Guest:  Dr. Alice Gorman;  Topics: Space archaeology, what it is, why it is important, expanding the field, ET visitation, culture, & more.  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 the return to the show of Dr. Alice Gorman for updates and a discussion regarding space archaeology.  During the first segment of our 1 hour 35 minute program, Dr. Gorman defined space archaeology for us, addressed space debris/junk, the possible archaeology related to finding microbial life in the solar system, and the cultural aspects of such discoveries. Topics talked about in the first segment included a good definition of space archaeology, why space debris (junk) was of interest and the need to understand how space hardware was designed and how it holds up for decades in space.  This was an interesting discussion, don't miss it.

Several listener emails were processed for this show.  Barbara asked about microbial life on Mars and Europa and what that may mean to an archaeologist.  Our guest was also asked about the possible development and use of robotic archaeological excavators.  We then talked about interesting places for possible excavation including Mars and the Moon.  Culture was discussed in archaeological terms.  Alice was asked about archaeologists being astronauts or part of a mission development plan. She said no but you have to hear this discussion.  Pay particular attention to what NASA did regarding astronaut applications and archaeology. 

Dr. Gorman was asked about private sector operations in space and if that concerned archaeologists.  We talked about asteroid mining, the Google Lunar XPrize, lunar development and more.  Dr. Gorman did express some concerns and talked about the possible implementation for space with something that is done on Earth for archaeological sites of interest, the use of a social license.  Listen to what our guest had to say about this.  Post your thoughts about the social license for space development on our blog.  Before the segment ended, we went over the protection protocols for the Apollo and other early lunar mission landing sites.  You might be surprised by what our guest had to say about protecting possible space archaeological sites. 

In the second segment, I asked Alice for her first choice in the solar system for a space archaeology "dig."  I was surprised by her answer which was Venus.  This proved to be a very interesting discussion so again, don't miss it. 

Henry sent in a note about mission priorities, the Decadal Survey and funding archaeology missions.  Alice agreed that funding such an archaeological mission would have to be done differently because traditional mission funding programs would likely not prioritize a space archaeology dig so to speak in the solar system. 

Before the segment ended, I asked our guest about her student interest in the subject of space archaeology.  Next, our guest got a question asking her about terrestrial cave drawings of the solar system that have proved to be very accurate and rock drawings, specifically in the American Southwest that seem to show ETs wearing what looks like space suits.  Alice had much to say on this topic. She confirmed that she had never seen any evidence supporting an ET visit to Earth.  She also talked about early rock art, indigenous astronomy and understanding the art and drawings in the proper context. She said there would have to be a high burden of proof to confirm this material as ancient astronaut material or relating to ET visits.  I followed up with Alice on Native American mythology and legends with "star people" and their rock art and crafts like Kachina Dolls with some looking like a spaceman.  Again, she said that mythology and the early art would not suggest ET visits or early astronauts.  Listen to her explanation of this.  Before the segment ended, our guest talked about the end of Rosetta and that debris on Comet 67 P for a future archaeological mission.  One of our final topics dealt with satellite design and ways to confirm and collaborate on space heritage items.  For the final question, I asked our guest if there was any merit to the subject of Forbidden Archaeology.  You will have to listen to the conclusion of our show to get the answer to that question.  Don't miss it as it may surprise you.

Please post your comments/questions on the blog which is part of the archived show on The Space Show website.  You can reach Dr. Gorman through me or her website at www.flinders.edu.au/people/alice.gorman.