Broadcast 709 (Special Edition)

Tom Ligon was the guest for this Space Show program to discuss fusion and the work of Dr. Robert Bussard. We were surprised about half-way through the program when Dr. Robert Bussard called the program and joined in our discussion. We started the discussion with Tom with an explanation of Inertial Electrostatic Fusion and the work of Dr. Bussard. One listener asked a question about how fusion could be possible with students using desktop reactors for science contests given the high temperatures this listener considered essential for fusion reaction. Tom explained that the Dr. Bussard fusion method does not rely on high temperatures as does a large Tokomak reactor. You will certainly want to listen to Tom's explanation. Along with Tom, several listeners provided website links which explain more about fusion and Dr. Bussard's work. Check out the following: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/threadview.asptid=5367&posts=47… and http://fusor.net. http://fusor.net/newbie/files/Ligon-QED-IE.pdf Yahoo IEC Fusion news group http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/IEC_Fusion/ IEC Fusion Resources http://www.strout.net/info/science/polywell/index.html Links to M. Simon articles on the Bussard machine can be found in "strout" and Tom has co-operated on some of them Also, check out http://www.emc2fusion.org/ and http://www.askmar.com/Fusion.html and http://powerandcontrol.blogspot.com/2006/11/easy-low-cost-no-radiation-…. Tom was continuing to discuss the nature of Dr. Bussard's work and its current status regarding ongoing development and funding when Dr. Bussard called The Space Show and joined the discussion. Dr. Bussard took us through the development history of his work, its present status, the need for funding, and the storage of his federal lab equipment in federal contracts with SpaceDev in San Diego. We also explored with both Tom and Dr. Bussard the notion that many listeners and others raise regarding any type of effort to silence Dr. Bussard's work due to forces from the status-quo community, the oil industry, government, etc. Dr. Bussard does not believe that is happening, instead citing inertia in the research community, resistance to new and very out of the box projects, etc. Dr. Bussard explained his plans for moving forward with the nonprofit foundation he has created which is located at www.EMC2fusion.org. I urge interested listeners to visit this site and make a contribution to support his work. Believe me, its not enough to be supportive though that is extremely helpful but as I have learned with The Space Show, the real support come to play when listeners to The Space Show program actually help The Space Show exist by offering financial support. I am sure the same is true for Dr. Bussard and his work so please, consider supporting what he is doing. If what Dr. Bussard is working on can be proven out, we actually have a good chance for changing the way we do things on Earth and developing a true space-faring economy which of course is what The Space Show supports. I urge listeners to listen to this program, to Tom and Dr. Bussard. Its packed full of information, Dr. Bussard telling us about his Google and other lectures which have become so famous, upcoming papers, and so much more. Its a unique opportunity to hear both guests but especially Dr. Bussard who is advancing with age and this makes him and his work more valuable and important to the world by the minute. For those of you who wish to send additional comments or questions to Tom Ligon, his email address is tomligon@verizon.net. While Dr. Bussard did not provide his contact information, you will hear Tom suggest its on the title page of his Valencia, Spain paper from last year. As always, you can send a note through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. If you send a request to drspace@thespaceshow.com, I will send you the full set of links provided by Tom Ligon.