administration as Secretary of Defense. McNamara's brilliance and efficiency led Kennedy to admire him as the cabinet's star, even considering him for vice president in 1964 and the presidential candidate in 1968. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 The AI Infrastructure Gold Rush and Europe's Absence. Chris Riegel discusses how the AI revolution is driving a feverish rush to build large data centers (one gigawatt or better), though energy access is a critical choke point that may cause conflict between commercial demand and normal consumers by summer 2026. This intense global competition, likened to a gold rush, is primarily a two-horse race between the US and China. Europe is largely sitting out the advanced AI development wave, which is considered a tactical mistake that may leave them reliant on American or Chinese technology. 1215-1230 CBP Admits Fake Record Used to Jail Bolsonaro Advisor in Brazil. Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses how US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admitted an erroneous entry record was created and used by Brazilian Justice Alexandre de Moraes to jail Felipe Martins, an advisor to former President Bolsonaro. De Moraes used the apparently fake I-94 document, which contained a misspelling and a canceled passport number, to hold Martins for 183 days to extract information about an alleged coup plot. The unprecedented CBP admission confirms a file violation and suggests ongoing malfeasance. 1230-1245 US Accelerates Moon Race Against China. Rick Fisher and David Livingston discuss how the US moon race is accelerating, driven by President Trump's demand to land on the moon by 2028 and concerns that China, using the Long March 10 booster, might get there by 2029. Interim NASA Director Sean Duffy reopened the lunar lander contract, previously held by SpaceX's Starship, to Blue Origin and potentially Lockheed Martin, seeking multiple pathways. The Chinese space program is viewed as a strategic maneuver aimed at distracting the US from other global conflicts. 1245-100 AM US Accelerates Moon Race Against China. Rick Fisher and David Livingston discuss how the US moon race is accelerating, driven by President Trump's demand to land on the moon by 2028 and concerns that China, using the Long March 10 booster, might get there by 2029. Interim NASA Director Sean Duffy reopened the lunar lander contract, previously held by SpaceX's Starship, to Blue Origin and potentially Lockheed Martin, seeking multiple pathways. The Chinese space program is viewed as a strategic maneuver aimed at distracting the US from other global conflicts.
US Accelerates Moon Race Against China. Rick Fisher and David Livingston discuss how the US moon race is accelerating, driven by President Trump's demand to land on the moon by 2028 and concerns that China, using the Long March 10 booster, might get there by 2029. Interim NASA Director Sean Duffy reopened the lunar lander contract, previously held by SpaceX's Starship, to Blue Origin and potentially Lockheed Martin, seeking multiple pathways. The Chinese space program is viewed as a strategic maneuver aimed at distracting the US from other global conflicts. 1954
US Accelerates Moon Race Against China. Rick Fisher and David Livingston discuss how the US moon race is accelerating, driven by President Trump's demand to land on the moon by 2028 and concerns that China, using the Long March 10 booster, might get there by 2029. Interim NASA Director Sean Duffy reopened the lunar lander contract, previously held by SpaceX's Starship, to Blue Origin and potentially Lockheed Martin, seeking multiple pathways. The Chinese space program is viewed as a strategic maneuver aimed at distracting the US from other global conflicts.
Brief Summary:John Batchelor and I welcomed our guest, Anatoly Zak of the RussianSpaceWeb.com. Anatoly updated us regarding the continued Russian debates about orbits and costs for a new space station after the ISS is deorbited. Anatoly Zak went into detail about Roscosmos facing challenging questions over the orbit of its new space station, considering both a low-inclination 51-degree orbit or a more expensive near-polar orbit. Our guest outlined the pluses and negatives for both choices. The polar orbit offers an valuable strategic Arctic observation but increases radiation risk and reduces the all important payload capacity for such a mission. Russia's economic realities given the war in Ukraine and sanctions may force Roscosmos to take the cheaper 51-degree orbit, even possibly using existing ISS infrastructure, to ensure an operational station for cosmonauts by 2031. Don't miss this two part discussion what Russia is considering post ISS. Do check out www.russianspaceweb.com for all the space news, both current and historical, for the Russian space program.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4450 ZOOM Phil Swan | Friday 24 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: Phil SwanZoom: Phil talks about going to Mars with kinetic energyBroadcast 4451 Zoom OPEN LINES | Saturday 25 Oct 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David Livingston, The Space Show Zoom Team & Zoom callersZOOM Open Lines discussion Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
Quick recap: The program began with a focus on Neil Armstrong's academic background and connections to USC, including his completed coursework and potential master's degree, as well as his compensation as a NASA civil servant. The discussion concluded with an examination of space engineering education and industry practices, including the balance between government oversight and contractor responsibility, and the challenges of returning to the moon and planning future space missions. We were joined by Marshall Martin, Phil Swan, John Hunt and Dr. Ajay Kothari.I hosted this Space Show program featuring Dr. Mike Gruntman, who discussed his latest book about Neil Armstrong's connection to USC. Gruntman revealed that Armstrong, while serving in the Navy during the Korean War, took courses at USC from 1955-1962, eventually completing all coursework for a master's degree in aeronautics except for his thesis, which he never completed due to his NASA commitments. I also announced upcoming programs with Phil Swan, and Bill Gowan as well as a special day Halloween show featuring Dr. Sharma from Cedars-Sinai discussing their 3D printing of cardiac tissue and new space medical lab research unit.Mike discussed the history of the Apollo program, focusing on Neil Armstrong's involvement with Purdue University. He detailed Armstrong's earned Master of Science degree and shared insights from his personal archives, including his grades and the content of his lecture at USC on the moon landing. Mike also highlighted the significant workforce reduction following the Apollo program and the practice of bringing in top industrial talent to lead NASA projects, which he suggested could be relevant for future space missions. He drew a link to workforce reductions planned for NASA at this time.I informed Mike and the audience about Roger Launius upcoming appearance as a guest on their space show program on November 7th. Mike shared interesting findings about Neil Armstrong's compensation as a NASA civil servant in 1969, which was significantly higher than Michael Collins's salary as the latter was still in the military. They discussed Armstrong's academic background and his desire to become a professor, as well as his contributions to NASA and his subsequent career as a university professor. Marshall commented on the astronauts' reputation for being “rock-hard” test pilots, and Mike explained NASA's development of a lunar lander research vehicle and simulator for training astronauts to land on the moon.Mike discussed the unique space engineering department at USC, highlighting its success and the contributions of its students. He mentioned that Buzz Aldrin visited the campus several times, inspiring students. Mike also shared insights into the history of the Apollo program and the impact it had on the aerospace industry. David inquired about the current mood regarding the Artemis program at USC, to which Mike responded that faculty opinions vary, with most not having detailed knowledge of the program.Mike discussed the evolution of space engineering education and industry practices, highlighting the shift from performance-driven government programs to financially-driven commercial space initiatives. He explained that while commercial space has grown to be six times larger than government space worldwide, government programs remain crucial for technological advancement and fundamental research. Mike emphasized that both approaches are necessary, as government programs provide the performance-driven environment needed for technological innovation, while commercial space drives cost efficiency and rapid development.Mike discussed the balance between government oversight and contractor responsibility in space exploration, drawing on Apollo-era practices where NASA maintained discipline while granting significant autonomy to contractors like Grumman. He noted that today's government centers have varying levels of expertise, with some being effective while others are ossified, making it challenging to remove ineffective parts without harming the whole. Mike also compared Soviet space programs' heavy bureaucratic oversight with the U.S. approach, suggesting that while Soviet control could prevent fraud, it often stifled innovation. He concluded that while there are no easy solutions, NASA needs to make clear decisions about lunar exploration and contractor roles, particularly given SpaceX's current delays in meeting launch schedules.Mike discussed the challenges and considerations for returning to the moon, emphasizing the need for a strategic plan that could include a lunar gateway for long-term infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of strong leadership and the influence of politics on space programs, noting that NASA should provide a feasibility assessment for any mission. Mike expressed optimism about long-term lunar exploration but expressed concerns about the lack of investment in technologies like artificial gravity and nuclear reactors, which are crucial for sustained human presence on the moon and future Mars missions. He suggested prioritizing a return to the moon before attempting a direct trip to Mars, as it could serve as a stepping stone for future exploration.The discussion focused on space exploration and the challenges of congressional oversight. Dr. Gruntman, a space expert, explained how SpaceX's approach to rapid development and testing, reminiscent of NASA's George Mueller's strategy in the 1960s, differs from traditional government methods. They discussed the importance of the Lunar Orbit Rendezvous strategy in enabling the moon landing. John raised concerns about potential delays in Elon Musk's Mars colonization plans due to on-orbit refueling challenges. The group also discussed the need for better congressional oversight of space programs, with David questioning how to educate lawmakers on space issues. Mike noted that professional societies could play a role but have become politicized. The conversation concluded with a brief discussion about the Mars Society presentation scheduled for Friday by Phil Swan who participated in this program today.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4450 ZOOM Phil Swan | Friday 24 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: Phil SwanZoom: Phil talks about going to Mars with kinetic energyBroadcast 4451 Zoom OPEN LINES | Saturday 25 Oct 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David Livingston, The Space Show Zoom Team & Zoom callersZOOM Open Lines discussion Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
Quick Summary: The program focused on discussing space architecture developments over the past 18 years, including the impact of reduced launch costs and the current state of lunar mission initiatives. The conversation covered technical details of lunar construction projects, including power requirements, reactor deployment, and the development of construction equipment and materials for moon bases. The discussion concluded with an overview of funding sources, regulatory challenges, and educational programs related to lunar exploration, emphasizing the importance of NASA partnerships and commercial opportunities in space infrastructure development. Joining us in the program were John Jossy, John Hunt, Bill Gowan, Marshall Martin, and Dr. Ajay Kotari.David and Sam discussed the significant changes in space architecture over the past 18 years since he was first a guest on The Space Show. Sam highlighted the reduction in launch costs as a key enabler. Sam explained his focus on using plant material for industrial processes like 3D printing on the moon. The discussion concluded with an overview of upcoming Space Show programs and a reminder about listener-supported fundraising efforts including Substack subscriptions.Sam discussed the significant impact of reduced launch costs on space exploration, highlighting SpaceX's role in this development. He expressed concerns about the U.S. lagging behind China in lunar missions and emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong pace in space leadership. Sam also detailed Astroport's efforts to build moon ports, including the development of a 15-acre testbed in Midland, Texas (west Texas) to simulate lunar conditions for testing construction and engineering techniques. He stressed the need for further research into civil engineering and geotechnics for moon base construction, as well as the importance of cargo complement and autonomous construction technology.We talked quite a bit about landing pads and Sam showed creative videos of their lunar development, construction and land pad plans via Zoom screen sharing. Sam explained that while the Artemis III landing pad is planned for the 2030s, their fusion surface power program might require building the power reactor foundation first, which would involve bringing