Guest:  Robert (Bob) Zimmerman; Bob's research work and paper for the Center for New American Security on SLS/Orion & much, 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 Bob Zimmerman for a 2 hour 2 minute discussion on a wide variety of topics.  We started the first segment with Bob telling us about his SLS/Orion research and analysis report which will soon be published, all for the Center for New American Security.  Bob says his research shows just how costly SLS/Orion is, especially when compared to what the private sector can do and even in comparison with the Apollo program.  Most of the first segment was devoted to Bob's research and analysis.

Midway through the first segment, Bob took the first call which was form John in Dallas representing an organization, Vote For Space (see www.voteforspace.com).  According to John, this is a political Pac to support a pro commercial space and NewSpace agenda.  Bob and John discussed his research and conclusions in the context of John's organizational agenda. 

Before the segment ended, Tim from Huntsville called with interesting observations and a quote from Jerry Pournelle.  Note that I strongly recommend that you listen to the first segment as Bob makes important points that you may want to discuss on the blog.

In the second segment, John from Ft. Worth called to express a different view and perspective on SLS as John is a supporter of the big rocket.  John and Bob had an interesting give and take as they always do with neither one convincing the other of his specific argument re SLS.  In the end they agreed on the need for robust competitiveness and to have an increased launch rate to lower the operating cost and overhead for SLS if it is completed and flown.  Don't miss this vibrant discussion and give and take.

Bob then took a look at the NASA planetary science program.  We talked about the upcoming JUNO Mission which will go into orbit around Jupiter on July 4th in a high inclination orbit, dipping deep down into Jupiter's atmosphere and magnetic field.  It should prove to be very exciting.  Bob also talked about new photos from the Dawn Mission, New Horizon out at Pluto, and the beginning of the end of the great Cassini mission.  Bob also mentioned the Europa mission and the fact that it might be the first actual SLS launch.  Rosetta was also mentioned.

Near the end of the show, George asked Bob for his thoughts on the future of the ISS.  Bob had much to say about this so don't miss the conversation.  This led to a discussion about private space stations, a subject Bob had much to say about.

Linda wanted to know about space events were planned for the time around the presidential election.  Bob said the first Falcon Heavy might launch around then but later a listener said the first launch was planned around Christmas.  Bob spoke briefly about the Osiris Rex mission, scheduled SpaceX flights and the possibility that some of the small sat launchers might start flying test flights around that time. 

Before the show ended, Bob was asked about the N. Korean missile system and the Chinese space program being a military program.  Bob had lots to say about both these topics so don't miss his comments.  Tim sent in a question about Skylab and Mac wanted to know about the suborbital industry.  Here, Bob spoke to Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic.

Please post your comments/questions in the comments section for this archived program on TSS website.  Check out Bob's website, www.behindtheblack.com.  You can reach Bob through me or his website.