Guest:  Al Globus;  Topics:  ELEO space settlement, low radiation, shielding, space tourism, space mfg, pregnancy in space and much 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 back Al Globus for this 95 minute one segment discussion focusing on Al's concept for a low radiation ELEO orbiting space settlement.  Al explained the benefits to us of an ELEO settlement over or near the equator.  As Al explained, the benefits included the low radiation which would require very little or no shielding, the closeness to Earth, and the ability to learn to live on and in a space settlement that was easier to start with than a settlement on the Moon, Mars, or even the moons of Mars.  We focused on the advantages of such an orbiting space station for a good part of our early discussion so listen carefully to what Al talked about and explained.  The life support, radiation and shielding issues, and the commercial drivers of tourism, possible satellite testing and proving, plus other opportunities, seem to point to an ELEO settlement as a simpler way to get started with space settlements.  Al also suggested a type of condominium financial and ownership structure with about 500 initial space settlers. 

Our first caller was Marshall who wanted to talk ELEO economics with Al but quickly switched over to talking about children on the settlement, radiation issues, pregnancy, and fetal development.  Al referenced research on fetal radiation, he talked about the measurement scale used for fetal radiation, and then Marshall brought up the issue of pets aboard the ELEO settlement.  Marshall switched the topic to making large space telescopes on the settlement but Al seemed to think that given the narrow market for such telescopes, it would likely not be a commercial driver for the settlement.  The two talked artificial gravity, spin rates, and the need for a rodent centrifuge on board the ISS.

Kim was the next caller. She wanted to talk about station and settlement materials, advanced fiber, aluminum modules and more. Al introduced 3D printing in space by Made In Space, both inside the ISS and the possibility of doing it outside the station.  Kim also mentioned space tethers.

Dr. Doug sent in a few emails asking about what group or who might have the first pregnancy in space?  He suggested it would be a tourist but Al thought it would be with the hotel staff.  Doug then wanted to know Al's thoughts on the timeline for the first space hotel.  Al said that had already happened with Dennis Tito on the ISS.  He also wanted to know when Al thought there would be the first permanent couple settling in ELEO.  Don't miss what Al said in his reply. 

Tom called and sent in an email regarding the cost of transportation to orbit.  He said he did not think it would be too hard to recruit 500 people to live on the first settlement.  Listen to how he came to that conclusion.  Tom had other thoughts as well that you will want to hear.

I asked Al about his condo model and property rights.  He said that since the settlement was not a celestial body, there would be no problem because the OST refers to celestial bodies.  Adrian then sent in a series of emails, including a few that came in after the show ended regarding Earth's deteriorating magnetic field and what this would mean for Al's ELEO settlement.  Al talked about this risk for several minutes, addressing the problem and the fact that if it did happen, the settlement might have to be abandoned.  That said, don't miss all of what Al said about what is going on with Earth's magnetic field.  Adrian sent some references on this subject. Check out   http://earthsky.org/earth/magnetic-pole-reversal-ahead.

Listener Claire wanted to know how to make Al's plan happen. Al talked about specific advocacy groups and efforts including March Storm, the August Blitz and the Alliance for Space Development.  He further suggested we check out the NSS Space Settlement Journal which is at www.nss.org/settlement/journal.  Near the end of the program, Carla asked if space settlement was primarily a US thing.  Al said no, talked about his settlement contest for children with mostly international kids entering the contest. He mentioned other national interests in space settlement as well.   Before the show ended, Adrian sent in more info on the declining Earth magnetic field issue and Doug asked Al what he thought was the biggest challenge with agriculture in space, a topic Al touched on during the show.  Don't miss the discussion on space agriculture along with Al's closing comments.

Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog for this program.  You can reach Al Globus through me.