Guest: Dennis Wing. Topics: The Wingo SpaceRef article, "The Path Forward In American Space-2014 Edition," ISS, SLS, budgets. 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. For those listening to archives using live365.com and rating the programs, please email me as to why you assign a specific rating to the show. This will help me bring better programming to the audience. We welcomed Dennis Wingo back to the program to discuss his ideas as stated in his Space Ref Op-Ed of March 6, 2014, "The Path Forward In American Space-2014 Edition." Check http://spaceref.com/the-path-forward-in-american-space---2014-edition.h…. During the first segment of our 1 hour 46 minute discussion, Dennis began with a space program historical overview going back to JFK, James Webb, early space policy, and the FY 1966 peak NASA budget. He was making the case that budget problems are not the sole cause for problems in our space policy. Instead, government, NASA and policy makers are choosing programs to spend money on and space has shown a sharp decline in prioritization over a long period of time. Dennis talked about the three programs consuming large amounts of NASA's budget but with strong congressional support: ISS, the James Webb Telescope, and SLS. He says we muddle along not having sufficient funds to do any of these project properly so he makes the case for SLS and & ISS working together to maximize the potential benefit of each program. When asked if the Russian political problems might be a game changer for Commercial Crew, he said it was possible but too early to tell. During this segment, Dennis elaborated on this idea with information, facts, and assumptions. He then shows how such a plan can produce practical benefits for the American people, a must in modern day space programs. He also talked about Silicon Valley and their investments in commercial space companies and what this means to the industry. In the second segment, we talked about needed American public support and ways to influence policy makers, congressional leaders, etc. We also talked about the media, the specific science and space media, and problems with it. Dennis mentioned the upcoming comet flyby of Mars and its potential impact on people. Check out Comet Siding Spring. Dennis was asked for his action plan to help implement his idea, then he was asked for his thoughts on international participation and for his level of concern over the Chinese lunar program. He concluded saying that American citizens needed to see practical benefits from our space program, that inspiration, spinoffs, etc. had not worked all that well over the decades as space program drivers. Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog above. You can contact Dennis directly or through me.
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