construction equipment in the first landing. They are developing a brick bot as a technology demonstrator to be launched by 2028, and while they have some interface with Starship, they are not directly working with them. Sam emphasized the importance of standardized containerized cargo for logistics, Our Space Show program team asked about the power requirements for various tasks, noting that NASA mentions 100 kilowatts but questioning if more power would be needed for activities like sintering regolith and building roads.Sam also explained the power requirements for their lunar construction project, noting that while 20 kilowatts is sufficient for brickmaking, more power is needed for other tasks. He described plans to use portable solar power towers to generate energy for rovers and construction equipment, with potential suppliers including Astrobotic and Honeybee. Our guest also emphasized that they would act as general contractors, subcontracting various components to partners like Astrobotic for mobility platforms and other utilities. He concluded by showing an additional video of the construction layout and deployment process for the reactor and associated equipment.We discussed the development of lunar landing pads give I asked him to describe one in detail. Sam said that they would be 100 meters in diameter with a 50-meter target landing area and a 25-meter apron. He described the construction materials, including interlocking bricks that are 50 millimeters thick, and highlighted challenges in creating bricks in a vacuum environment due to outgassing. He also presented their work on material science, including the use of biomass to create 3D-printed tiles and the development of an excavator with interchangeable implements for lunar construction.Our guest explained the system architecture for a brick-making demonstration on the moon, aiming to combine multiple processes into one platform to create bricks in a vacuum by 2028. He described a subscale vibrating compactor being developed and its power requirements. The group discussed the layout for a lunar base, including the need to place a nuclear reactor over a kilometer away from the habitation zone for radiation protection and to prevent blast effects from affecting assets. John Jossy questioned why the initial landing couldn't be closer to the reactor site, but Sam clarified that the initial landing would be automated and not intended for return, with the goal of establishing a permanent outpost. Radiation exposure was a reason and safety measure were being carefully planned and designed into the project.The team discussed the logistics of deploying a nuclear reactor and associated equipment on the moon, focusing on the challenges of cargo capacity and the need to bring multiple pieces of equipment for both the reactor and landing pad construction. They explored options for power transmission, including the possibility of wireless power transmission, and discussed additional radiation protection measures, with Marshall suggesting the use of topology and walls to shield the reactor. Sam mentioned their work on the Lido mission in the Marius Hills area, which includes developing technologies for accessing and utilizing lava tubes, though these are not currently present at the South Pole site being considered.I asked about his sources o funding and if he was already generating revenue. Sam explained that Astroport is funded through NASA contracts and DOD contracts, with revenue generated through R&D, and they are preparing for Phase 3 funding next year. The team discussed reactor options, with John Hunt suggesting a pebble bed reactor, and Sam noted they will follow NASA's chosen provider for the reactor. I inquired about his regulatory issues and challenges for putting equipment on the Moon and developing it much like the development of a large r/e project here on Earth. Sam mentioned regulatory and legal challenges for lunar operations, including the need for state government sanction and licensing, while John Hunt raised concerns about radiation exposure during human landings, which our guest suggested could be addressed by shutting down the reactor temporarily.Sam discussed the progress and challenges of developing lunar infrastructure in collaboration with Orbit Fab, focusing on water supply and fuel processing. He highlighted the need for further research on lunar dust impact on machinery and potential partnerships with humanoid robotic companies.Before concluding, I asked Sam to discuss his nonprofit WEX Foundation for middle school stem programs. I also stated I would like to do a separate Space Show program focused on WEX. Sam shared insights into the WEX Foundation's STEM education program, which aims to engage middle school students in space exploration. Listen to the program which he described in some detail.Our discussion concluded with a conversation about the logistics and funding of lunar missions, with Sam emphasizing the importance of NASA as an anchor customer and the potential for commercial customers in the future.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Upcoming ShowsBroadcast 4448 ZOOM Dr. Mike Gruntman | Tuesday 21 Oct 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. Mike GruntmanZoom: Mike talks about his new book, “Neil Armstrong at USC and on the Moon”Broadcast 4449: Hotel Mars with Homer Hickam | Wednesday 22 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Homer HickamHome Hickam is the Hotel Mars guest this weekBroadcast 4450 ZOOM Phil Swan | Friday 24 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: Phil SwanZoom: Phil talks about going to Mars with kinetic energyBroadcast 4451 Zoom OPEN LINES | Saturday 25 Oct 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David Livingston, The Space Show Zoom Team & Zoom callersZOOM Open Lines discussion Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE HAMAS DEAL... BARCELONA 1899 10-9-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 The Genesis of Hamas, the Failure of "Land for Peace," and Theological Jihad Cliff May discussed the failure of the "land for peace" policy following Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza and the violent takeover by Hamas. Hamas, representing the Muslim Brotherhood and born from theological jihad, views its mission as the destruction of Israel to establish an emirate. May emphasized that any cessation of hostilities is merely a hudna (truce), used by Hamas to rebuild for future battles, not a lasting peace. 915-930 Javier Milei's Dilemma: Midterms, the Wobbling Peso, and the Push for Dollarization Mary Anastasia O'Grady analyzed Argentinian President Javier Milei's economic and political dilemma as he faces midterms with a wobbling peso leading up to the October 26th elections. The peso is suffering due to fears that the opposition Peronist coalition will block Milei's reforms. O'Grady advocated for dollarization as the solution to stabilize the currency, reduce interest rates, and impose fiscal discipline on reckless spending. Powerful financial special interests prefer the status quo of an unanchored peso. 930-945 The Valdai Conference, Russia's Global South Strategy, and Warnings to the West Anatol Lieven discussed the Valdai conference in Sochi, where President Putin projected confidence but issued stark warnings against the US providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and Europeans committing "piracy" by seizing Russian cargos. Attendees focused on the BRICS group and the Global South as Russia pursues alternative alliances. Russians express disappointment in Donald Trump's failure to deliver peace and worry about the war's slow progress. The conflict is fundamentally viewed by Russians as a struggle with NATO. 945-1000 The Valdai Conference, Russia's Global South Strategy, and Warnings to the West Anatol Lieven discussed the Valdai conference in Sochi, where President Putin projected confidence but issued stark warnings against the US providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and Europeans committing "piracy" by seizing Russian cargos. Attendees focused on the BRICS group and the Global South as Russia pursues alternative alliances. Russians express disappointment in Donald Trump's failure to deliver peace and worry about the war's slow progress. The conflict is fundamentally viewed by Russians as a struggle with NATO. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. 1015-1030 US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. 1030-1045 US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. 1045-1100 US Military Posturing, Venezuela's Cartel de Los Soles, and Instability in the Americas Professor Evan Ellis analyzed President Trump's escalating military posturing and actions against drug cartels, particularly impacting the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles. Senate members raised constitutional concerns over the use of military force. Ellis also examined political resistance to Argentinian President Javier Milei's austerity measures amid broader instability in the Americas, and noted positive strategic movements toward improved relationships with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Brazil's Lula da Silva. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Marcus Tullius Cicero's Rise, Corruption Trials, and the Catiline Conspiracy Professor Josiah Osgood profiled the Roman "new man" orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and his dramatic rise through corruption trials and political intrigue. Cicero established his career by solving the murder case of Roscius and prosecuting corrupt Sicilian governor Verres for theft. His career climaxed with the suppression of the Catiline Conspiracy, elevating him as a patriot. However, Cicero made a grave political error by executing conspirators without trial, a move opposed by Julius Caesar. 1115-1130 Marcus Tullius Cicero's Rise, Corruption Trials, and the Catiline Conspiracy Professor Josiah Osgood profiled the Roman "new man" orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and his dramatic rise through corruption trials and political intrigue. Cicero established his career by solving the murder case of Roscius and prosecuting corrupt Sicilian governor Verres for theft. His career climaxed with the suppression of the Catiline Conspiracy, elevating him as a patriot. However, Cicero made a grave political error by executing conspirators without trial, a move opposed by Julius Caesar. 1130-1145 Marcus Tullius Cicero's Rise, Corruption Trials, and the Catiline Conspiracy Professor Josiah Osgood profiled the Roman "new man" orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and his dramatic rise through corruption trials and political intrigue. Cicero established his career by solving the murder case of Roscius and prosecuting corrupt Sicilian governor Verres for theft. His career climaxed with the suppression of the Catiline Conspiracy, elevating him as a patriot. However, Cicero made a grave political error by executing conspirators without trial, a move opposed by Julius Caesar. 1145-1200 Marcus Tullius Cicero's Rise, Corruption Trials, and the Catiline Conspiracy Professor Josiah Osgood profiled the Roman "new man" orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and his dramatic rise through corruption trials and political intrigue. Cicero established his career by solving the murder case of Roscius and prosecuting corrupt Sicilian governor Verres for theft. His career climaxed with the suppression of the Catiline Conspiracy, elevating him as a patriot. However, Cicero made a grave political error by executing conspirators without trial, a move opposed by Julius Caesar. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Fiscal Irresponsibility, the Cost of Debt, and the Loss of Welfare Reform Lessons Veronique De Rugy of the Mercatus Center criticized Washington's fiscal irresponsibility and the mounting cost of debt, arguing that enormous deficits create an anti-growth drag on the economy. She noted that failing to cut spending is a future tax hike. De Rugy lamented the loss of lessons from the 1996 welfare reform, which showed that work requirements reduced poverty, as politicians now prioritize spending checks over fiscal prudence.D 1215-1230 Deepseek's AI Claims, Huawei's Chip Ambitions, and US/China Tech Competition Chris Riegel analyzed the escalating tech competition between the US and China, focusing on Chinese AI firm Deepseek and noting its claims of superiority were potentially misleading due to non-transparency and reliance on Nvidia technology. He discussed Huawei's chip fabrication efforts and ambitions, concluding that US sanctions, particularly restricting ASML tools, keep China one to one and a half generations behind. The US scale advantage, exemplified by investments like Colossus, remains significant in the AI competition. 1230-1245 The Artemis Program, the New Space Race with China, and the Role of Elon Musk Mark Whittington discussed the Artemis program and the new space race with China, emphasizing that the US is driven back to the moon by competition with the People's Republic of China. The moon is viewed as a source for mining and a refueling stepping stone to Mars, with Elon Musk's SpaceX playing a central role. Co-host David Livingston questioned the engineering challenge of SpaceX's Starship and life support systems for Mars. The program's sustainability depends on phasing out the costly, expendable Space Launch System (SLS). 1245-100 AM The Artemis Program, the New Space Race with China, and the Role of Elon Musk Mark Whittington discussed the Artemis program and the new space race with China, emphasizing that the US is driven back to the moon by competition with the People's Republic of China. The moon is viewed as a source for mining and a refueling stepping stone to Mars, with Elon Musk's SpaceX playing a central role. Co-host David Livingston questioned the engineering challenge of SpaceX's Starship and life support systems for Mars. The program's sustainability depends on phasing out the costly, expendable Space Launch System (SLS).
