Dr. William Farrand, Tuesday, 4-16-13 April 17, 2013
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: AI, CRISM, Curiosity, Dr. William Farrand, Earth imaging, Earth science, Europa, human spaceflight, hyperspectral remote sensing data, life on Mars, Mars, Mars atmospheric science, Mars colors., Maven, minerals, MRO, multispectral remote sensing data, NASA program oversight, Opportunity, Planetary Data System, robotics, sequestration, solar conjunction, Spirit, World View 2, World View 3
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Dr. William Farrand, Tuesday, 4-16-13
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1994-BWB-2013-04-16.mp3
Guest: Dr. William Farrand. Topics: Mars orbiters and rovers, multispectral & hyperspectral remote sensing data. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information.
We welcomed Dr. William (Bill) Farrand to the program to discuss Martian multispectral & hyperspectral remote sensing data, the same for the Earth and throughout our solar system. To find out more about Dr. Farrand and his work, please visit his website at http://farrviewconsulting.com. In the first segment of our 90 minute discussion, we talked about the Mars solar conjunction, what the rover Opportunity is doing during the conjunction, Opportunity’s longevity, and why Spirit quit working. We also talked about Curiosity, then I asked our guest about both multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data for Mars. Dr. Farrand explained the imaging and the instruments in addition what we learn about Mars and other solar system objects through the remote sensing instruments providing us with this data. In fact, in response to a listener email, our guest talked about remote sensing data from the Messenger, Cassini, Dawn, and other missions. I asked our guest about minerals on Mars and throughout the solar system and how they might differ from the same mineral here on Earth. Doug sent in a question about trades with the science missions as compared to doing a human spaceflight mission. Our guest expanded the discussion to include very expensive science missions as opposed to more missions but lower in cost. Dr. Farrand talked about the proposed commercial space missions to the Moon, Mars, and for resource utilization. He also talked about the prize system as being a good way to further commercial exploration and development. A listener asked about getting timely data released to the public. Our guest directed us to the Planetary Data System which houses all the mission data, usually about six months after it was first obtained.
In our second segment, Doug asked that if Curiosity comes up empty, might that seriously put life on Mars into doubt? Don’t miss the response, it might surprise you. We then discussed Curiosity and what it was up to at this time plus more on Opportunity. As for future Mars missions, we talked about Maven and then our guest was asked if the current Mars science and robotic missions were designed to pave the way for an eventual human spaceflight mission to Mars. He said they were not so tightly linked but it’s a discussion you will want to hear. Our questions then changed to NASA economics and sequestration as our guest was asked for his thoughts on cutbacks, sequestration, moral, etc. I asked about Earth remote sensing and we talked about Landsat satellites and Landsat 8. Also the commercial World View 2 and the coming World View 3. We talked about buying commercial data as opposed to using government sourced data, plus AI, real time data acquisition and more. Near the end, Karen asked about the role the scientist plays in designing & developing the satellites & tools on board it.
Please post your comments and questions on The Space Show blog above. You can email our guest through his website or me using drspace@thespaceshow.com.
The John Batchelor Show Hotel Mars, Wednesday, 1-2-13 January 3, 2013
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: " Mercury, : John Batchelor, Cassini, Curiosity, Dawn, Dr. David Livingston, ESA, Europa, Iris, Jupiter, LADEE, Mars, Maven, Messenger, Moon, NASA Planetary Missions, New Horizons, Saturn, science missions, solar system, Venus Express, Vesta
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The John Batchelor Show Hotel Mars, Wednesday, 1-2-13
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1922-BWB-2013-01-02.mp3
Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston: Topics: Our discussion is an overview of current and planned 2013 NASA planetary missions. You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, and any discussion must be relevant and applicable to Space Show programming. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. We do not permit the commercial use of any Space Show program or part thereof, nor do we permit Space Show programs to be edited, placed on YouTube, or other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted in news articles, papers, academic & research work but must be cited or referenced in the proper citation format. Contact Dr. Livingston for questions about our copyright and trademark policies which we do enforce. This program is archived on The Space Show website, podcasting, and blog sites with permission from John Batchelor. Please visit the John Batchelor Show website for more information about this fine program, http://www.johnbatchelorshow.com. During our 11 minute plus discussion, John and I provided a short overview of current, operating NASA planetary and science missions plus missions planned for 2013. We also mentioned a few ESA missions and talked about a future Europa mission.
