Dr. Mindy Howard, Monday, 6-10-13 June 11, 2013
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: anti-gravity stress maneuvers, Astronauts4Hire, brain wave training, centrifuge, Dr. Mindy Howard, ESA, g force breathing exercises, hi-tech medication, HSF to Mars, Inner Space Training, Inspiration Mars, Mars one, MindSpa, NASA, peak space experience, psychological commercial astronaut preparation, space participant flexibility, suborbital space flight, Virgin Galactic, XCOR
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Dr. Mindy Howard, Monday, 6-10-13
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2026-BWB-2013-06-10.mp3
Guest: Dr. Mindy Howard. Topics: Addressing the mental and emotional challenges that may be experienced during commercial space flight. 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. Mindy Howard to the program for our 1 hour 30 minute discussion about the psychological issues and training for commercial astronauts. During our first segment, Dr. Howard introduced us to many of the issues that will be faced by commercial astronauts, including psychological aspects. Our guest described her business, Inner Space Training (see http://innerspacetraining.com) and the benefits that her training offers commercial astronauts, especially if the training is engaged a few months in advance of the actual spaceflight. Dr. Howard was asked if in her research she noticed differences among potential commercial astronauts based on age, gender, physical fitness, or other metrics. In addition, our guest explained brain wave theory and the use of the MindSpa device for the training. Dr. Howard was asked about training in Holland and Europe as well as here in the States, plus individual and/or group training. As for her Inner Space Training program, it lasts one day but “homework” follows for several weeks to a month or two in advance of the actual flight, especially using the MindSpa tool which you use and learn in the formal part of the one day training program.
In our second segment, we talked about commercial astronaut peaks, performance, and flow. We also addressed more issues regarding training for a long duration flight such as Inspiration Mars. Dr. Howard did go into some detail about peak experiences, especially when I suggested that the entire flight to Mars might be a peak experience. However, when properly defined, the entire Martian trip would not be a peak experience though it would likely be very exciting. I also asked her how she might modify her training to include the longer Mars flight. Toward the end of the program, we talked about the business need for the space tourism programs to make this type of training mandatory to help assure all participants/customers have a successful flight experience. Dr. Howard provided a few examples in support of my suggestion that this type of training be required & included by the space companies.
Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can also email Dr. Howard at mindyhoward@innerspacetraining.com.
Dr. Duane Graveline, Friday, 1-25-13 January 24, 2013
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: Alexei Leonov. animal studies, Apollo, astronaut, astronaut water return, bed rest studies, bone density, commercial space, complete adaptation to zero gravity for mission duration, Dr. Duane Graveline, Galactic Cosmic Radiation, Group 4- The Scientists, Heather Archuletta, HSF to Mars, hydro pod, hydropod for astronaut Earth return, immersion tank, in-flight microgravity countermeasures, ISS, Laika, long duration spaceflight, Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP device), mice/animal centrifuge studies, MIR, on orbit exercise, post landing gravity readaptation on Earth., private sector astronauts, Soviet space program, test pilots, tilt studies, USAF Flight Surgeon, water immersion., Zero G, zero gravity
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Dr. Duane Graveline, Friday, 1-25-13
Co-Host Heather Archuletta
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1936-BWB-2013-01-25.mp3
Guests: Dr. Duane Graveline, Heather Archuletta. Topics: Bed rest microgravity simulation studies. Dr. Graveline is the father of this research. 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. Duane Graveline to the program to discuss bed rest simulation microgravity studies, the early days of pioneering of his having pioneered this research, aerospace medicine and much more in our 1 hour 23 minute discussion. Dr. Graveline is the father of this research dating back to the late 1950s. Please visit his website, www.spacedoc.com. Heather Archuletta, the Pillownaut Astronaut, returned to co-host with me for this important discussion. Check out Heather’s blog posts about Dr. Graveline and his work at http://pillownaut.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-bed-pilot-pioneer.html. Dr. Graveline has allowed us to use two specific pictures referring to his pioneering work and both are on The Space Show blog per the above URL. Picture 1 is Dr. Graveline’s water immersion tank and Picture 2 is the LBNP device. He discusses both of these in the program’s first segment. Dr. Graveline started out with an overview of his early work, how he got into the field, his decision to join the Air Force and why this area of medicine interested him. He explained his early bed rest tests and talked about the challenges with the test subjects. Heather and Dr. Graveline compared those early tests to those of today that Heather has participated in. It was a fascinating compare and contrast, especially regarding the discipline of test subjects then and now. Dr. Graveline talked about water immersion, the aerospace lab he used, and his water immersion tank. Don’t forget to check out