The Artemis Program, the New Space Race with China, and the Role of Elon Musk Mark Whittington discussed the Artemis program and the new space race with China, emphasizing that the US is driven back to the moon by competition with the People's Republic of China. The moon is viewed as a source for mining and a refueling stepping stone to Mars, with Elon Musk's SpaceX playing a central role. Co-host David Livingston questioned the engineering challenge of SpaceX's Starship and life support systems for Mars. The program's sustainability depends on phasing out the costly, expendable Space Launch System (SLS).
The Artemis Program, the New Space Race with China, and the Role of Elon Musk Mark Whittington discussed the Artemis program and the new space race with China, emphasizing that the US is driven back to the moon by competition with the People's Republic of China. The moon is viewed as a source for mining and a refueling stepping stone to Mars, with Elon Musk's SpaceX playing a central role. Co-host David Livingston questioned the engineering challenge of SpaceX's Starship and life support systems for Mars. The program's sustainability depends on phasing out the costly, expendable Space Launch System (SLS).
John Hunt presents to The Space Show are ready! Sunday, 10-5-25For the quick summary, we started our program with John Hunt as the guest talking about nuclear weapons development and space exploration technologies. The Space Show participants in the Zoom meeting explored various aspects of nuclear weapons history, including bomb designs, testing, and strategic implications, while also discussing the potential for nuclear technologies in space missions and propulsion systems. The conversation concluded with discussions about current and future space exploration initiatives, including reactor technologies and launch schedules, with participants expressing concerns about political and technical challenges. Several Space Show participants were with us in the meeting including Marshall Martin, Peter Forman, John Jossy, Dr. Ajay Kothari, Dr. Phil Swan, Dr. James Benford, & Tim WeaverOur more detailed summary follows. John Hunt discussed his presentation on the evolution of nuclear weapons, including its funding and technological aspects. Marshall shared his interest in manufacturing composites and nanocarbon tubes in space, predicting that medical applications and materials science would be the next big cash cows in space development and was looking to connect the dots to the early tech being discussed by John Hunt. We discussed the potential for producing semiconductors and nanotubes in space, with Marshall suggesting that zero-gravity environments could enable the production of longer nanotubes for stronger materials like nanotube rope, which could be used in space elevators.David Livingston introduced the Sunday Space Show program, mentioning upcoming guests and topics, including a discussion on nuclear weapon development and its impact on space with John Hunt. The conversation ended with introductions of various participants and a brief overview of the show's format.Early on John introduced us to Project Orion as he mentioned his history interest including the work of Freeman Dyson's son, George Dyson who wrote a book about his fathers work. John Jossy expressed interest in reading the book, and they discussed the now-defunct nuclear space website, which had provided valuable information.Hunt discussed the history and development of nuclear weapons, focusing on the physics behind atomic and nuclear fission, and the creation of the first atomic bombs, “Little Boy” and “Fat Man,” used in World War II. He explained the evolution of bomb designs, including the transition from solid to hollow core plutonium spheres for improved yield and the introduction of fusion components in the Teller-Ulam design, which significantly increased explosive power. John also highlighted the Soviet Union's alternative “layer cake” design, which used a central fission bomb surrounded by a lithium deuteride layer for fusion, and noted the cryogenic technology developed for these weapons, which later found applications in space exploration.Our guest explained the evolution of nuclear weapons, focusing on the development of thermonuclear bombs and their components. He described how lithium deuteride was used in fusion reactions, leading to the creation of tritium and increased yield through fission. The discussion covered various weapon designs, including the Mark 17, Mark 28, and the 25-megaton Mark 41 bomb. John also mentioned Ted Taylor's contributions to bomb design and his work on the Orion nuclear-powered spacecraft project, which was canceled due to the Test Ban Treaty.The discussion focused on historical nuclear weapons development, John Hunt explaining that Project Orion conducted conventional explosive tests but never pursued nuclear testing. David suggested visiting government nuclear museums across the US, including Las Vegas and New Mexico, which house exhibits and remnants of nuclear testing. The conversation then shifted to the evolution of nuclear weapons, noting that while the Soviet Tsar bomb was primarily a propaganda device, the US responded by developing smaller, multiple-warhead systems to counter potential ABM defenses, leading to a shift from large single-warhead bombs to more numerous but smaller thermonuclear devices, with both countries eventually deploying around 100,000 strategic warheads each by the mid-1980s.The discussion focused on nuclear weapons and missile defense systems. Hunt explained that Soviet ICBM deployments were initially vulnerable to Minuteman III counterforce capabilities, but Russian silo hardening and U.S. missile number limitations led to Russian achievement of assured destruction capability. The group then discussed a 1957 nuclear test where a manhole cover was launched at escape velocity speeds, with guest James noting this was a deliberate test and not accidental. The conversation concluded with a discussion of current missile defense systems, including the Golden Dome concept using hit-to-kill interceptors, and concerns about North Korea's development of MERV missiles.Next up was a discussion regarding the strategic implications of nuclear weapons, particularly focusing on the challenges of responding to a North Korean attack due to the complex geopolitical landscape involving Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea. They explored the potential electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects of nuclear weapons on satellite systems like Starlink and the historical development of anti-ballistic missile systems, including exo-atmospheric and microwave-induced detonation technologies. James shared insights from his experience with Soviet microwave weapons research, noting that while these systems were studied extensively, they were never deployed. The conversation concluded with a question about the transition from using nuclear power in satellites to planning for its use on the surfaces of the moon and Mars.We also talked about the history and future of nuclear technology in space exploration, with James noting that nuclear rockets could enable substantial payloads for solar system exploration. They explored how nuclear technology developed from weapons to civilian power, with Hunt suggesting that without the military budget, space program development would have been slower. Ajay raised questions about Russia's Burevestnik nuclear-powered missile program, which James and Hunt explained was similar to a canceled US program but deemed impractical due to radioactive contamination risks.Ajay focused on nuclear reactor technologies, particularly molten salt reactors and uranium isotopes. Dr. Kothari explained that molten salt reactors using uranium-233 could be safer in the event of an accident as the molten salt would freeze and become non-fissile upon contact with the ground. Hunt noted that uranium-233's higher radioactivity makes it difficult to handle, while confirming it produces similar energy output to other isotopes. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the feasibility of gun-launched space missions, with several participants expressing skepticism about spin launch concepts due to drag issues at high speeds, while Phil suggested that robust propulsion technology could handle high G-forces.The feasibility of hypersonic velocities and space travel was brought up with Phil asserting that it's possible to achieve orbital velocity despite atmospheric drag, while others, including and James, disagreed, citing significant challenges. The conversation shifted to the potential of nuclear technologies for space travel, with Phil suggesting underground nuclear explosions to power rockets, though Jossy noted legal and operational limitations. James highlighted the need for high-thrust rockets for interplanetary travel. They mentioned a promising paper on a centrifugal liquid-fuel propulsion system with a high specific impulse, which could be a significant advancement for space travel.We had much to say about nuclear rockets, with Phil explaining that nuclear rockets face challenges with the Oberth effect due to their inability to provide short, high-thrust bursts compared to chemical rockets. Marshall raised concerns about the potential impact of nuclear rocket launches on space stations, but Phil suggested that the radiation environment in space would make astronauts less concerned about nuclear launches. Hunt provided insights into contemporary nuclear weapons, noting that most are thermonuclear and that Russia is attempting to become a near-parity power with the U.S. and China. The discussion concluded with John explaining the potential risks and political implications of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons, emphasizing the importance of avoiding an escalation to full-scale nuclear war.Before ending we discussed nuclear power options for space missions, particularly focusing on a 100-kilowatt fission reactor planned for the moon by 2030. Marshall and others debated whether government or commercial entities should develop these reactors, with Marshall suggesting a public-private partnership might be best. The conversation concluded with a discussion about Artemis II's February 5th launch date, with participants expressing skepticism about whether it would actually proceed as scheduled, given NASA's history of delays.This program is audio archived at www.thespaceshow.com and doctorspace.substack.com for this program date. The Zoom video is also archived on our Substack site.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:No program for Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 | Tuesday 07 Oct 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program for today, Oct. 7, 2025Broadcast 4441 Hotel Mars featuring Mark Whittington, journalist | Wednesday 08 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: Mark Whittington, John Batchelor, Dr. David LivingstonHotel Mars with Mark Whittington on NASA Life on Mars Announcement and moreBroadcast 4442: Andrew Chanin | Friday 10 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: Andrew ChaninAndrew talks about the ETF market, commercial space investment and trendsBroadcast 4443 Jack Kingdon | Sunday 12 Oct 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Jack KingdonJack discusses his paper “3 months transit time to Mars for human missions using SpaceX Starship”Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:No program for Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 | Tuesday 07 Oct 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program for today, Oct. 7, 2025Broadcast 4441 Hotel Mars featuring Mark Whittington, journalist | Wednesday 08 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: Mark Whittington, John Batchelor, Dr. David LivingstonHotel Mars with Mark Whittington on NASA Life on Mars Announcement and moreBroadcast 4442: Andrew Chanin | Friday 10 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: Andrew ChaninAndrew talks about the ETF market, commercial space investment and trendsBroadcast 4443 Jack Kingdon | Sunday 12 Oct 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Jack KingdonJack discusses his paper “3 months transit time to Mars for human missions using SpaceX Starship”Live Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/streamStream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
Open Lines Discussion are ready!The program began with introductions and discussions about space settlement, including challenges and opportunities in the trillion-dollar market. The group explored various space-related topics including NASA's stance on space settlement, recent UAP hearings in Congress, and updates on the Artemis missions, while also addressing technical issues with the Space Show's format and programming. The conversation ended with discussions about military aircraft technology, Ajay's art exhibition, and NASA's budget situation, including potential funding cuts and future plans for space exploration.After early program announcements by David, John Jossy introduced Alan Linton, a software engineer from Waterloo, Canada interested in space development, and mentioned the diverse perspectives and opinions that could be expected during the discussion. David then highlighted the presence of various participants, including AJ, known for his space vision plans and connections, and John Hunt, interested in UAPs and physics.In response to one of my questions, Alan discussed the decline in Canadian participation in space-related activities, which he attributed to factors other than politics. I emphasized that space enthusiasts tend to transcend political boundaries and remain interested in space exploration regardless of political changes. I also made an early announcement re our recent website problems involving the issue of website scraping from China, where 20-30 IP addresses from Alibaba created a denial of service attack by overwhelming our website. The Space Show will soon be implementing Cloudflare filtering to address this for the future.Turning the mic over to John and Alan, they introduced his new YouTube channel focused on space settlement interviews, having already interviewed John Jossy and Ruben from France. The group discussed space settlement challenges, with Alan identifying launch costs and robotic mining as major obstacles, while suggesting that space settlement could be a trillion-dollar market if homes could be sold to the million people interested in living in space.We discussed NASA's current stance on space settlement, with Marshall noting that government bureaucracy and the small size of the space lobby make significant policy changes unlikely. Bill shared that early speculation about Elon Musk's involvement with the administration leading to government support for Mars efforts did not materialize. The conversation then focused on NASA's announcement of potential life signs on Mars, with Bill and others agreeing that this was driven by scientific analysis rather than an attempt to hinder Mars and space exploration. The discussion concluded with updates on NASA's Viper mission with Blue Origin, which is scheduled for the first quarter of next year, and the group acknowledged that while the discovery of life on Mars would be exciting, it would likely not significantly impact plans for human colonization.We switched over and discussed the recent UAP hearings in Congress, where witnesses shared experiences of unidentified aerial phenomena, including military encounters and classified programs. John Hunt explained that the hearings were led by junior House members and focused on protecting witnesses from reprisals, though he noted that senior officials like the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor could influence disclosure. I expressed frustration about the lack of meaningful progress on UAP disclosure despite presidential promises, while John Jossy suggested changing the subject as the UAP topic had become exhausted. I asked John why he does not like the UAP topic. Do listen for his response.Moving to another topic, we started talking about the Artemis II mission being moved up to February 2024, with most agreeing it will likely proceed as scheduled but could face minor delays. Concerns were expressed about the Artemis III mission in 2027, particularly regarding SpaceX's HLS lander's stability on the moon and the need for multiple refueling, even suggesting it may not succeed by 2028. Bill proposed considering Blue Origin's Mark II lander as an alternative to SpaceX's HLS, noting its better center of gravity and design for early Artemis missions. I raised concerns about the lack of tangible progress and testing timelines for both SpaceX and Blue Origin's hardware, emphasizing the need for clear business plans and testing schedules before investing in such ambitious projects. I suggested that we need less uncertainty if that is possible.The group discussed space settlement and lunar habitats, with John Jossy explaining that National Space Society defines a settlement as biologically self-sustaining and permanent for families, while current lunar habitats are considered outposts due to rotating crews. The discussion explored Al Globus's proposal for low-radiation habitats in low Earth orbit, but John Jossy confirmed there are no current plans or market interest in this concept, citing the need for real estate and safe habitats. I mentioned the Musk challenges with launch site logistics and supply lines, which led to the abandonment of Kwajalein Island as a launch site.We also talked about military aircraft and space technology, especially stealth. John Hunt explained that the F-22 and B-21 serve different missions, with the F-22 focused on air-to-air combat and the B-21 on bombing, and described plans to upgrade the F-22 with technologies from the F-35 as a stopgap until the F-47 becomes operational. The discussion then shifted to the feasibility of drones flying on the moon, with Ajay explaining that while traditional flight is impossible due to lack of atmosphere, hopping movements could be achieved using engines like Draco, though with limited flight duration. John Jossy shared a link to Intuitive Machines' lunar hopper technology.We then turned to Ajay's art exhibition, which is currently on display until October 4th and the Zoom video is archived on Substack from Tuesday. I reported that Ajay had given a compelling 5-minute presentation connecting his art and vision for space exploration to NASA leadership during a recent Senate hearing simulation. Ajay discussed offering a 30-40% discount on the paintings, with the gallery retaining their 20% commission plus $500 per wall. Several members expressed interest in purchasing paintings. I identified several favorites including a Mars painting and Native American piece. Marshall praised Ajay's ability to convey complex space concepts through visual art, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to Marshall's office decor.Nearing the end of the program, we discussed NASA's budget situation, with Bill updating that the NASA budget approved by the House Appropriations Committee for science, was a cut from the previous year's total but better than the proposed 50% cut. A key development was Sean Duffy directing NASA to move forward with the House figure. I made a fundraising pitch for the non-profit Space Show, and the conversation ended with discussion of upcoming guests and potential appearances. For our Substack listeners and viewers, given that The Space Show is a nonprofit, we launch an end of the year fund raising campaign around Thanksgiving. We promote donations to PayPal, Zelle and check. If you like what we do, please donate and help us out. If you are a federal tax payer, you get a tax deduction for your gift. See the PayPal button on the right side of our home page, www.thespaceshow.com.Thank you.Dr. SpaceSpecial thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4438 ZOOM Matt Billie, Rachel Tillman | Tuesday 30 Sep 2025 700PM PTGuests: Matt Bille, Rachel TillmanZOOM: Space history, space project retrieval, Vanguard 1 and more!Broadcast 4439 Hotel Mars: Dr. Joel Leja | Wednesday 01 Oct 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Joel LejaHotel Mars addresses red dots' in early universe may be ‘black hole star' atmospheres,Broadcast 4440 ZOOM JOHN HUNT | Sunday 05 Oct 2025 1200PM PTGuests: John HuntZoom: The physics & development of nuclear weapons & connecting dots to space, energy, planetary settlement Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1914 BRUSSELS THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE EMERGENCY MEETING IN BRUSSELS ABOUT THE DRONES HARASSING THE EU...... 9-25-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 Anatol Lieven discusses Trump's UN speech suggesting Europe fund Ukraine war, sparking fear of US disengagement. Escalating Russian drone incidents serve as warnings, while UK politics remain unsettled. 915-930 Anatol Lieven discusses Trump's UN speech suggesting Europe fund Ukraine war, sparking fear of US disengagement. Escalating Russian drone incidents serve as warnings, while UK politics remain unsettled. 930-945 Chris Riegel reports the US leads in AI infrastructure, having over 5,000 advanced data centers, compared to China's 500. China lags due to chip bans, recognizing that data is the new oil. 945-1000 Mary O'Grady reports a Tabasco scandal linking former president AMLO's Morena party and political allies to former security minister Bermúdez, now jailed as an alleged mob boss. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1015-1030 Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1030-1045 Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1045-1100 Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Veronique de Rugy defines industrial policy as central planning using subsidies and tariffs to shape the economy. She argues the US already succeeds best through limited government and free trade principles. 1115-1130 Michael Bernstam explains Russia bypasses US sanctions via balanced ruble-yuan barter trade with China. As a vital energy exporter, punishing Russia's major oil buyers risks ending the world economy. 1130-1145 Cliff May describes wealthy Qatar hosting Hamas leaders, supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, and using Al Jazeerafor sophisticated propaganda. The US tolerates this due to its largest overseas air base in Doha. 1145-1200 Ahmad Sharawi discusses Syria's Al Sharah speaking at the UN seeking sanctions relief and international legitimacy, claiming victory over Assad. He addressed Captagon and accountability, though true judicial reforms are questioned. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Paul Mueller critiques industrial policy's resurgence, noting proponents conflate it with pro-market growth. He argues government direction leads to overproduction and resource misallocation, referencing China's EV troubles. 1215-1230 Paul Mueller critiques industrial policy's resurgence, noting proponents conflate it with pro-market growth. He argues government direction leads to overproduction and resource misallocation, referencing China's EV troubles. 1230-1245 Ben Roberts and David Livingston detail microgravity's potential for medical breakthroughs (retinas, drugs) and advanced materials (semiconductors). Commercialization is nascent, supported by NASA grants, but requires long-term investor patience. 1245-100 AM Ben Roberts and David Livingston detail microgravity's potential for medical breakthroughs (retinas, drugs) and advanced materials (semiconductors). Commercialization is nascent, supported by NASA grants, but requires long-term investor patience. CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE EMERGENCY MEETING IN BRUSSELS ABOUT THE DRONES HARASSING THE EU...... 9-23-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 Anatol Lieven discusses Trump's UN speech suggesting Europe fund Ukraine war, sparking fear of US disengagement. Escalating Russian drone incidents serve as warnings, while UK politics remain unsettled. 915-930 Anatol Lieven discusses Trump's UN speech suggesting Europe fund Ukraine war, sparking fear of US disengagement. Escalating Russian drone incidents serve as warnings, while UK politics remain unsettled. 930-945 Chris Riegel reports the US leads in AI infrastructure, having over 5,000 advanced data centers, compared to China's 500. China lags due to chip bans, recognizing that data is the new oil. 945-1000 Mary O'Grady reports a Tabasco scandal linking former president AMLO's Morena party and political allies to former security minister Bermúdez, now jailed as an alleged mob boss. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1015-1030 Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1030-1045 Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. 1045-1100 Evan Ellis analyzes South America's deep corruption, violence, and institutional crises across Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. China gains influence amidst anti-US political sentiment and rising illicit activities. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Veronique de Rugy defines industrial policy as central planning using subsidies and tariffs to shape the economy. She argues the US already succeeds best through limited government and free trade principles. 1115-1130 Michael Bernstam explains Russia bypasses US sanctions via balanced ruble-yuan barter trade with China. As a vital energy exporter, punishing Russia's major oil buyers risks ending the world economy. 1130-1145 Cliff May describes wealthy Qatar hosting Hamas leaders, supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, and using Al Jazeerafor sophisticated propaganda. The US tolerates this due to its largest overseas air base in Doha. 1145-1200 Ahmad Sharawi discusses Syria's Al Sharah speaking at the UN seeking sanctions relief and international legitimacy, claiming victory over Assad. He addressed Captagon and accountability, though true judicial reforms are questioned. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Paul Mueller critiques industrial policy's resurgence, noting proponents conflate it with pro-market growth. He argues government direction leads to overproduction and resource misallocation, referencing China's EV troubles. 1215-1230 Paul Mueller critiques industrial policy's resurgence, noting proponents conflate it with pro-market growth. He argues government direction leads to overproduction and resource misallocation, referencing China's EV troubles. 1230-1245 Ben Roberts and David Livingston detail microgravity's potential for medical breakthroughs (retinas, drugs) and advanced materials (semiconductors). Commercialization is nascent, supported by NASA grants, but requires long-term investor patience. 1245-100 AM Ben Roberts and David Livingston detail microgravity's potential for medical breakthroughs (retinas, drugs) and advanced materials (semiconductors). Commercialization is nascent, supported by NASA grants, but requires long-term investor patience.
