Guest: Gary Oleson; Topics: His Space Review article "Effects of changing economics on space architecture and engineering" which focuses on small sats & more. Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.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 Gary Oleson to the show to discuss his May 16, 2016 Space Review article, "Effects of changing economics on space architecture and engineering." During the first segment of our 89 minute program, our guest focused on changes being driven by the New Space segment of the industry through technology development and lower costs, with a focus on small satellites and cubesats. Gary discussed these developments and explained how the lower costs were benefitting the industry. He explained many of the advantages of small sats and cubesats for certain satellite markets including the fact that they can view all of the Earth at least once a day. Later in the program, he described some of the cubesat arrays by different companies providing this type of service.
We also talked markets and the development of other or new markets. One market our guest mentioned in particular dealt with agriculture. He mentioned some companies by name and their imaging plans. As part of this discussion, our guest talked about lower barriers to entry from these new developments and products.
The use of off the shelf space components has also made a difference. Terrestrial markets and industries were discussed because in many cases, they support space development and growth. Later in this segment, our guest was asked about the regulatory regime given the growth in the industry. Before the segment ended, I asked our guest if this explosive growth and these changes in the industry were predicted. Gary said that was unknown but that the Space Frontier Foundation (SFF) had been working for these goals for the past 30 years. We also talked about the support for this type of industry growth and change from the Small Sat Conference group at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.
In the second segment, B John asked about smallsat swarms in LEO. He asked a few other questions later in the segment regarding Musk and new technologies as he wanted to know if supporting technologies on Earth should be counted as a space supporting industry.
Jack from Dallas asked Gary to explain how smallsats can view Earth once a day while larger satellites cannot do that. Don't miss Gary's response to this question.
Gary again brought up the Space Frontier Foundation and their work over the last three decades. He said they were changing their focus given how the industry is changing. Their new focus is on supporting commercial space businesses. You can find out more about the SFF by visiting their website, https://spacefrontier.org. Gary also talked about the upcoming NewSpace Conference in two weeks. For more information about NewSpace 2016, see https://newspace.spacefrontier.org. Gary mentioned the discount code for those planning to attend the event. By using the discount code "spaceshow2016" you can register at the Early Bird registration rate. This is a great offer so if you are going to the event and have not yet registered, be sure to use the code.
Near the end of the segment, I asked Gary what he thought the industry would look like in both five and ten years from now. His response was interesting so don't miss it. Before the end of the program, Todd asked him about changes and NewSpace influences for planetary science missions and Human Spaceflight. Part of his response focused on emerging commercial space stations but listen to all his comments in response to Todd's questions.
Gary offered us closing comments and important takeaways regarding markets, potential tourism, and more. Make sure you post your comments/questions in the comments section of this archived show on TSS website.
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