The Space Show hosted by: Dr. David Livingston

Dr. David Livingston

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 215 (Special Edition)	Listen to the show!
Aired on April 20th, 2004
Guest: Dr. Robert Zubrin
Dr. Robert Zubrin, founder of The Mars Society and noted author, was the guest on this edition of The Space Show. Dr. Zubrin discussed major elements with the new space policy initiative proposed by Pres. Bush and now being considered by various agencies, committees, and organizations. Dr. Zubrin went into some detail regarding NASA, congress, and the technical parameters of the proposed program, stating clearly that it was just a first step among many that would need to be taken to realize getting humans to Mars. Dr. Zubrin discussed the Hubble Space Telescope and NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe's plan to deorbit it. We discussed the importance of Hubble and why Mr. O'Keefe is pushing for its demise. Dr. Zubrin debunked the safety issues claimed by Mr. O'Keefe and mentioned several ways that Space Show listeners could help save Hubble from the stupidity of its detractor. The Mars Society was very much a part of our discussion and questions from Space Show listeners. In addition, we talked about Dr. Zubrin's current book which is a science fiction satire about the Middle East and the war on terrorism, "The Holy Land." Both Dr. Zubrin and I read from parts of this book. In the Special Edition part of the program, Dr. Zubrin discussed nuclear power propulsion for going to Mars and beyond, the different types of nuclear power propulsion, and his proposed Mars Direct program.

About our guest...

Dr. Robert Zubrin, The Mars Society
Dr. Robert Zubrin is a noted author and the Founder of The Mars Society. The Mars Society, an international organization dedicated to furthering the exploration and settlement of Mars by both public and private means. Dr. Zubrin is also President of Pioneer Astronautics, an aerospace R&D company located in Lakewood, Colorado. Dr. Zubrin was formerly a Staff Engineer at Lockheed Martin Astronautics in Denver, he holds a Masters degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Washington. Zubrin is the inventor of several unique concepts for space propulsion and exploration, the author of over 100 published technical and non-technical papers in the field, and was a member of Lockheed Martin’s “scenario development team” charged with developing broad new strategies for space exploration. In that capacity, he was responsible for developing the "Mars Direct" mission plan, a strategy which by using Martian resources, allows a human Mars exploration program to be conducted at a cost 1/8th that previously estimated by NASA. Zubrin is known internationally as one of the most creative engineers working in the aerospace industry today, and he and his work have been subject of much favorable press coverage in The Economist, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, the London Times, The Washington Post, Fortune Magazine, Newsweek, Air and Space Smithsonian, Popular Science, Omni, Space News, and many other publications. He is the holder of two US Patents, and has two more pending. In addition to his technical publications, Dr. Zubrin is the author of "The Case for Mars: How We Shall Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must," published by Simon and Schuster’s Free Press Division in Oct. 1996, and “Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization,” published by Tarcher Putnam in Aug. 1999, and “Mars on Earth” published by Tarcher Penguin in Sept. 2003. His book, “The Holy Land,” is a science fiction satire of the current situation in the Middle East. Dr. Zubrin has also written a play about Benedict Arnold. His latest book, "How To Live On Mars: A Trusty Guidebook To Surviving And Thriving On The Red Planet," is a must read.

[ 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