Guest:  Dr. Jeremey Straub; Jeremy’s new book “Small Spacecraft Development Project-Based Learning: Implementation and Assessment of an Academic Program” & related topics.  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 to the show Dr. Jeremy Straub to discuss his new book, “Small Spacecraft Development Project-Based Learning: Implementation and Assessment of an Academic Program” plus related smallsat and small space system topics.  During the first segment of our nearly 90 minute program, I asked Dr. Straub to define small spacecraft.  This proved to be an interesting discussion given that we learned there is no clear cut and acceptable definition.  The definition varies depending on who is offering it up and can range from a MiniCube to something much much larger that might even be construed by some to be a more normal satellite in terms of size.  This was an interesting discussion you won’t want to miss. 

Jeremy next talked about launch demand and issues facing the small satellite industry.  This discussion was interesting and included new demand that might be coming on soon with the new dedicated small launchers in the works.  We then talked about secondary payloads for these small satellite launches. 

A listener asked our guest about space debris caused by the small satellites. Also, a question came up about drones, then Earth imaging demand and possible oversupply in the market.  Josh from Tucson, taking a lead from a listener question in the recent John Powell show, asked if electronics and computer parts had declined in price over the years.  Jeremy said yes as long as one was working with and using off the shelf technology.  Any one of a kind item was still quite costly.

In the second segment, listener Carla asked Jeremy if he could spot a new trend developing for the commercial space industry.  This led to a very interesting discussion about what might come next.  Our guest talked about transition elements and what might be developed to close the gap to transition to something that makes space more normal and routine.  Again, don’t miss the discussion.

Listener Harry asked about the use of AI in the small satellite systems.  Our guest talked about autonomous systems and computer intelligence.  He said there was no development like a Star Trek Data character but otherwise AI regarding increasing autonomous features was going to be more and more key to all small satellite systems. 

Tom from Omaha asked for a fact versus fiction answer wanting a reality check on possible control of  smallsats with a smartphone app.  Jeremy talked about local and national security plus safety issues and said that we might be moving in that direction as there was no real reason why one could not do it.  You do not want to miss his comments on this subject. 

Jeremy offered us concluding comments, talked about a possible revision of the book to add more information in for K-12 systems and feedback that he has been getting with the first edition.  Please post your comments/questions on our blog for this archived show on TSS website.  You can reach Dr. Jeremy Straub at North Dakota State University faculty page in the computer science department or through me.