Guest: Dr. Mike Griffin. Topics: This was a wide ranging and broad discussion re US space policy, commercial space, HSF, lunar issues, & more. . Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.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. During the first segment of our 91 minute discussion with Mike, we talked about the lack of a coherent national space policy and how best to use tax payer dollars for the public good. Mike discussed the fact that there was no credible alternative to the RTM program, no clear path to any set of discernible goals. I asked Mike about NASAs asteroid redirect mission. He did say it had interesting potential and it was better than nothing but as listeners agreed, it was not a grabbing and inspiring program. Listeners asked Mike about Constellation which he said was a space system architecture. We talked about a lunar base and access to Mars. I asked Mike about the public's interest in space & you don't want to miss his response. Daniel brought up budget issues, commercial ventures, and the current administration. We also talked public/private partnerships and multi-year programs and policy challenges. Mike was asked about the VSE and bipartisan support though Jon emailed in his disagreement on that issue. Mike talked about goals as being important to congress and the need for an effective policy to have bipartisan support. Mike was asked about the ISS and the potential for discovery and we he responded to a listener question about the mass needed in orbit to support a lower mass on the Moon. The ratio is 10::1. In the second segment, June asked about economies of size in launch vehicles and heavy lift. Barbara emailed in about a COTS like program for HSF. Trent called from Australia to inquire about Stratolaunch. Doug called to ask about cislunar development and what a program that supported that development might look like. Mike had much to say on this subject, don't miss it. We talked extensively about the role of government and the private sector, including government subsidies. A listener talked about scientific discovery and serendipity. John asked about the Ares 1 vibration and solids in comparison to liquids for safety. John in Ft. Worth asked Mike about SLS and Orion as a capabilities holding program and Mike agreed. The idea is to maintain capabilities until the time they can be used. During the entire program, I asked Mike about his public service, how he dealt with attacks and criticism, and how he got his interest in space. This is an important discussion. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog.