|
The Space Show focuses on timely and important issues influencing the development of outer-space commerce and space tourism, as well as other related subjects of interest to us all.
You can listen anytime you like to any guest that has been on The Space Show or its predecessor, Business Without Boundaries, using Windows Media Player.
|
| Broadcast
1241 (Special Edition) |  Listen to the show! | | Aired on October 18th, 2009 | | Guest: Ralph Nansen |
| Guest: Ralph Nansen. Topics: SSP, economics, low cost space access, RLV, policy and political leadership. Ralph Nansen was our guest today to discuss space solar power (SSP) and his new book by Apogee, "Energy Crisis: Solution From Space." This book is available on the One Giant Leap Foundation website at www.onegiantleapfoundaton.org/books. Please purchase your copy using this link so that Amazon contributes to The Space Show. In the first segment, Mr. Nansen told us why he wrote this book and its premise about the needs and benefits of solving our energy problems from space. He said over and over again that the biggest challenge was low cost space transportation and that we needed the RLV to accomplish this. The problem today with SSP is the initial cost which is largely skewed by the high launch cost. Also in this segment we talked about market size for SSP and recouping investment costs. Toward the end of the first segment, Mr. Nansen said that eventually space solar power would cost only a few cents per kwh and he compared it to some of the larger hydroelectric projects in the United States such as the Grand Coulee Dam. He also suggested that at this time, the only potential large commercial space markets were space tourism and SSP. In the second segment which took us through to the end of today's program, we led off with a listener phone call about radiation, humans building the satellites in a radiation environment, material degradation due to radiation. Don't miss what Mr. Nansen had to say in addressing these issues and questions. Mr. Nansen received many questions about proof of concept for SSP and he made a point of separating a demonstration project from proof of concept. He said a demonstration project was essential for getting the utility companies and others on board with SSP. As for proof of concept, he said that already existed and was not in question. A question came in about potential environmental damage from a large number of rocket launches. Ralph addressed this with our being able to use different fuels in the future. He called for using the ISS as an SSP LEO demonstrator. At the end of the program, we both called for U.S. space policy leadership in an international consortium. Ralph made the point several times during the interview that other nations have the technical know-how to do this and are motivated. He did not want to see the United State lose out on this important path to future economic wealth and development. Mr. Nansen said we needed investment, not just investing in technology. If you have an email question or comment for Ralph Nansen, please send it to him at nansens@centurytel.net. |
| About our guest... |
Ralph Nansen
Ralph Nansen is the founder and president of Solar Space Industries and was formerly Boeing Solar Power Satellite Program Manager. He is recognized as one of the key leaders in the world to promote, develop and manage the Solar Power Satellite program. He is the author of an advocacy book for the public entitled, SUN POWER: The Global Solution for the Coming Energy Crisis (1995). Mr. Nansen has been involved in space engineering for over 40 years, primarily with The Boeing Company. He started as a designer on the Bomarc rocket/ramjet-powered missile, and in 1961 was selected to develop the initial configuration used by Boeing in their successful bid to design and build the giant first stage of the Saturn V moon rocket. In 1962 he became design manager of the Saturn S-IC fuel tanks, the first stage of the rocket that sent the Apollo astronauts to the moon. Mr. Nansen's final assignment on the Saturn program was as Saturn V Cost-Effectiveness Manager. After the moon landing he moved into the position of Design Manager for the Boeing Space Shuttle definition studies.
|
|
|
[ Return to the main page ]
NOTICE: The views and comments expressed on The Space Show by its guests, callers, and listeners belong to the maker. The Space Show and its host serve only as a platform and are not responsible for other's comments or view. All topics discussed on The Space Show are primarily for educational purposes.
Streaming audio requires Microsoft Windows Media Player or compatible audio player
For technical support please contact the webmaster: Webmaster@TheSpaceShow.com
Website and audio content are for personal use only and protected by U.S. copyright law.
For more information e-mail Dr. David Livingston: DrSpace@TheSpaceShow.com
© Copyright 2001 - 2010 David Livingston. All Rights Reserved.
|
