Broadcast 1193 (Special Edition)

Guests: Dr. Sean Case, Fred Bourgeois, Richard Core, Wade Butcher, Mike Barrucco for Team FREDNET. Topics: Team FREDNET and the Google Lunar X Prize. Team FREDNET was our guest for this show, talking about its open source approach to designing its Google Lunar X Prize entry. Our guests talked about the Web 2.0 tools being used on their site for open source, including their forum, and how it was bringing people together in a collaborative effort for their lunar project. We also discussed the downstream commercial value for going to the Moon, especially after the contest ends. As you will hear from our guests, there are many ways to participate in the open source with Team FREDNET, including skills and expertise including disciplines broader than just engineering, science, propulsion, orbital dynamics, etc. For example, our guests talked about the need for a logo designer, a musician to compose a theme song for Team FREDNET, policy, and other specialties. You will want to visit their website to join their forum and find out more about what they are doing. Please see www.teamFREDNET.org. Our guests also talked about the challenges of going to the Moon. I asked which was harder, getting to the Moon or making a soft landing to protect their hardware so it works and can win the contest. You might be surprised at the answer to that question. The team members talked about their financing, university partnerships, sponsorships and their non-profit status. As this show airs on July 20, the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11, we talked about our efforts to return to the Moon, what was different in 2009 from 40 years ago, about leadership and the support of the American people. This is an interesting discussion. Team FREDNET members suggested that our return to the Moon and the efforts of the Google Lunar X Prize teams were wealth builders for the nation, possibly capable of creating 10,000 or more jobs. This is yet another important part of the discussion you will want to hear. If you have a question or comment for the Team FREDNET guests, send them to me and I will forward them to our guests. In addition, you can use the contact information on their website, www. teamFREDNET.org. During the show, they tell listeners how to reach them.