the picture of it on the blog. Dr. Graveline is looking through the window at the floating test subject. Would you like to float as Dr. Graveline explained for one full week nonstop? Throughout our discussion, Dr. Graveline told us many interesting and sometimes funny stories from his past like his visit to the Today Show and their wanting him to wear “flippers!” Our guest described the low body negative pressure device (LBNP) which you can see in the second photo on the blog. He talked about it, the old Soviet program, Mir and tilt table tests. Dr. Graveline talked extensively about the Soviet program, how he was able to monitor much of their data, & he told us about Alexi Leonov when he had serious problems when caught outside his spaceship. Many questions were asked about early animal studies, Laika, and more. He told us how they were able to do blood pressure readings on dogs & the Soviets bragged about it since Dr. Graveline was able to figure out, copy, & improve the Soviet system. Mice and centrifuge studies were discussed in some detail & Heather and Dr. Graveline had comprehensive discussions about exercise in the bed rest studies of today as compared to none in the early days of the studies. Dr. Graveline talked with Heather about his idea to abandon exercise in space so the astronauts could concentrate on their work, then return in a hydropod and rehab completely back on Earth for a few months. You don’t want to miss this discussion or explanation from Dr. Graveline as to why this approach should be considered and tested by NASA.
In the second segment, we talked about bone density issues and the applicability of space research and findings to terrestrial medical issues for people with this medical problem. He was asked about a long duration HSF to Mars and he said the bigger problem was galactic radiation which he talked about in some detail. He said that as of today, there are no mitigation tools for this problem. The discussion went back and forth about water immersion and the use of the hydropod for returning astronauts & Heather talked about prohibitive costs & that immersion is not used today. One of our UK listeners asked Dr. Graveline about his being part of Group 4 – The Scientists. As this was the first astronaut group that was not composed of test pilots, our listener wanted to know about the selection process & getting more scientists to the Moon & on missions. Dr. Graveline had much to say about this subject & shared with us some terrific & historical stories from the past. He talked about Spacelab, astronaut Bill Pogue, & shared science stories with us. During our program, Heather, with her bed rest study experience & her recruiting work (listen to her Space Show program on the studies she has recent completed at http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1926-BWB-2013-01-08.mp3 from Jan. 8, 2013), contributed greatly to the discussion and Dr. Graveline was equally interested in talking with her about the program today as compared to the program he started decades ago. Dr. Graveline’s book, “From Laika With Love: Secret Soviet Gifts to Apollo,” is still available. If you order it from Amazon using this link, Amazon will make a contribution to The Space Show/OGLF: http://www.amazon.com/From-Laika-With-Duane-Graveline/dp/1424338700/ref=onegiantlea20. Dr. Graveline was also asked about the use of his research today and if young scientists & researchers interested in the field still study his early work. He said yes and talked about how much easier it was to do that today due to the internet.
If you have questions/ comments for Dr. Duane Graveline or Heather Archuletta, post them on The Space Show blog per the URL above. If you want to email Dr. Graveline or Heather, you can do so through me. You can also comment and contact Heather through her blog which is mentioned earlier in this summary.
Here are Dr. Graveline’s photos discussed above:
Graveline Immersion Tank
Graveline LBNP Device
John Strickland, Tuesday, 1-22-13 January 22, 2013
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: " SpaceX, asteroid mining, Cis-Lunar Declaration., Cis-lunar economic development, Cislunar transportation, Delta-V, Falcon Heavy, heavy lift vehicle, HSF to Mars, John Strickland, LMO Waystation, NSS, Return to the Moon, SLS, space launch issues, space solar power, space tug
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John Strickland, Tuesday, 1-22-13
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1934-BWB-2013-01-22.mp3
Guest: John Strickland. Topics: Cislunar transportation and economics, SSP, and more. 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 John Strickland to the show to discuss cislunar space development, economics, transportation, SSP, and much more. You can read his latest The Space Review article, “Cislunar transportation: the space trucking system” at http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2221/1. We have also placed on The Space Show blog several images John referred to during our 96 minute discussion. We started the first segment by discussing what is needed in terms of supporting space infrastructure to establish a Cis-lunar space economy. In addition, we talked about heavy lift launch vehicles in general, expendable rockets, the need for RLVs and more. John said there were three basic vehicle needs, a crew vehicle, cargo vehicles, and tankers. At one point he said he would like to see a Dragon model as a tanker. This discussion then went to orbital fuel depots and our guest had much to say on the depot topic. Here, he brought up the idea of a lunar ferry and robotic missions using the RLV. A listener asked him for the biggest challenge to the ideas he was sharing with us and he said money!