Please post any comments/questions you might have on The Space Show blog. You can contact Mr. Batchelor through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Dr. Catharine Conley, Monday, 10-8-12 October 9, 2012
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: " Phobos Grunt Mission, Bigelow Aerospace habitats, COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy, Curiosity, Dr. Catharine Conley, Europa, flyby missions, Gale Crater, HSF to Mars, human settlement on Mars, ISS, JPL, Mars, Mars meteorites, Mars Oasis, Mars sample return mission, Moon, MSL, NASA Planetary Protection Office, NEOs, New Horizons Mission, Outer Space Treaty, Planetary Defense, Planetary Protection Mission Categories, planetary quarantine, terreforming, UV Light, Venus, Viking, Voyager missions
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Dr. Catharine Conley, Monday, 10-8-12
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1868-BWB-2012-10-08.mp3
Guest: Dr. Catharine Conley. Topics: NASA & international planetary protection policy, methodology, & applications. You are invited to comment, ask questions, & discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, & any discussion must be relevant & applicable to Space Show programming. Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. We welcomed Dr. Catharine Conley, NASA’s Planetary Protection Officer to the show for a comprehensive discussion on the subject of planetary protection. Planetary Protection is concerned with preventing the transfer of life between planetary bodies. For more information, visit the NASA Planetary Protection website at http://planetaryprotection.nasa.gov. Dr. Conley started our discussion with the definition of planetary protection, followed by a brief history dating back to the Apollo missions & planetary quarantine. Dr. Conley talked extensively about microbes & their survival. One of the points she made in response to a question was just how friendly the very cold temperatures of space could be for microbes. On the other hand, radiation & the UV light are the enemies of microbial survival. We talked about a Mars sample return mission, what safety precautions would be taken, & then our guest was asked about using the ISS or the Moon as a quarantine lab to protect Earth. You will hear why this is not a good idea & later when asked about using a Bigelow habitat as a planetary protection lab since it would not be a government lab, our guest applied the same reasoning. Dr. Conley talked about the Viking missions as the most stringent ever for planetary protection. In terms of the methodology, we talked about how a mission is prepared for planetary protection, the probability of contamination, & I asked about cost-benefit analysis & the value of added costs & more time for planetary protection if the probability of contamination was so low. As you will hear, building in planetary protection starting with the concept stage is not a significant contributor to costs as its usually less than 1% of mission costs. We also talked about protocols for a NEO mission, the New Horizons mission on the way to Pluto, & missions to other planets & flyby missions. Next, our guest addressed issues with Mars Science Lab & Curiosity. Near the end of the first segment, we talked about international protocols, Article 9 of the OST, & the international COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy. Dr. Conley talked about international space agency adherence to the policy, country by country. Viruses & extra-terrestrial life possibilities brought us to the close of this segment.
In our second segment, Dr. Conley talked about the need for public awareness & educational outreach regarding planetary protection. Listeners asked about human flights to Mars, even one way flights. Don’t miss this discussion. Did you know that it is very likely that humans will be restricted as to where they can go on Mars based on planetary protection policy? Or, by the time we send humans to Mars, we will have learned enough about Mars so that the human part regarding planetary protection will not prove to be much of a threat or risk. We talked about terreforming, what to do with a crew member death on Mars & being able to bury the body, then we talked about planetary protection policy among the NASA centers. Near the end, our guest was asked about the Phobos-Grunt mission & the Russian adherence to planetary protection policies. We inquired about Mars meteorites here on Earth & future missions being worked on with the planetary protection office including two Mars missions & the concept of a Europa mission.
Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. If you want to contact Dr. Conley, send your note to me & I will forward it to her.
Open Lines, Tuesday, 9-4-12 September 5, 2012
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: " microbial life, " SpaceX, "Open Air" by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, "Question Answered, Art Association of Philadelphia, Atlas 5, Boeing CST 100, Cis-lunar tug., Commercial Crew, Dark Skies, Dragon, Dream Chaser, ET life, Europa, Falcon 9. , ion propulsion, life outside the solar system, light pollution, NewSpace, Open Lines, Philadelphia public art project, Republican Party Platform space policy, solar system oceans, U.S. economy & NASA
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Open Lines, Tuesday, 9-4-12
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1848-BWB-2012-09-04.mp3
Guest: Open Lines with Dr. David Livingston. Topics: Life outside the solar system, Philadelphia light pollution, ion propulsion, U.S. economy, NASA, space program funding. You are invited to comment, ask questions, & discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, & any discussion must be relevant & applicable to Space Show programming. Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. As Open Lines started, I put two discussion topics on the table. These two topics focused on the Republican party platform & its space policy plus the reaction to it by various sectors of the space community, specifically NewSpace. The second topic I mentioned was the state of the U.S. economy & how it impacts NASA & space funding. My theory was & is that it does impact the state of NASA funding & what happens in the private sector but I asked others who have economic experience & knowledge to tell me why so many talk space policy without factoring in our domestic as well as economic condition. When I opened up the phone line, the first caller was Wade Hobbs who talked about life having developed elsewhere in the solar system, mainly in the oceans of Europa. He said his theory offered statistical proof of life in Jupiter’s moon Europa & he pointed us toward his Kindle book, “Question Answered.” If you purchase his book using this URL, Amazon will donate to The Space Show/OGLF: www.amazon.com/Question-Answered-ebook/dp/B008ZFZ05W/ref=onegiantlea20. He explained his theory & invited comments & questions. His email address is w_hobbs@mail.com. Our second caller was Ed Murray who called our attention to a light pollution public art project scheduled soon for Philadelphia. The project, Open Air” by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer of Canada & approved by the Art Association of Philadelphia is described here: www.knightarts.org/community/philadelphia/preparing-for-open-air-in-philadelphia. Many in the astronomy & Dark Skies fields are objecting to the project which will last nearly two months & probably blot out most of the Philadelphia night sky. Ed & others are seeking ideas & help to minimize the project or cancel it. They have sought help from the International Dark Skies organization & others. If this project interests you, follow up on the suggestions offered on the blog by Ed & others which detail their concerns about the project.
In our second segment, John from Atlanta called in to discuss ion propulsion & fuel plus he wanted to address the economic issues I raised in the introduction to tonight’s program. Regarding the economic issues, John suggested we were still not so bad where the economy would start to impact NASA funding but if thing worsen, it is likely that NASA & all space funding will be impacted. John & I went back & forth for several minutes discussing the economic situation, the national debt, space & more, both from the U.S. domestic perspective as well as the global perspective. We talked about the total budget going to NASA being so small as a factor. John & I talked about the Republican platform suggestion that despite the language, commercial crew to the ISS would continue. John suggested an early down select to SpaceX but I advocated for at least another round of competition with Sierra Nevada & Boeing, possibly others too. Our final call was from Tim who talked about ion propulsion & space nuclear propulsion. He introduced the idea of carbon nano tubes for use in rocket materials & I suggested that was way out in the future. Tim also suggested the private sector bypass NASA & do its “own thing.”
Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog above. If you want to email any of the callers, send your note to me & I will forward it.
