Guest:  Patrick Host; National security, military and defense issues regarding the use of space.  Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.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.

We welcomed Patrick (Pat) Host to the program to discuss national security, defense, and military space.  We started our 1 hour 47 minute discussion with a first segment that focused on the RD180 issue.  While we have talked about it before, Pat provided us a different perspective for this thorough discussion which also went into civil space and issues over competition.  You do not want to miss this discussion.  Pat also talked about the main players on both sides driving the RD180 issue. 

Another topic covered in the first segment focused on protecting our existing space assets, including cyber issues and essential cyber protection.  Our guest had much to say on this topic, including DoD priorities. 

Several listener email questions came in.  Ben from Boston wanted to know about national security launches and SpaceX.  Our guest supported multiple launch providers but listen to his comments for detail.   Another listener asked about DOD and the potential threats posed by Iran and N. Korea. Unfortunately, our guest was not able to offer us much on this topic.

For the second segment, note that there was an editing glitch as the segment started.  I did pick up on the glitch quickly but could not restore the first few minutes.  However, when I realized what had happened, I asked Pat the initial question over again so you did not miss anything despite the glitch.  My apologies for this as the mistake was on me.  That said, we started the second segment with Pat telling us about Rep. Jim Bridenstine from Oklahoma wanting more accountability for DOD and more. Our guest referenced the American Space Renaissance Act.  Read about the Act which was introduced at the recent Space Foundation Conference in April at Colorado Springs, http://bridenstine.house.gov/space/?postid=710.  I urge you to become familiar with this proposed legislation which covers national security, civil, commercial, and military space issues.  I'm sure we will hear much more about it as time goes on. 

Satellite communication issues were discussed in this segment as they are very important and key for national security space and the Air Force.  Pat did a good job of putting these issues in focus for us, helping to understand them and their importance. 

Richard Easton called to talk GPS OCS and GPS 3.  This was a good exchange, don't miss it.  Next, Pat introduced us to the issue of what to do with excess ICBM motors.  DOD has kept retired ICBM motors in good condition and Orbital ATK wants DOD to sell them for commercial use,.  This is very controversial with most commercial launch companies opposing the idea. Pat explained the issue to us, the role of Congress as congressional approval would be required to sell them.  I also asked him what the success rate might be for using these retired engines.  That remains an unknown but there is an expected failure rate with them. 

Burton from Montreal sent in two emails asking about DOD launches requiring bigger rockets than a Delta IV Heavy or large payload fairings.  He also wanted to know if DOD would be willing use reusable first stage rockets.   Paul asked Pat if he had to have security classifications for his work and then Pat suggested from his own personal opinion that X37B might be designed for shooting down satellites.  Alexander in Kansas City asked if there was any talk of forming a Space Guard like the Coast Guard to protect humans as they go into space for commercial reasons and for settlement. 

As the show was ending, Pat brought up the issue facing federal launch ranges and switching to tracking via GPS instead of radar.  The final question came from Terry in Memphis who wanted to know about the presidential candidates positions on space.  Note that once this show is archived, I will post a note on behalf of Jeff who sent in candidate interviews on their vision for space. 

Please post your comments/questions in the comments section for this archived show on TSS website.  You can reach Pat through the information he provided at the end of the program or through me.