Guests: John Batchelor, Anatoly Zak, Dr. David Livingston.  Topics:  Russian ASAT tests and systems; Developing a super heavy Russian launcher and spaceport.  You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog. 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. We do not permit the commercial use of any Space Show program or part thereof, nor do we permit Space Show programs to be edited, placed on YouTube, or other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted in news articles, papers, academic & research work but must be cited or referenced in the proper citation format. Contact Dr. Livingston for questions about our copyright and trademark policies which we do enforce.  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.  Remember, your Amazon Purchases Can Help Support The Space Show/OGLF (www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm.  Please note that audio and transition issues are a result of copying the John Batchelor broadcast & are not within my control as they originate in the Batchelor studio.

John Batchelor and I welcomed back Anatoly Zak for a two part Hotel Mars discussion.  For the first segment, we mostly talked about the recent Russian DA-ASAT missile test and the Russian anti-satellite program and systems development.  This included a brief discussion about Russian arms control and why there was pushback from the US and others regarding the proposed Russian no weapons in space treaty.  We then moved to talking about a super heavy lift launch vehicle and pad being developed in Russia.  We continued this discussion into the second segment of this Hotel Mars program.

During out second segment, Anatoly explained more about the super heavy lift rocket being designed with a new spaceport, then we turned out attention to needed electronics and system upgrades for the Soyuz.  Anatoly talked about the sanctions preventing Russia from having modern radios, communication equipment, and electronics as they cannot get them from outside the country.  Thus, Russia was on a fast track system to do it all in house as upgrades were essential.  Anatoly explained what was going on in this area in some detail.  Toward the end of the segment, John asked him about their new design for a vehicle assembly building. He wanted to know if it had been decided to go with a horizontal plan which is what they use now or a vertical assembly complex as used in the US.  Before the program ended, John asked if the new heavy lift rocket and spaceport were still plagued with scandal and corruption.  Don't miss what Anatoly said in response to this question.

You can email Mr. Batchelor or Anatoly Zak through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Anatoly can also be reached through his website, http://russianspaceweb.com.