Ben Roberts and David Livingston detail microgravity's potential for medical breakthroughs (retinas, drugs) and advanced materials (semiconductors). Commercialization is nascent, supported by NASA grants, but requires long-term investor patience. 1959
Ben Roberts and David Livingston detail microgravity's potential for medical breakthroughs (retinas, drugs) and advanced materials (semiconductors). Commercialization is nascent, supported by NASA grants, but requires long-term investor patience. 1963
Summary for The Space Show presents Dean Cheng Friday, 9-19-25Summary by Zoom, edited.AN IMPORTANT NOTE: The Space Show website, www.thespaceshow.com, is undergoing a denial of service attack. Our hosting company and website manager are working to stop it but I suspect it might continue for a few more days until it can be controlled through various means we are using. In the meantime, you do have sporadic access so keep trying. Otherwise, it is important to note that all our information, our archived programs such as this one, newsletter and information on guests can be found on our Substack page, doctorspace.substack.com. In addition, are posting the Zoom videos to most of our Zoom program on this Substack page along with the audio version of the show. As for podcasting, that will be delayed because it needs for our program mp3 to be posted to The Space Show website. If I am unable to access the site due to the ongoing attack, it means I am unable to upload to our podcast server. We do have podcasting engaged on our Substack page so you might check that out and subscribe as an alternative way to get the programs via podcasting Thank you.We began this Space Show program with our guest, Dean Cheng, with a discussion about U.S.-China space relations and the Wolf Amendment's restrictions on NASA interactions with China, followed by an exploration of space exploration priorities and strategic considerations regarding lunar and Martian missions. The conversation then shifted to examining China's approach to space exploration and its historical context, including cultural motivations and diplomatic strategies, while also discussing the potential implications of directed energy weapons in space. The conversation ended with technical discussions about the Space Show's live caller participation system and its limitations, along with a brief discussion about tax-deductible donations. Detail follows. Space Show participants included John Hunt, Dr. Charles Lurio, Marshall Martin, Michael Listner, Atty, and Dr. Ajay Kothari.David and Dean discussed the Wolf Amendment and its implications for U.S.-China relations in space. Dean clarified that while Congress is not prohibited from talking to the Chinese, NASA, OSTP, and the National Space Council are restricted. They also briefly touched on the contrast between U.S. engagement with China in areas like business and education versus space policy. The conversation ended with David mentioning recent shows featuring security experts and potential future discussions on China-related topics. In addition, Dean outlined the Wolf amendment's specifics and his position on maintaining it plus he did explain why he holds the position he has on this item.Our Space Show group discussed perspectives on space exploration priorities, with David mentioning a debate between focusing on the moon versus Mars among his listeners. Dean shared his view that both the moon and Mars are strategically important for competition with China, particularly regarding cislunar space governance and the potential for China to be first to bring back Mars samples. The conversation highlighted differing opinions on space exploration approaches, including concerns about the Artemis program and alternative methods using SpaceX's Starship technology.Per the Wolf Amendment, Dean went on to discuss the challenges and risks of engaging with Chinese companies in the space and technology sectors, particularly regarding national security concerns and data protection. Dean explained that while private industry and government have different equities and vulnerabilities, the Wolf Amendment restricts certain government interactions with China, though its potential repeal is uncertain. They debated whether commercial competition with China should take precedence over national security concerns, with Dean arguing that China's state-controlled economy and access to sensitive information present significant risks that should not be underestimated.Dean explained why getting to the moon before China is important, highlighting concerns about U.S. capabilities and China's plans for a sustained lunar presence. He noted that China's competitive approach, including their "dual circulation" strategy, could give them an edge in space. Dean acknowledged that the U.S. has fallen behind its 2024 moon landing commitment and expressed concerns about our ability to sustain a lunar program at $4 billion per launch. Michael discussed how China approaches space strategy differently from the West, comparing it to a "game of go" rather than chess, and suggested that China's actions in the South China Sea could be a model for their space activities.Dean talked about the importance of understanding different negotiation styles, particularly comparing business and diplomatic approaches, and emphasized that China's actions are driven by a desire to restore its historical greatness rather than just financial gain. Dr. Kothari highlighted the cultural and civilizational pride underlying China and India's ambitious space programs, noting how these initiatives resonate with historical and divine identifications for their people. The discussion touched on how leaders like Xi Jinping tie national ambitions to reviving past glory, with China's space program being a key component of this broader vision.Our guest brought up the historical evolution of space exploration, comparing it to three distinct eras: Space 1.0 during the Cold War, Space 2.0 from the end of the Cold War to the early 2000s, and current Space 3.0 with China's increased involvement. He emphasized that China's approach to space engagement differs from cooperation, noting their strategic relationships and the absence of American involvement in the Chinese space station. Dean also highlighted the importance of understanding the historical context of space diplomacy and the role of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Chinese space initiatives.Dean continued to discuss the potential implications of the Trump administration's Golden Dome concept, emphasizing that while it presents interesting opportunities with advances in directed energy and other technologies, it also raises strategic stability concerns similar to those in the 1960s and 70s. He noted that the significant reduction in cost to orbit and increased launch cadence could impact feasibility and affect China's strategic calculations. Ajay raised questions about the legality and effectiveness of deploying directed energy weapons in space, to which Dean clarified that, under the Outer Space Treaty, nuclear weapons are prohibited, but other forms of directed energy weapons are legal.Our continued discussion focused on cultural and civilizational perspectives in space exploration, with Charles and Ajay highlighting how China's space ambitions are tied to its historical narrative of "century of humiliation" and India's interest in mythological stories. Dean shared historical perspectives on Manifest Destiny, noting how other countries viewed the United States' expansion in the 19th century, particularly the concerns in European capitals about America's battle-hardened military. The conversation concluded with a discussion about how different countries' historical expansions were viewed, with Dean pointing out that while Manifest Destiny had a specific term, other countries' expansions were similarly motivated by available technology and historical context.Moving on, we focused on cultural and historical perspectives on space exploration, particularly comparing Chinese and Indian approaches. Dean explained how Chinese science fiction like "The Three-Body Problem" presents different approaches to alien contact than Western narratives, reflecting China's historical experiences and cultural context. The conversation also explored China's long-term planning capabilities through its 5-year plans and Project 921, which has provided stability for the Chinese Human Space Flight Program over decades. Ajay shared a unique perspective on India's historical relationship with the West, noting that while India has civilizational pride dating back to before 1000 AD, the country's more recent history of damage came from Islamic invasions rather than Western influence, making India more open to cooperation with the United States.Dean discussed China's competitive approach to commercial space development, highlighting their deployment of multiple PEO constellations and the strategic implications for military surveillance. He explained that China views the West, particularly the US and its entrepreneurs, as a threat, and noted that China's private sector aerospace investment began in 2014-2015 in response to Western commercial companies like SpaceX. The discussion also covered China's lunar program, which aims to establish an International Lunar Research Station, and potential human missions to Mars, with Dean suggesting that if China were first to put humans on Mars, it could significantly enhance CCP legitimacy. Charles and Ajay contributed insights about America's historical challenges with space program funding and China's development of thorium nuclear power technology.We did a bit of Space Show business at the end of the program. I discussed the current format and challenges with the Space Show's live caller participation system. I explained that while listeners can still call in via Zoom phone lines, most prefer to participate through email rather than phone calls, leading to limited live audience engagement during Zoom shows. The group discussed technical limitations preventing the integration of the toll-free line with Zoom due to audio quality concerns, and David emphasized that while he encourages caller participation, he won't compromise audio quality to accommodate it. The discussion also touched on the need to continue to donate to The Space Show which is a nonprofit 501C3. See the PayPal button on the right side of our home page or in the Substack program summaries in the sponsor and upcoming program section.Thank you.Dr. SpaceSpecial thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4435: ZOOM Dr. Ajay Kothari | Tuesday 23 Sep 2025 1230PM PTGuests: Dr. Ajay KothariAjay shows us his art exhibit via Zoom live from the Fairfax GalleryBroadcast 4436 Hotel Mars with Ben Roberts | Wednesday 24 Sep 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Ben RobertsHotel Mars discusses microgravity medicine with Ben RobertsBroadcast 4437 Zoom: OPEN LINES DISCUSSION | Sunday 28 Sep 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonZOOM Open Lines Discussion. Listen/participate w/Zoom phone numbers to be published on our blog for this program Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
