Guest: Michael Belfiore. Topics: XCOR, space tourism, commercial space, DARPA, robotics, and 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. We welcomed Michael Belfiore back to the show to discuss his recent XCOR Aerospace article (see www.airspacemag.com/space-exploration/The-Lynxs-Leap-223968551.html). For more information, visit Michael's website, http://michaelbelfiore.com. During the first segment of our 1 hour 44 minute program, Michael talked extensively about XCOR Aerospace and the Lynx per his above Air and Space Magazine article. Michael has been a long time follower of XCOR and it shows in this discussion. We also talked about the other suborbital companies and space tourism in general. Michael was asked about XCOR's plans to go orbital from suborbital which was another topic Michael had much to say about. He said his preference was to fly on a Lynx for the more personal and intimate space experience, including wearing a space suit. Michael said he was bullish about the overall space tourism industry, he is attracted to the growing small satellite industry but remains partial to human spaceflight. We talked about SLS which he tends to ignore and discount, SpaceX and Orbital Sciences. The topic of Cislunar space development came up and while Michael said he was supportive, he is drawn to asteroid economic development. Before our segment ended, he updated us on the Google Lunar XPrize and I congratulated him for winning the NewSpace Journalism Award this year. In the second segment, Michael was asked about DARPA which he follows. We talked about Starship 100, the DARPA management style & out of the box operations, the Dec. 20th robotic competition that Michael will attend, plus other important attributes of DARPA. He mentioned upcoming magazine articles he will be writing for Popular Mechanics and AEON Magazine. Michael was asked about other national space programs including China's, Russia's, and more. Doug called to talk about interstellar DARPA activities, and his cislunar economic ideas. We also talked about returning to the Moon for settlement. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog above. Michael can be reached through is website.
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