In the second segment, Doug called in and talked about John’s Space Review article per the above URL. Doug had several questions and challenges for John. Another listener emailed in questions relating to John’s trucking system comparisons. Later, Tim called to ask about electric propulsion and this took us to the Falcon Heavy topic, the need for RLVs, etc. Also, John referred quite a bit to Image #2 on The Space Show Blog, the LMO Waystation. We then addressed Space Solar Power (SSP).Guest: John Strickland. Topics: Cislunar transportation and economics, SSP, and more. 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 John Strickland to the show to discuss cislunar space development, economics, transportation, SSP, and much more. You can read his latest The Space Review article, “Cislunar transportation: the space trucking system” at http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2221/1. We have also placed on The Space Show blog several images John referred to during our 96 minute discussion. We started the first segment by discussing what is needed in terms of supporting space infrastructure to establish a Cis-lunar space economy. In addition, we talked about heavy lift launch vehicles in general, expendable rockets, the need for RLVs and more. John said there were three basic vehicle needs, a crew vehicle, cargo vehicles, and tankers. At one point he said he would like to see a Dragon model as a tanker. This discussion then went to orbital fuel depots and our guest had much to say on the depot topic. Here, he brought up the idea of a lunar ferry and robotic missions using the RLV. A listener asked him for the biggest challenge to the ideas he was sharing with us and he said money! In the second segment, Doug called in and talked about John’s Space Review article per the above URL. Doug had several questions and challenges for John. Another listener emailed in questions relating to John’s trucking system comparisons. Later, Tim called to ask about electric propulsion and this took us to the Falcon Heavy topic, the need for RLVs, etc. Also, John referred quite a bit to Image #2 on The Space Show Blog, the LMO Waystation. We then addressed Space Solar Power (SSP). He said it would take from $50 billion to $200 billion for a 1GW base load, Ground based Solar or wind system. He then discussed what would have to change about how we do space to see SSP become a reality. Tim also wanted to know about bypassing the Moon and going directly to a NEO. John had much to say about using the incremental approach which included the Cis-lunar economic development we have talked about on this program and on other programs. John’s closing comments with the Teddy Roosevelt statement were important one so don’t miss it. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog per above. You can email John Strickland for his materials and with your questions at jkstrickl@sbcglobal.net He then discussed what would have to change about how we do space to see SSP become a reality. Tim also wanted to know about bypassing the Moon and going directly to a NEO. John had much to say about using the incremental approach which included the Cis-lunar economic development we have talked about on this program and on other programs. John’s closing comments with the Teddy Roosevelt statement were important one so don’t miss it.
Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog per above. You can email John Strickland for his materials and with your questions at jkstrickl@sbcglobal.net.
Below are the images pertaining to the discussion with John. Note that the “1 page with 2 ferry images” link below opens a document with two color diagrams which will also be part of tonight’s discussion.
Mars Ferry Lander With Writing Corrected
LMO Waystation
LMO Waystation Assembled Horizontal
Heather Archuletta, Tuesday, 1-8-13 January 9, 2013
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: bed rest study recruitment, bone density, Heather Archuletta, HSF to Mars, ISS, JSC, MARS 500, microgravity, NASA bed rest studies, NASA simulation studies, pet therapy, smart pills, Space Shuttle, water immersion.