Dr. Anita Sengupta, Tuesday, 8-28-12 August 29, 2012
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: " Jet Propulsion Lab, aerobraking, airbags, ” Dr. Anita Sengupta, Curiosity Rover, Dawn Mission, Deimos., depots, descent), EDL (entry, Europa, Europa nano satellite mission, Hall thruster, heavy lift launch vehicle, ion engines, ion thrusters, landing, landing on Mars, landing retro rockets., launch vehicle faring size, lunar propulsion elements, Mars, Mars Science Lab, Martian atmosphere, Martian robotic debris, military parachute, Moon, on orbit manufacturing, orbital transfer vehicle, parachute velocity, Phobos, plasma propulsion, rover alternatives, supersonic parachutes, University of Southern California, Venetian atmosphere, Venus, Vesta, Viking, Xenon
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Dr. Anita Sengupta, Tuesday, 8-28-12
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1843-BWB-2012-08-28.mp3
Guest: Dr. Anita Sengupta. Topics: Entry, Descent, & Landing for Mars, Venus, propulsion, parachute issues, & more. You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, and any discussion must be relevant and applicable to Space Show programming. Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. We welcomed Dr. Anita Sengupta, Senior Systems Engineer at JPL in Entry, Descent & Landing (EDL) Advanced Technologies Group to discuss EDL for Mars, other planets, and much more. In our first segment, Dr. Sengupta described conditions relevant to Mars and landing an object on the planet. We talked about the Martian atmosphere and what an EDL team needs to consider and design to land any payload on Mars as well as humans. We also learned that EDL for a different size payload would be different than what was used for Curiosity, probably needing new systems. We talked about supersonic parachutes & parachutes in general, addressing parachute materials, velocity, parachute violent extremes, the speed of sound & much more. Another topic was testing on Earth to make sure the devices work on Mars. Dr. Sengupta explained how such testing & Mars simulation is done on Earth. Other landing techniques such as airbags were mentioned along with retro rockets. During this discussion, our guest did a great job of explaining the various forces and physics involved in landing & how each of these forces must be dealt with for a successful landing. We then talked about landing a payload on Venus and just how different Venus is to Mars. The same for our Moon and the moons of Mars, Phobos & Deimos. Listeners sent in questions about the rover debris being left on Mars as well as wondering if there were other ways to explore Mars than using rovers. John called to inquire about first stage reusability & our guest talked about doing the “trades” (running the numbers to see if reusability is economic or not). Doug called to talk about orbital transfer vehicles, aerobraking, and more. This led us to a discussion about larger launch vehicles, the need to dissipate lots of energy on reentry, and why larger areas with drag are preferable.
In our second segment, I asked about software programs we might use for the basic type of analysis Dr. Sengupta had been discussing. Note her recommendations. We then talked about plasma propulsion and ion thrusters. Dr. Sengupta had much to say on this subject including ion thruster fuel, costs, ISP, and again, the importance of doing trade studies for a mission to determine the best methodology/economics for the mission. Our guest also talked about the lower ISP Hall ion thruster which was also lower in cost but with substantially more ISP than a chemical engine. Also in this segment, we talked about the Dawn mission & Vega, a possible Europa mission & the use of nano satellites for the Europa mission. Doug called back regarding ion propulsion fuel, xenon, iron, lunar fuel, etc. As our program was ending, Anita mentioned the Orion parachute system tests she works on & the new Mars mission InSight. Several times during the program, Dr. Sengupta stressed the need to do the trade studies regarding mission planning to determine the best economics & cost effectiveness for the mission. Many of you have heard on The Space Show that if one does not “run the numbers,” it is impossible to know if what you want to do is economically & mission productive/viable. On Oct. 28, Dr. Jurist is doing a special webinar with his interactive Excel spreadsheet on rocket/mission planning. It is essential to be able to do this in mission planning. Trusting your beliefs, gut, & preferences are not the way to go so watch this webinar if you can.
Please post questions/comments on our blog.
