Broadcast 1232 (Special Edition)

Guests: Brent Sherwood; Dr. A Scott Howe. Topics: Space architecture, space development, life support systems, human spaceflight missions. Brent Sherwood and Dr. A. Scott Howe were with us to discuss their new AIAA published book, "Out Of This World: The New Field Of Space Architecture." During the first segment, space architecture was defined. This is important so make sure you hear it as it is applicable to our discussion of the subject. We talked about some of the issues that differentiate space architecture from its terrestrial counterpart. Among the many issues are the lack of gravity and even freefall of an object depending on where in space the object is located. Pressure, vacuum, radiation, and temperature cycling are important factors to consider and plan for as well. Later in this segment, the lunar dust environment was brought to our attention. Listeners asked about comments suggesting we were ready to go to Mars now with humans and that there were no technological or engineering show stoppers. Don't miss the response offered up by Brent and Scott. Another listener asked about the differences that would exist in the ISS versus a Mars Station. You will want to hear this! Toward the end of this segment, the subject of artificial gravity came up and we were pointed to Chapters 12 and 13 of the book which factually address this subject. In the second segment, which was extended to the end of the program, we led off with listener questions and then our guests made the point with us that knowing and understanding space architecture facilitated working in other space fields. The question came up as to how can we afford to be in space and build and do the things we were talking about on the show and that are discussed in the book. While there are chapters in the book that address this concern, Brent suggested the better question would have been how do we take the next step forward in space development given certain conditions we have to deal with rather than how can we afford any of it. Don't miss what our guests had to say in responding to this question. Studying space architecture was addressed and we learned about the SICSA program at the University of Houston School of Architecture ( http://www.sicsa.uh.edu ). The subject of remote control demo bases for the Moon came up and we were told about the Integrated Systems Health Management program that does work to develop habitat demos. We then discussed Antarctica analog sites and the degree to which the human interface with robotic structures is progressing. Toward the end of the program, Brent and Scott talked about the target audiences for their book which include their peers, aerospace engineers and designers, students, and the general public. There are 30 chapters with 36 professional contributors. At the end of the program, we discussed closed loop systems for space, advanced life support and overall life support closure. Please visit their website, http://www.spacearchitect.org/ . If you have a follow up question or comment for Brent Sherwood or Dr. Scott Howe, please click on Members on their website and scroll down to the information about either Dr. Howe or Brent. As always, you can send your questions and comments through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com . Please note that their book will soon be listed on the One Giant Leap Foundation Amazon Partners book page. Please check http://www.amazon.com/dp/1563479826?tag=onegialeafou-20. When purchasing it, if you do so through OGLF, you help The Space Show.