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Heather Archuletta, Tuesday, 1-8-13
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1926-BWB-2013-01-08.mp3
Guest: Heather Archuletta. Topics: NASA bed rest and simulation studies. 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 Heather Archuletta to the program to discuss her first hand experiences with three NASA bed rest studies plus her recruitment work for new NASA study applicants. Heather is known as the Pillow Astronaut. Check out her website at www.pillownaut.com and her blog at http://pillownaut.blogspot.com. Our discussion was divided into two segments but this summary will not reflect segments since many of the same themes and topics overlapped the two segments. I believe this to be a very informative and a very entertaining Space Show program offering a comprehensive and insiders view of a subject we have not covered in any detail on any of our programs in our broadcasting history. We started out with Heather explaining the bed rest simulation studies, the different kinds of studies, and the basic qualifications to participate in a study. We talked about studies ranging from 24 days to 100 days. Heather was terrific about explaining the protocols to us, what each day was like, what the food was like, the ongoing medical testing, the helpers that did practically everything for the participants, plus the type of recreation they had given they all had to remain in their beds in the position required by the specific study. We talked extensively about the recreation from reading to movies, to being able to get fresh air outdoors, to using computers, webcams, and phones. Heather also explained the personal and privacy issues all the participants had to comply with and experience. If you embarrass easy, these studies are likely not for you. Diet was a big part of the study and our guest explained how tightly controlled the diet was and how it was made to order for each participant. In response to questions about the application and process, we learned about the medical and psychological screening, bone scans, etc. There was also outreach to family, friends, and significant others as there were strict rules about visiting and of course applicants did not need opposition by those in their lives. The goal of these studies, as you will hear, was to work toward developing counter measures for the effects of microgravity on bones. Physical intervention techniques such as exercise were tested as well as chemical mitigation techniques depending on the nature of any given study. Several listeners asked why the participants chose to do this. One listener asked how Heather talked with the general public to get them to see that spaceflight was worthwhile. Don’t miss this discussion, it’s a good one. Making a difference and helping to pave the way for long duration human spaceflight were important reasons given by the participants for enduring the study constraints and protocols. Heather went over the basic medical and physical requirements for being a participant and she talked about her getting others interested in the studies given her own experience with three studies. She uses social media for outreach and also various conferences and speaking engagements. Heather also told us about the pictures on her blog, including pictures of her doing the studies in her bed. Scroll down on her blog for more information and the pictures. Also, there are journals on the blog regarding the day to day activity in the study. We learned that reading was a favorite activity as was working on laptops. When Heather was asked about pets coming to visit them with family members when visiting was possible, we learned that some of the participants kept fish with them in their rooms but no dogs, cats, or birds. Later in the discussion, she talked about the use of smart pills in some of the studies. She mentioned the founder of the bed rest studies, Dr. Duane Graveline and she told us how the bed rest and water immersion studies came about. Heather also said that the term “sleep study” was incorrect as the participants were not there to sleep! We learned that when the study ended, there was about a two week rehab period for the person to be able to function again. Sometimes the participants could not drive for up to three weeks after the study ended. Listeners asked Heather how accurate the simulations were compared to what the astronauts experienced on the ISS and the space shuttle. As you will hear, these studies appear to be excellent analog studies to actual spaceflight.
One additional point and that is we talked about the Whitehouse.gov petition on nuclear propulsion. For those of you interested in this petition, you can get information about it at http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/08/16385852-nuclear-power-in-space-petition-asks-white-house-to-rekindle-project.
Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can email Heather through me or through her website and blog.
Tabitha Smith, Gwyn Rosaire, Project Bifrost, Sunday, 12-16-12 December 16, 2012
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: B4 core, chemical rockets, DARPAs 100 Year Starship Program, fission, Fukushima, fusion propulsion, graphite nuclear rocket fuel, Gwyn Rosaire, HSF to Mars, Icarus Interstellar, ITAR, NASA Marshall Decade Module 2 fusion project, nuclear economics, nuclear propulsion mission, nuclear space technologies, nuclear thermal rocket, Project Bifrost, Russian nuclear propulsion program, Saturn V rocket, Tabitha Smith, tungsten nuclear rocket fuel, White House nuclear rocket policy., Y-12 research
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Tabitha Smith, Gwyn Rosaire, Project Bifrost, Sunday, 12-16-12
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1915-BWB-2012-12-16.mp3
Guests: Tabitha Smith, Gwyn Rosaire. Topics: Nuclear propulsion, Project Bifrost, Icarus Interstellar. 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 Tabitha Smith and Gwyn Rosaire to our program to discuss Project Bifrost and nuclear space propulsion. For more information and to contact our guests, visit www.icarusinterstellar.org/projects/project-bifrost. If you are interested in joining Project Bifrost, or have suggestions, please use the “here” email link on the webpage. During our first segment, Ms. Smith started by giving us the origin and meaning of the project name, Bifrost (pronounced BEEFROST). This discussion included Icarus Interstellar and mention of the Darpa 100 Year Starship Program (100YSS). I asked Gwyn about our technical status in having a nuclear thermal rocket and he said we had more of an economic problem with nuclear propulsion than a technical problems. We talked about the lack of a mission for a nuclear rocket and that such a mission would be generated from the White House on down. Nuclear fuel was a topic as new research is focusing on tungsten fuels rather than graphite though our caller Dr. Jim Dewar suggested new opportunities existed with modern graphite fuels. Other listeners emailed in both questions and comments about fuel. Another topic included a discussion about a much larger payload to Mars with a nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) than a chemical rocket so I asked our guests about economic trades as to what would eventually be less costly, multiple chemical rocket launches or the use of a NTR. Using the Saturn V for our chemical rocket, We carried our analysis to the point of including additional launches to cover for a launch failure and also the human factors side in that a shorter trip means less radiation for the astronauts, thus less shielding and potentially less mass. I think you will find this discussion and analysis most interesting, including the NRC equation for astronaut exposure to radiation. In Dr. Dewar’s call, he also talked about the B4 core concept & the progress made with NERVA. We got emails from Bruce in Canada plus other listeners advocating private sector development, a change in ITAR, and the radiation policy changing after Fukushima per this article, www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS_UN_approves_radiation_advice_1012121.html, and the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR).