Summary provided by ZoomDavid and John Batchelor discussed a mission to explore the red dwarf star TRAPPIST and its exoplanets, with a focus on TRAPPIST-1e, which has been identified as a promising candidate in the habitable zone by guest Dr. Nesta Espinoza. During this brief interview, Nestor provided insights into the discovery and ongoing observations of TRAPPIST-1e, including the use of the James Webb Space Telescope to study its atmosphere and potential biosignatures. The discussion covered the technical challenges and methodologies involved in detecting life through atmospheric signatures, as well as future plans for exploring habitable zone exoplanets and the potential for discovering extraterrestrial life. TRAPPIST-1e, orbits the star every 6 days.Dr. Espinoza discussed the exciting discovery of TRAPPIST-1e, a planet in the habitable zone of its star, using the James Webb Space Telescope. He explained that they are conducting observations to determine if the planet has an atmosphere and, if so, its composition. He described the transit method they are using to study the planet, which involves observing how the planet blocks starlight and analyzing how the atmosphere interacts with this light.Nestor explained the technique of transmission spectroscopy used to study exoplanet atmospheres and discussed the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope in detecting biosignatures. He clarified that while James Webb was not specifically designed for biosignature detection, it is being pushed to identify molecular features that could indicate life. Our guest outlined a step-by-step approach to detecting and analyzing potential biosignatures, emphasizing that even if detected, further analysis and modeling are needed to determine if the observed conditions could be explained by non-biological processes.Nestor discussed the challenges of detecting life through atmospheric signatures and the limitations of current scientific models. He explained the importance of studying TRAPPIST-1B, a planet with a stripped atmosphere, as a reference for observing TRAPPIST-1e, which is potentially habitable. He highlighted the complexity of transit observations, noting that stellar activity can distort atmospheric signatures, but simultaneous observations of multiple planets in the system can help differentiate between stellar effects and planetary atmospheres.Nestor and his team, including Natalie, are analyzing observations of exoplanets in the TRAPPIST-1 system, focusing on Planets B and E. They are using a technique to correct for stellar signals by comparing distortions in Planet B's atmosphere to those in Planet E. The initial four observations published last week showed that Planet E's atmosphere is distorted by the star, and the team is now using James Webb Space Telescope to observe 15 more templates to further analyze the planet's atmosphere. The data suggests that Planet E could have a nitrogen-rich atmosphere with trace methane, though other possibilities like a Venus-like atmosphere with clouds are still within the realm of possibility.Nestor went on to discuss the potential for discovering extraterrestrial life and the possibility of deploying a fleet of James Webbs to explore the universe when John asked what he would do with an unlimited budget. He emphasized the need for thousands of habitable zone exoplanets to conduct comprehensive surveys. Nestor mentioned a colleague at the University of Arizona who is considering sending smaller spacecraft to explore space. He reflected on the challenges and successes of the James Webb Space Telescope's commissioning and expressed hope for future missions to search for signs of life in the universe. He mentioned a planned mission in 20-30 years that aims to achieve this.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4435: ZOOM Dr. Ajay Kothari | Tuesday 23 Sep 2025 1230PM PTGuests: Dr. Ajay KothariAjay shows us his art exhibit via Zoom live from the Fairfax GalleryBroadcast 4436 Hotel Mars with Ben Roberts | Wednesday 24 Sep 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Ben RobertsHotel Mars discusses microgravity medicine with Ben RobertsBroadcast 4437 Zoom: OPEN LINES DISCUSSION | Sunday 28 Sep 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonZOOM Open Lines Discussion. Listen/participate w/Zoom phone numbers to be published on our blog for this program Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
HEADLINE: MIT Professor Explains the Discovery of Ionic Liquid, Expanding Search for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David Livingston, Dr. Space of the Space Show SUMMARY: Professor Sara Seager discusses the accidental lab discovery of ionic liquids, a non-evaporating liquid salt potentially sustaining life on planets without water, expanding the traditional "habitable zone" concept. She envisions future missions like a Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope. For her lifetime, Professor Seager prioritizes privately funded "Morning Star missions" to Venus, beginning with Rocket Lab in 2026, to directly study its cloud particles for signs of life in this overlooked sister planet. 1955
CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE 1957 9-15-25 GOOD EVENING. THE SHOW BEGINS IN TROUBLED AMERICA... FIRST HOUR 9-915 HEADLINE: Global Allies Worry About US Division, Adversaries Exploit Weakness GUEST AND TITLE: Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Director of Eurasia Project; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Ambassador Husain Haqqani states US allies are "very worried" by American internal division and extreme rhetoric, unlike past unity. Bill Roggio notes similar European issues, but the US now seems to lead in domestic disorder. Adversaries like China, Russia, and Islamist extremists exploit this polarization, using social media manipulation and citing Western decline. Both emphasize leaders must reduce aggressive rhetoric, promote bipartisan cooperation, and control social media to heal divisions, advocating for unity to counter external exploitation and domestic radicalization. 915-930 HEADLINE: Global Allies Worry About US Division, Adversaries Exploit Weakness GUEST AND TITLE: Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Director of Eurasia Project; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies 930-945 HEADLINE: Political Crises Deepen in Brazil and Venezuela Amidst US Pressure GUEST AND TITLE: Alejandro Peña Esclusa, Venezuelan writer and thinker; Ernesto Araújo, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Brazil SUMMARY: Ernesto Araújo discusses former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for an alleged assassination plot, calling it a "show trial" despite a dissenting judge's opinion. He notes Bolsonaro's failed anti-system movement. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports a US military buildup near Venezuela, fostering internal military discussions about turning in Maduro. Both believe their countries' fates are linked; Venezuela's liberation could expose a crime network, potentially delegitimizing Lula's regime and fostering broader Latin American freedom 945-1000 HEADLINE: Political Crises Deepen in Brazil and Venezuela Amidst US Pressure GUEST AND TITLE: Alejandro Peña Esclusa, Venezuelan writer and thinker; Ernesto Araújo, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Brazil SUMMARY: Ernesto Araújo discusses former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for an alleged assassination plot, calling it a "show trial" despite a dissenting judge's opinion. He notes Bolsonaro's failed anti-system movement. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports a US military buildup near Venezuela, fostering internal military discussions about turning in Maduro. Both believe their countries' fates are linked; Venezuela's liberation could expose a crime network, potentially delegitimizing Lula's regime and fostering broader Latin American freedom SECOND HOUR 10-1015 HEADLINE: Houthis Remain Undeterred Despite Israeli Strikes and US Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Houthi Watcher; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey reports Houthis continue daily drone and missile launches towards Israel, with Israeli Iron Dome defenses proving effective. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi military and media infrastructure in Sana'a, causing civilian casualties. US Treasury sanctioned 32 Houthi-affiliated individuals/entities for supporting Iranian-backed smuggling networks. Toomey confirms Iran absolutely provides weapons, mostly via ship routes, despite interdiction efforts. She notes Houthis are undeterred, fueled by past attacks, and will likely continue unless Iran is held accountable. Bill Roggio critiques a recent, unsuccessful Israeli strike in Doha. 1015-1030 HEADLINE: Houthis Remain Undeterred Despite Israeli Strikes and US Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Houthi Watcher; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey reports Houthis continue daily drone and missile launches towards Israel, with Israeli Iron Dome defenses proving effective. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi military and media infrastructure in Sana'a, causing civilian casualties. US Treasury sanctioned 32 Houthi-affiliated individuals/entities for supporting Iranian-backed smuggling networks. Toomey confirms Iran absolutely provides weapons, mostly via ship routes, despite interdiction efforts. She notes Houthis are undeterred, fueled by past attacks, and will likely continue unless Iran is held accountable. Bill Roggio critiques a recent, unsuccessful Israeli strike in Doha. 1030-1045 HEADLINE: South Korea's President Accused of Aligning with CCP and North Korea GUEST AND TITLE: Morse Tan, former US Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice; Gordon Chang, author and geopolitical analyst SUMMARY: Morse Tan and Gordon Chang discuss South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's policies, including a visa waiver for Chinese tourists, which Tan likens to CCP tactics. Tan claims Yoon aligns with the Chinese Communist Party and North Korea, dismantling counterintelligence and attending parades with Putin and Kim Jong-un. He reports Chinese nationals, pro-Yoon, illegally voted, and a third of South Korean police are reportedly CCP operatives. Yoon'sapproval is low, with most Koreans distrusting the CCP and prioritizing the US alliance. 1045-1100 HEADLINE: China's Advanced Weapon Systems and Global Asteroid Defense Ambitions GUEST AND TITLE: Rick Fisher, Senior Fellow, International Assessment and Strategy Center; Gordon Chang, author and geopolitical analyst SUMMARY: Rick Fisher discusses China's new DF-26D ballistic missile, capable of intercepting aircraft carriers up to 4,000 km, and other advanced unmanned weapon systems surpassing US capabilities. Gordon Chang questions US defense against these hypersonic threats. Fisher notes Russia's Energia space program faces financial distress due to the Ukraine war. China proposes an international asteroid defense, inviting global participation. Fisher warns this PLA-controlled initiative could be a front to develop anti-satellite capabilities and challenge the US in future conflicts. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 HEADLINE: Ukraine Advances in Sumy, NATO Urged to Boost Russia Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: John Hardie, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesSUMMARY: John Hardie discusses Ukrainian advances in the Sumy border area, noting Russia has redeployed better units to other regions like Donetsk, focusing on areas near Pokrovsk. He suggests Ukraine's counterattacks are part of an active defense, and their focus on Pokrovsk is strategically sound despite manpower shortages. Hardie highlights recent massive Russian drone barrages, including one into Poland, as a "wake-up call" for NATO to improve cost-effective air defenses. He advocates for stronger US secondary sanctions on Russian oil revenue and untying Ukraine's hands for long-range strikes. 1115-1130 HEADLINE: Ukraine Advances in Sumy, NATO Urged to Boost Russia Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: John Hardie, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies130-1145 HEADLINE: MIT Professor Explains the Discovery of Ionic Liquid, Expanding Search for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David Livingston, Dr. Space of the Space Show SUMMARY: Professor Sara Seager discusses the accidental lab discovery of ionic liquids, a non-evaporating liquid salt potentially sustaining life on planets without water, expanding the traditional "habitable zone" concept. She envisions future missions like a Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope. For her lifetime, Professor Seager prioritizes privately funded "Morning Star missions" to Venus, beginning with Rocket Lab in 2026, to directly study its cloud particles for signs of life in this overlooked sister planet.1145-1200 HEADLINE: MIT Professor Explains the Discovery of Ionic Liquid, Expanding Search for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David Livingston, Dr. Space of the Space Show SUMMARY: Professor Sara Seager discusses the accidental lab discovery of ionic liquids, a non-evaporating liquid salt potentially sustaining life on planets without water, expanding the traditional "habitable zone" concept. She envisions future missions like a Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope. For her lifetime, Professor Seager prioritizes privately funded "Morning Star missions" to Venus, beginning with Rocket Lab in 2026, to directly study its cloud particles for signs of life in this overlooked sister planet FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 HEADLINE: US Diplomat Addresses Failed Doha Strike Amidst Iranian Defiance GUEST AND TITLE: Mary Kissel, Executive Vice President, Stephens Incorporated, former Senior Advisor for the Secretary of State SUMMARY: Mary Kissel discusses Secretary of State Marco Rubio's diplomatic shuttle after an unsuccessful Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leadership. Despite the failure, she believes Israel's defense capabilities and past decapitation efforts were incredible, fostering public resolve against terrorism. Kissel notes Qatar's role as a money-laundering center and host of terror groups, despite its strategic importance to the US. She emphasizes that Iran, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, remains defiant regarding its nuclear and missile programs, posing an ongoing challenge for Israel and the US.1215-1230 Guest Names: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio discuss Al-Sharaa, the self-named president of Syria, who was appointed by militia leaders. His loyalist-drafted constitution grants him extensive powers, with key ministries held by former HTScommanders, and minority representatives serving as mere tokens. Formal Name: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies 1230-1245 HEADLINE: Genocide Allegations Against Israel Debunked by Expert Analysis GUEST AND TITLE: Peter Berkowitz, Tad and Diane Taube Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University SUMMARY: Peter Berkowitz debunks genocide allegations against Israel, emphasizing the UN definition requires intent to destroy a group. He questions the credibility of the International Association of Genocide Scholars. Berkowitz highlights the absurdity, noting the Palestinian population tripled since the 1980s despite such claims. He attributes propaganda success to Hamas's use of human shields, shifting responsibility for civilian casualties. A comprehensive report systematically refutes claims of deliberate starvation, civilian targeting, and infrastructure bombing, demonstrating Israel's precautions.1245-100 AM HEADLINE: Genocide Allegations Against Israel Debunked by Expert Analysis GUEST AND TITLE: Peter Berkowitz, Tad and Diane Taube Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University SUMMARY: Peter Berkowitz debunks genocide allegations against Israel, emphasizing the UN definition require
HEADLINE: MIT Professor Explains the Discovery of Ionic Liquid, Expanding Search for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David Livingston, Dr. Space of the Space Show SUMMARY: Professor Sara Seager discusses the accidental lab discovery of ionic liquids, a non-evaporating liquid salt potentially sustaining life on planets without water, expanding the traditional "habitable zone" concept. She envisions future missions like a Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope. For her lifetime, Professor Seager prioritizes privately funded "Morning Star missions" to Venus, beginning with Rocket Lab in 2026, to directly study its cloud particles for signs of life in this overlooked sister planet. 1959
PREVIEW. HEADLINE TOPIC: Accidental Discovery of Ionic Liquid and its Implications for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST NAME: Professor Sara Seager GUEST NAME AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager of MIT, astrophysicist, planetary scientist, and physicist PREVIEW: Professor Sara Seager details her post-doc Rajna Agarwal's accidental discovery of ionic liquid while simulating Venus's environment. The experiment involved evaporating concentrated sulfuric acid and organic molecules, expecting complete evaporation under low pressure. However, a persistent tiny liquid residue was found, identified as an ionic liquid. This unexpected finding, not water, could profoundly impact the search for organic life beyond Earth or reveal new insights into life on other planets, particularly in Venus's sulfuric acid clouds. Seager will discuss this further on "Hotel Mars" with David Livingston. 1954
Our program primarily focused on Rick's upcoming book "Why Space: The Purpose of People" and his involvement in the New Worlds and Cowboy Ball conference in Austin, which will feature various workshops, speakers, and entertainment. The group discussed the Earthlight Foundation's "Space 4" project for STEM education in Ukraine and an upcoming art exhibition featuring space-themed paintings. The conversation concluded with discussions about NASA leadership challenges, concerns about the Space Launch System program, and plans for future space exploration initiatives.We started out talking about Rick's upcoming book, "Why Space: The Purpose of People," which is set to be released in about a month and a half. The New Worlds and Cowboy Ball conference in Austin, Texas, from October 23-25 was part of the book discussion. .In talking about the New Worlds event, scheduled for October 23-25 at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, we learned that the event will feature workshops on space investment and space communication, as well as a private workshop on biomedical issues. Nine pre-phase A startups will be showcased throughout the event, and the Space Cowboy Ball will cap off the weekend. Rick emphasized that the event aims to differentiate itself from other space conferences by offering engaging content and avoiding typical conference formats. The event will also feature a variety of speakers, including Orson Scott Card, and will include film screenings and other entertainment.Rick talked about his Earthlight Foundation's "Space 4" project, which aims to raise money for STEM education, particularly for rocket clubs and robotics teams in Ukraine. Charles noted Ukraine's historical contributions to space programs, and Rick expressed hope that Ukraine could become a top space power. The group also discussed an upcoming art exhibition featuring space-themed paintings by Ajay while Rick described the "Cowboy Ball," an awards ceremony and dance party with a costume theme.Rick said his upcoming book was a combination of three books covering the history of space exploration, his personal experiences, and the current state of the space industry. He emphasized that the book aims to convey the deeper reasons behind space exploration rather than technical details. Rick also mentioned that he is considering holding a book reading at an upcoming conference but is still undecided.Rick shared his personal journey, which led him to dedicate his life to a cause that became his life's work. He described a series of events, including a bomb threat at an AA meeting in LA and a conversation with Gene Roddenberry, which influenced his path. Rick mentioned his struggles with alcoholism and how sobriety and a conversation with Elon Musk helped him refocus his goals. He also discussed his desire to make Star Trek a reality, which was inspired by a conversation with Gene Roddenberry. Rick's stories are included in his book.Rick also said discussed the book explores the reasons for human space exploration. He explained that his personal realization of space's purpose began in 2011 and outlined three principles of purpose: protecting and expanding the domain of life, honoring and evolving human civilization, and evolving both culturally and physically. Rick also mentioned that the book includes science fiction vignettes and will be published around October 20th.Ajay shared his op-ed on space exploration and offered to send it to Rick for reference. Rick expressed interest in reading it and suggested Ajay bring it to the upcoming conference. They discussed the importance of having multiple voices in the space community and the progress made in commercial space travel over the years. Rick shared his experiences with Elon Musk and SpaceX, highlighting the challenges and efforts made by various individuals to support space exploration initiatives.Later in the program, Rick expressed concerns about the U.S. government's approach to space exploration, particularly regarding China's potential moon landing in 2029 and the lack of support for private space companies. He criticized Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Babbitt for their support of Chinese lunar ambitions, suggesting that their actions may be influenced by political and cultural factors rather than national interests. Ajay and Charles discussed the possibility of financial motivations behind these political stances, though Rick emphasized that he had no concrete evidence of illicit activities.The group discussed the ongoing challenges with the Space Launch System (SLS) program and the need for alternative solutions. Rick emphasized the importance of private sector development of reusable rocket ships, while Charles and John highlighted the high costs and long delays associated with the current SLS program. The conversation touched on the need to continue working against the SLS program while promoting alternatives, with Rick suggesting that private sector innovation could ultimately provide a solution.All of us, Rick included, shared concerns about NASA leadership, with Rick expressing worry that current NASA leadership lacks the necessary vision and boldness to drive significant change, noting that staff are focused on maintaining personal relationships rather than addressing institutional challenges. They agreed that a strong, decisive leader is needed to address national space priorities, with David suggesting that a space-focused show could help influence decision-makers in the White House. The discussion concluded with plans for an open lines program on September 28th, where participants will have the opportunity to discuss space and defense issues further.Please read the summary and see the Zoom video of this program at doctorspace.substack.com.Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4427 ZOOM Walt Anderson | Tuesday 09 Sep 2025 700PM PTGuests: Walt Andersonzoom Walt uddate us on his company AVEALTO now ready to be a transformative & disruptive telecom techo the telecom satellite industry.Broadcast 4428 Dr. Sara Seager | Wednesday 10 Sep 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston., Dr. Sara SeagerDr. Seager discusses her work re planets without water could still produce certain liquidsBroadcast 4429: ZOOM Doug Loverro | Friday 12 Sep 2025 930AM PTGuests: Douglas LoverroZOOM: Doug discusses return to the Moon policy per his recent Space News Op Ed dated 9-2-25 titled "We led NASA's human exploration program. Here's what Artemis needs next." co-authored by Doug Cooke and Dan DumbacherBroadcast 4430 ZOOM Dr. Gerta Keller | Sunday 14 Sep 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Gerta kellerzoom Dr. Keller discusses her book, "The Last Extinction: The Real Science Behind The Death of the Dinosaurs"Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
• Guest Name: Dallas Beinhof and David Livingston • Affiliation: Dallas BeInhof: Space Systems Architect for Offworld.ai; David Livingston: Dr. Space of The Space Show • Summary: HOTEL MARS. The discussion defines cis-lunar space as the volume around the Moon, highlighting planned missions and the Artemis program as a key driver. It explores the utility of Lagrange points for stable orbital stations and the need for extensive infrastructure, including transportation nodes and propellant depots, to support a permanent human presence on the Moon and Mars. Future plans also include resource utilization and space tourism. 1957
CONTINUED. • Guest Name: Dallas Beinhof and David Livingston • Affiliation: Dallas BeInhof: Space Systems Architect for Offworld.ai; David Livingston: Dr. Space of The Space Show • Summary: HOTEL MARS. The discussion defines cis-lunar space as the volume around the Moon, highlighting planned missions and the Artemis program as a key driver. It explores the utility of Lagrange points for stable orbital stations and the need for extensive infrastructure, including transportation nodes and propellant depots, to support a permanent human presence on the Moon and Mars. Future plans also include resource utilization and space tourism. 1954
Hotel Mars: Space test #10 success. Eric Berger, David Livingston https://aviationweek.com/space/launch-vehicles-propulsion/spacex-starship-program-back-track-after-textbook-flight-10
Hotel Mars: PRC Long March 9 booster for the Earth-Moon System. Rick Fisher, David Livingston 1958
THIS VOYAGE, the Treksperts, MARK A. ALTMAN (Pandora, The Librarians, 50 Year Mission), DAREN DOCHTERMAN (associate producer, Star Trek: The Motion Picture), ASHLEY E. MILLER (DOTA: Dragon's Blood, Thor, X-Men: First Class) revisit one of TNG's greatest episodes for the 35th Anniversary of YESTERDAY'S ENTERPRISE with writer/producers RONALD D. MOORE (Battlestar Galactica, For All Mankind) & BRANNON BRAGA (The Orville, Star Trek: Enterprise), Tasha Yar herself DENISE CROSBY and producer DAVID LIVINGSTON. Don't miss this incredible deep dive into a true TNG classic along with a look at how it changed the game for time travel in Trek forever. DON'T MISS THE TREKSPERTS AT GALAXY CON DESMOINES and ST. LOUIS THIS FALL! FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO GALAXYCON.COM. **TREKSPERTS+ SUBSCRIBERS NOW GET COMMERCIAL FREE EPISODES ONE WEEK EARLY! SUBSCRIBE TODAY AT TREKSPERTSPLUS.COM****Join us on our new INGLORIOUS TREKSPERTS DISCORD Channel at: https://discord.gg/7kgmJSExehRate and follow us on social media at:Blue Sky: @inglorioustrekspertsTwitter/X: @inglorioustrekFacebook: facebook.com/inglorioustrekspertsInstagram: @inglorioustrekspertsLearn all that is learnable about Star Trek in Mark A. Altman & Edward Gross' THE FIFTY-YEAR MISSION, available in hardcover, paperback, digital and audio from St. Maritn's Press. Follow Inglorious Treksperts at @inglorioustrek on Twitter, Facebook and at @inglorioustreksperts on Instagram and Blue Sky. And now follow the Treksperts Briefing Room at @trekspertsBR, an entirely separate Twitter & Instagram feed."Mark A. Altman is the world's foremost Trekspert" - Los Angeles Times
Hotel Mars: Investing in Earth-Moon System. Andrew Chanin, PROCUREAM. David Livingston, SPAECSHOW.COM 1941
Hotel Mars: Investing in Earth Moon System. Andrew Chanin, David Livingston continued 1941
HOTEL Mars: China wins. Rand Simberg, David Livingston 1954
SHOW SCHEDULE 8-7-25 Good evening. The show begins in the future, discussing the AI androids that will dominate the QSRs... NOVEMBER 1957 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9-915 Android AI: How soon? #SCALAREPORT: Chris Riegel CEO, Scala.com @Stratacache 915-930 Jobs: QSR all androids. #SCALAREPORT: Chris Riegel CEO, Scala.com @Stratacache 930-945 Research endowments and Trump admin. Eric Jensen, Case Western University, Civitas 945-1000 Research endowments and Trump admin. Eric Jensen, Case Western University, Civitas continued SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Putin softens. Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute 1015-1030 Putin successor. Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute 1030-1045 AI: Electricity supremacy. Kevin Frazier, Civitas Institute 1045-1100 AI: Electricity supremacy. Kevin Frazier, Civitas Institute continued THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 #NewWorldReport: Brazil lawfare. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis 1115-1130 #NewWorldReport: Colombia lawfare. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis 1130-1145 #NewWorldReport: Mexico Sheinbaum. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis 1145-1200 #NewWorldReport: Argentina congress election. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis #NewWorldReportEllis FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Fed choice. Veronique de Rugy 1215-1230 Canada: Shy vacationers. Conrad Black 1230-1245 Rubio and Caracas. Mary Anastasia O'Grady 1245-100 AM HOTELl Mars: China wins. Rand Simberg, David Livingston
SHOW SCHEDULE 7-31-25 The show begins in Damascus with John Bolton -- doubting President al Sharaa. 1870 DAMASCUS CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9-915 SYRIA: UNTRUSTED DAMASCUS AL SHARAA. JOHN BOLTON. 915-930 RUSSIA: INNER MONGOLIA TRADE. MICHAEL BERNSTAM, HOOVER 930-945 STARBUCKS: TURNAROUND SECURITY. #SCALAREPORT: CHRIS RIEGEL CEO, SCALA.COM @STRATACACHE. 945-1000 BRAZIL: LAWFARE AND MYSTERIES. MARY ANASTASIA O'GRADY, WSJ SECOND HOUR 10-1015 ISRAEL: NYT FALSE PHOTO. AMBASSADOR YECHIEL LEITER, MALCOLM HOENLEIN @CONF_OF_PRES @MHOENLEIN1 1015-1030 ISRAEL: NYT FALSE PHOTO. AMBASSADOR YECHIEL LEITER, MALCOLM HOENLEIN @CONF_OF_PRES @MHOENLEIN1 1030-1045 YEMEN: MICHAEL RUBIN. 1045-1100 PA, PLO: TEACHING ANTISEMITISM. ITAMAR MARCUS THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 #NEWWORLDREPORT: TAIWAN IN THE AMERICAS. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE. @REVANELLIS #NEWWORLDREPORTELLIS 1115-1130 #NEWWORLDREPORT: BRAZIL LAWFARE. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE. @REVANELLIS #NEWWORLDREPORTELLIS 1130-1145 #NEWWORLDREPORT: PETRO AND MADURO. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE. @REVANELLIS #NEWWORLDREPORTELLIS 1145-1200 #NEWWORLDREPORT: MEXICO AND ARGENTINA. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH PROFESSOR EVAN ELLIS, U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE. @REVANELLIS #NEWWORLDREPORTELLIS FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 EUROPEAN DOUBTS. ANATOL LIEVEN, QUINCY 1215-1230 BRITAIN DOUBTS, ANATOL LIEVEN, QUINCY 1230-1245 HOTEL MARS: DORMANT BLACK HOLES AWAKEN. MEGHAN MASTERSON, MIT; DAVID LIVINGSTON, SPACESHOW.COM 1245-100 AM HOTEL MARS: DORMANT BLACK HOLES AWAKEN. MEGHAN MASTERSON, MIT; DAVID LIVINGSTON, SPACESHOW.COM CONTINUED
HOTEL MARS: DORMANT BLACK HOLES AWAKEN. MEGHAN MASTERSON, MIT; DAVID LIVINGSTON, SPACESHOW.COM https://www.space.mit.edu/news/astronomers-discover-star-shredding-black-holes-hiding-in-dusty-galaxies/ 1960
HOTEL MARS: DORMANT BLACK HOLES AWAKEN. MEGHAN MASTERSON, MIT; DAVID LIVINGSTON, SPACESHOW.COM. CONTINUED: THE ULIMITED BUDGET. https://www.space.mit.edu/news/astronomers-discover-star-shredding-black-holes-hiding-in-dusty-galaxies/ SUMMER 1940
SHOW SCHEDULE 7-16-2025 THE SHOW OPENS IN CANADA, ASKING IF CHINA IS REPLACING THE US AS A TRADE AND SECURITY PARTNER... 1950 ONTARIO CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9:00-9:15 CANADA AND CHINA. Charles Burton @GORDONGCHANG, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill. 9:15-9:30 CANADA AND CHINA. Charles Burton @GORDONGCHANG, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill, continued. 9:30-9:45 SYRIA AND THE IAF. Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio. 9:45-10:00 SYRIA AND THE IAF. Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio, continued. SECOND HOUR 10:00-10:15 PRC AND DEFLATION. Andrew Collier, @GORDONGCHANG, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill. 10:15-10:30 PRC AND FAKERY. Blaine Holt @GORDONGCHANG, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill. 10:30-10:45 UKRAINE AND DC. Rebecca Grant @GORDONGCHANG, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill. 10:45-11:00 BUCKLEY AND THE BOSTON PHONE BOOK. Peter Berkowitz. THIRD HOUR 11:00-11:15 RUSSIA AND FROZEN ASSETS. Michael Bernstam. 11:15-11:30 WALL STREET AND FIREFLY. Douglas Messier, David Livingston. 11:30-11:45 CONSTITUTION AND DISCONTENTS. Bradford Wilson.11:45-12:00 CONSTITUTION AND DISCONTENTS. Bradford Wilson, continued. FOURTH HOUR 12:00-12:15 COPPER. Simon Constable. 12:15-12:30 UK TAXES AND INFLATION. Simon Constable, continued. 12:30-12:45 AXIOM AND SPACEX. Bob Zimmerman. 12:45-1:00 AM GRAVITY AND BLACK HOLES. Bob Zimmerman, continued.
WALL STREET AND FIREFLY. DOUGLAS MESSIER, DAVID LIVINGSTON OCTOBER 1957