Broadcast 1110 (Special Edition)

Guest: Dr. Madhu Thangavelu. Key Topics: Altair, Cislunar system, CEV, NASA, teleoperations, time delay, ISRU, education, medical problems. Dr. Madhu Thangavelu returned to The Space Show to discuss the creative problem-solving evidenced by his recent December 2008 USC class, "Return to the Moon: Looking Glass 204 Team Project." Dr. Thangavelu explained the focus of the class and then went through some of the student team solutions to problems we face in returning to the Moon. The subject range included the Altair Descent Stage, working in the cislunar system, medical and human factors issues that must be resolved prior to going to back to the Moon, and much more. In addition to listing the student team projects, listeners asked many questions to expand some of the topics, especially around the time delay issue of using robotics for real time teleoperations. The issue of real time was discussed in detail, see what you think about it. ISRU was also discussed in some detail as its very important for our future permanent presence in space. Toward the end of this extra-long two hour, 15 minute program, Madhu provided us with his rationale for human spaceflight and the need for US congressional space leadership. This led to an 11th hour discussion on space leadership when I was asked about his "wish" that President Obama "does the right thing" for space and makes the changes we all want. When Madhu asked if I agreed, well, I guess I let loose on my soap box with wishlist thinking and what I look for to indicate real change as a possibility from any politician or so-called political leader. We concluded with my "wishing" for success in Madhu's message reaching the President and the appropriate people to make it happen as all of us supporting space development and exploration want the type of vision outlined by Dr. Thangavelu (or something very similar to it). Since I hold politicians in and so-called political leaders of all parties in fairly low esteem, well, you can imagine my soap box rant. If you want to follow up with Dr. Madhu Thangavelu for comments or questions about this show, or if you are interested in learning more about your possible participation in his USC class as a distance student with or without credit, please email him at thangavelu-girardey@cox.net . Please copy your email to me at drspace@thespaceshow.com .