Guest: Eric Lerner; Topics: Fusion energy updates and alternative cosmology theories. 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 back Eric Lerner to the show to discuss fusion energy research and development plus alternative cosmology theories. During the first segment of our 85 minute program, Eric talked about new developments with his Focus Fusion work with LPP (http://lppfusion.com). Much of this segment was spent in technical discussion with Eric regarding tungsten electrodes, oxidation issues, resolutions to these issues, and much more. Fusion power was front and center. Eric also talked about an upcoming comparison video with all the efforts to do fusion including the large tokamaks. He said his work came in second on the comparison chart so don't miss what he said. We will be looking out for the release of the video in question.
Listeners had questions for Eric regarding a fusion powered rocket. Eric had much to say on this topic during this segment so don't miss it. He also addressed possible regulatory issues that he may face in creating distributive fusion power devices for supplying fusion power. Don't miss this discussion. He talked travel times to Mars and elsewhere using fusion rockets and his choice of fuel for his research, DPF. Before the segment ended, he was asked about the plausibility of lunar HE3 as a fusion energy source. He said it was no necessary so don't miss this discussion either.
In the second segment, Tim asked a question about is the maximum pulse rate for the focus fusion-type rocket with the "perfect" radiator for cooling. He followed his question up with another one about plasma cosmology. Don't miss what Eric said in response to all of Tim's questions.
When talking about plasma cosmology, the Electric Universe came up and I asked Eric how to tell fringe plausible from fringe crackpot. Like me, he gets crazy theories all the time. He talked about the need for quantitative comparison and the use of math to explain things. Don't miss what he had to say about this because it can be a good guide when considering the nonsense from the plausible.
Another topic was fusion research funding. Eric talked about this at length because the process has been politicized. He said the same was true with cosmology. He then explained and discussed some alternative cosmology around The Big Bang Theory and why it runs into opposition from the mainstream to the point that it is usually not even considered despite factual evidence supporting these out of the box explanations. Don't miss what our guest had to say in this area.
As we came to the end of the program, I asked Eric for his 2107 fusion goals. They included an equity based crowd funding program for $1-$1.5 million, to move to Beryllium electrodes and to create higher yield plus to start using their preferred fuel. He will return later in the year and we will see how he does in reaching these goals. If and when he launches the equity crowdfunding program, I will let listeners know about it.
Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog for this show. You can reach Eric through me or his website above.
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