Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. Robert (Bob) Zubrin, Dr. David Livingston. Topics: Manned Mars exploration, prizes, NASA, Private Sector. You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, and any discussion must be relevant and applicable to Space Show programming. Written transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. This program is archived on The Space Show website, podcasting, and blog sites with permission from John Batchelor. Please visit the John Batchelor Show website for more information about this fine program, www.johnbatchelorshow.com. The topics in this 11 minute plus segment focused on Dr. Zubrin's recent article published in the National Review (www.nationalreview.com/blogs/print/289775) titled "The Mars Prize" and dated Feb. 1, 2012. During our Hotel Mars segment, Dr. Zubrin explained the rational behind his Mars Prize idea, he discussed the economics of it and how it would drive the necessary technology advances needed for a human Mars mission. When asked about fuel depots, he said they were a stupid idea and he explained why. He also said the prize was independent of what he thought or approved of as the winning approach may very well include the use of orbiting fuel depots were it the best of the competition. He went on to say that prizes do not tell people how to do the project. Dr. Zubrin talked about who most likely would compete and he named the current billionaire space entrepreneurs but said others would emerge. There was a discussion about making the prize international and we discussed potential ITAR and U.S. taxpayer funding issues. In response to another question from Mr. Batchelor, he said those competing could very well contract to use NASA talent and skills, but they were free to bring on board such expertise from other sources. He also said NASA would likely be a customer for the proven technology from the winner and the company having successfully implement the human Mars mission. Please post your comments/questions about this segment to The Space Show blog. If you want to contact either Dr. Zubrin or John Batchelor, send your note to me and I will forward it for you.