Guest: Jim Muncy;  Topics:  The Trump administration space policy - options and possibilities.  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 back Jim Muncy to discuss the possibilities for space policy in the new Trump administration.   During our 96 minute one segment discussion with Jim, we talked about the members making up the Trump space transition team (landing team), some of their public statements during the campaign and post election, plus what these people do as part of the transition.  Jim identified many of the landing team members and spoke to their expertise and qualifications plus some of their public statements as policy indicators.  From all of this, it was possible to suggest a direction and focus for the new administration but as both Jim and I said throughout our discussion, nothing is final or set in concrete at this time. It is all still as they say, up in the air.

Jim took several email questions during the show and a few phone calls.  Listeners asked about possible compromises to commercial or NewSpace because of the track record of several people on the landing team or rumored to be the next NASA Administrator.  Jim debunked those fears and rumors.  He also said that our new space policy would be bigger and more inclusive in the government than just NASA.  he talked about national security space and the Defense Dept., especially the Air Force that will get a new Secretary and Under-secretary and both could be influential for space.  He mentioned the FAA and the Dept. of Transportation as well as the Dept. of Commerce having an expanded space policy interest.  He reminded us that there would be a National Space Council which would have policy impact.  Vice-president Pence who will chair the National Space Council was shown to have an interest in space that goes directly to his being in charge of this important administration space consultancy. 

Other topics discussed included returning to the Moon, Mars human spaceflight plans, and the ongoing competition between the Moon and Mars.  Public-private partnerships were part of the discussion mix with Jim suggesting they would continue.  The Chinese space policy and goals were mentioned by a listener wanting to know how a Trump administration might respond to Chinese space policy and accomplishments.  Don't miss what Trump had to say about China, the Russian space program, and international space projects in general. 

Another line of questioning Jim dealt with was the actual function of the space landing team members.  That is, what are they supposed to be doing to facilitate Trump hitting the ground running after Jan 20, 2017.  Don't miss what Jim said was the job of space landing team members.

We talked about the possibilities for the new NSAA administrator.  Jim had much to say about this but said that it was likely our policy would be much broader than just NASA.  He suggested  the other organizations and goals mentioned in this summary would be part of our comprehensive space program moving forward.  Next, we took a call from Kim in Mexico.  Kim expressed some concern, based on our Sunday show with Barry Levin, that the ability for people to do desktop 3D printing as discussed by Barry and being able to make solid rocket fuel and engines could lead to lots of confusion and risks in the space field given these projects would not be regulated or get a launch license.  Kim wondered if this could be a problem down the road as more and more people from around the world did DIY space launches, satellites and projects.  Carl from Tucson asked Jim if their might be some space infrastructure projects included in the new administration's pending infrastructure program.  Jim said it was possible but was not aware of this being considered at this time.  He also said that any space infrastructure project would have to be a wealth builder for the company but far broader in its benefits than just the space industry.  It would have to be a benefit for the entire nation's economy.  Jim then mentioned several space related infrastructure projects that were needed.  As you will hear, many involved ground project development, not assets deployed in space.

Near the end of the program, I asked Im what he thought might be the most important priority for a new 2017 space policy.  Rather than answering my question, Jim brought up another issue and said he hoped that we did not go back to the 1960's way we went into space and did the Moon.  Do not miss what Jim had to say on this subject. 

Dr. Lurio was our final caller. Charles inquired about the CR for the 2016 budget and in particular the NASA part of the budget.  Jim clarified some of what Charles had to say and then he explained the 2016 budget, including the NASA part, to use.  He included what would likely unfold with the budget through the first quarter 2017.   Jim then responded to Charles asking more about Jim's earlier comments on Trump campaigning in Florida and why his rally's were cancelled.  Again, don't miss what Jim had to say about the issues that prevented Trump from holding rally's along the Florida Space Coast.

Don't miss Jim's concluding marks and this forward look to 2017 and beyond.  Please post your comments/questions in the comments section of this program archived on The Space Show website.  You can contact Jim Muncy through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.