Guest: Rand Simberg. Topics: SpaceX, ULA, Mars, space policy, Moon N=Mars debate and much 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. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. For those listening to archives using live365.com and rating the programs, please email me as to why you assign a specific rating to the show. This will help me bring better programming to the audience. We welcomed back Rand Simberg to the program. During the first segment of our 100 minute program, Rand discussed the Falcon 9 launch and barge landing attempt of the first stage. Before he finished his discussion, Dr. Lurio called in and joined in on the speculation as to why the landing was unsuccessful. Both Rand and Charles thought it might be wind but as you will hear, that was just their opinion. Next, the two of them turned to the ULA announcement about the Vulcan rocket and their plans to recover in air from a supersonic parachute using a helicopter. They want to recover the rocket's main engine. This discussion between Charles and Rand dominated the first segment of the program. Near the end of the first segment, I asked Rand about the ARM and it being redirected to Mars and Phobos. Ran had much to say about this so don't miss it. In the second segment, in response to earlier comments made by Rand in the first segment, Sally sent in a note asking if the next NASA administrator might make a difference and actually matter. Again, don't miss what Rand had to say about this plus bipartisanship and the work of Congressman Dana Rohrabacher who wants to change the our space policy to one of having the main purpose to settle space. Rand also said he would personally like to "ban" the phrase space exploration. Listen to his explanation on this point. Rand was asked about the Moon-Mars debate which he thought was absurd given that the issue was not about destinations but getting the needed infrastructure in space so one can go anywhere. Without the infrastructure, even a gravity lab, talking destinations makes no sense. Due to a few listener questions, Rand also had some choice comments for Mars One. Another listener asked Rand what parts of the commercial space industry impressed him the most. This led to a discussion about suborbital flight and markets. Becky asked him about his Transterrestrial blog (http://www.transterrestrial.com) and the non-space portion of it, I asked him about military space and then Tim called to talk about affordable small sat launches and to inquire if we were embarking on a space race over low cost launch opportunities that may be emerging. Rand also talked about the upcoming Space Access Society meeting and the talk he plans to give at the event. Rhonda in Petaluma asked Rand what caused his transition from traditional aerospace to NewSpace. Don't miss this, it is really interesting. Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog above. You can reach Rand through his blog or me.