Guest: Robert (Bob) Zimmerman. Topics: Wide ranging space program & commercial space policy & project discussions. 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 Bob Zimmerman back to the show to discuss a variety of space news items and events. During the first segment of our 2 hour 2 minute show, Bob opened up talking about Comet 67P, the Rosetta mission, and the Philae lander which will land on the comet on Nov. 12, 2014. Bob spent some time describing 67P, the lander, the landing site, and the topography of the landing zone. Next, I asked Bob about the recent court decisions in Italy regarding the appeals court decision on the seven scientists accused of incorrectly predicting an earthquake that led to lots of damage and death. Bob clarified the issues for us and the decision of the appeals court. We talked some about the possible impact on space policy for the recently held mid-term elections. Bob was asked by a listener if he thought the election result would lead to the cancellation of SLS as well as the NASA ARM project. See if you are surprised by Bob's analysis. Ken in San Diego asked Bob about negative press articles regarding stopping space tourism in light of the SpaceShipTwo accident. The USA Today editorial of today was cited as an example. Bob did not think these articles would have any serious or long lasting impact and had much to say about the authors and publications writing them. Before our break, Rob in Denver emailed in about Comet Siding Spring changing the Martian atmosphere when it swung by Mars. In the second segment, Jeff emailed in about comments that Virgin has said it would be flying by April. Bob was very skeptical about that timeline. He had much to say about the investment and more regarding Virgin. Bob then spoke about the upcoming Orion test flight set for Dec. 4 and heat shield issues. Our guest spent some time dwelling on the heat shield issues which he said helped make his case that SLS/Orion were not sustainable projects. Ben called from Orange County to talk with Bob about the Bigelow module going to the ISS in 2016, then they talked a bit about solar sales. Ed emailed Bob to see if he knew what alternative launcher Orbital might choose given the Antares problems. Bob spoke about the upcoming Russian rocket test for the new Angara 5 rocket. SLS John called in about earlier comments Bob made regarding the Saturn 5, then they talked about SLS. Please post questions and comments on TSS blog above. You can reach Bob through me or his website, www.behindtheblack.com.
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