In our second segment, Michael called in to ask about Russian outreach and the Russian nuclear propulsion program. We then asked our guests for the future Project Bifrost plans. We learned of several major issues. One issue centered on U.S. export control. Our guests also noted that the Russian economy was actually gaining in strength and this might cause them to think its better to go it alone than team up with a weak international partner. Other listener emails inquired about time lines for operation. It was suggested that about ten years would be needed for the NTR if all goes well. As for more routine Mars flights, it was suggested that it would take about twenty years after the first human flights to Mars to really have the program operational. We talked about the private sector and our guests suggested that the private sector will play a strong role in developing and using nuclear propulsion. Moving on, the second project our guests mentioned had to do with ablation technology using NASA Ames facilities. The third and final project mentioned was at Huntsville, the Decade Module 2 fusion project at Marshall. During both the first & second segments, our guests talked about Jupiter radiation and magnetic shielding. John asked about this when he called in the second segment. Doug inquired about Dr. Zubrin’s Mars plans & possible trajectories that could be used with the pros and cons for each. Bruce inquired about fuel vibration problems, then Tim called wanting to know about tours at the Marshall facility & the level of power needed for interstellar travel. As we were ending, our guests said we needed breakthrough propulsion or new physics for interstellar travel. Both our guests left us with important closing comments relevant to Project Bifrost & nuclear propulsion for our future with space development. Don’t miss what each had to say as we brought our discussion to a close.
Post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can email our guests through me or through the above website URL for Bifrost.
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.
James Schier, Sunday, 8-5-12 August 5, 2012
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: Aries V, Augustine, Columbia accident, Commercial Crew, congressional funding, Constellation, Cots, crew stress cardiac factors, deep space missions, developing space technology, Falcon 9 Heavy, Flexible Path, future space transportation, heat shields, HSF to Mars, HSF to NEO, human factors, ISS, James Schier, lunar development, lunar ice, lunar water, Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MCPV), NASA, NASA Commercial Space Team, NASA Human Spaceflight Architecture Team (HAT), new space hardware tests, nuclear space propulsion, Orion, Private Sector Space, Return to the Moon, space communications, Space Index Association, Space Launch System (SLS)., space medical challenges, standardized docking., U.S. space policy
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James Schier, Sunday, 8-5-12
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1829-BWB-2012-08-05.mp3
John Batchelor Show, “Hotel Mars,” Wednesday, 2-1-12 February 2, 2012
Posted by The Space Show in Uncategorized.Tags: : John Batchelor, antimatter propulsion., Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Steven Howe, HSF to Mars, interstellar travel & propulsion, Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR), radiation, tungsten fuel matrix.
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John Batchelor Show, “Hotel Mars,” Wednesday, 2-1-12
John Batchelor, Dr. Steven Howe, Dr. Space
http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/1703-BWB-2012-02-01.mp3
Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. Steven Howe,, Dr. David Livingston. Topics: Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) propulsion, antimatter propulsion, HSF to Mars. 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. 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, www.johnbatchelorshow.com. The topics in this 11 minute plus segment focused on Nuclear Thermal Rocket(NTR) propulsion, antimatter propulsion, using NRT for human missions to Mars, NEOs, and even the Moon. We talked about using the new tungsten matrix fuel for today’s NTR, no radiation leakage, ground testing, and the use of this energy for habitats on the Moon and Mars. If you have questions/comments, please post them on The Space Show blog URL above. If you want to send a note to Dr. Howe or Mr. Batchelor, send it to me and I will forward it for you.
