Guest: Robert (Bob)Zimmerman; Topics: Mars, Perseverance, Curiosity, searching for signs of life on Mars, suborbital tourism, Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, Blue origin, the NASA Mars program, possible NASA Administrator Artemis, Abraham Accords, Israel and the UAE and multiple other topics.
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We welcomed Bob Zimmerman back to the program for a 122 minute two part discussion on multiple topics with many listener phone calls. Bob started the discussion by talking about Mars, specifically the rover Perseverance. He talked about some of the instrumentation, the fact that it was currently undergoing an engineering shakedown to get it ready for doing science, plus flying the helicopter Ingenuity in the thin Martian atmosphere. Bob had lots to say about the upcoming helicopter flight and why it was so important and such a big deal. For sure don't miss a word of this discussion.
Bob spent time on the China's Mars mission and rover with ground penetrating radar. In addition, he spoke about the UAE Mars mission. The Chinese rover wants to look for Martian water ice. At one point, Bob said this was the year for Mars! Bob got an email listener question asking about the rover searching for life or past life. This started Bob on an extended mission to be critical of NASA PR, searching for life, the media, plus a few times he said they were all lying to people. Listen to the discussion for the details because they won't be put forth in the summary. Bob was classic Zimmerman in this part of the discussion so just reading about it does not work or do justice to what Bob was talking about.
Skipping ahead, Bob did talk about the Moon and said for now China had the lead on the Moon. He talked about their being on the back side of the Moon, their sample return mission, and their future lunar plans. He said much of the data China was getting from their recent missions had not yet been publicly released. Our friend Marshall called and it was good to hear from him as he continues his Covid long duration recovery. He wanted to talk about Perseverance, engine power, batteries, and such. He also was hoping to see a flight profile and the desired flight time for the helicopter. Marshall and Bob had a great discussion on these topics.
An email from Cathy in Spokane asked Bob about all the excitement and movement in the NewSpace business and investment markets with ETFs and SPACS. Bob said it was an exciting field and mentioned RocketLab and Peter Beck. He also mentioned Virgin Galactic but in a very critical way including criticism levied on Sir Richard Branson. A few minutes later a listener followed up on the VG comments and the way he referred to Branson. As to be expected, Bob's position on his Branson comments was not even remotely similar to what our listener was talking about in his email. I also commented that such adverse comments against someone were in my opinion not appropriate and detracted from the importance of the discussion and what Bob was talking about. Bob did not agree with me. Listen to what Bob said and then let us know what you think by posting your comments and thoughts on our blog. We absolutely want to hear from you on this.
We started Part 2 with a call from Tim in Huntsville. Tim covered multiple topics including Viking, Bob's criticism of NASA PR around the topic of searching for life or past life on Mars, then both Dark Matter and Dark Energy came up. Bob and Tim had a good discussion on these topics but Bob focused on the uncertainties of science as related to water on Mars. That said, Bob suggested this article was relevant to this part of our discussion. Bob said he had posted an article on this at Behind The Black so I've place the link here for your convenience: https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/scientists-mars-is-losing-water-seasonally-through-its-atmosphere. The discussion and commentary regarding uncertainties, Dark Matter and more continued throughout the balance of program. Bob mentioned Newton and the need for data over theory.
A Salt Lake City listener emailed Bob to comment on the Biden choice of former Sen. Nelson to be the new NASA Administrator. Bob had quite a bit to say with the bottom line being much was still an unknown regarding the new administration and the direction space may go over the next few years. This topic was followed by a call from Tony from Pasadena who wanted to follow up on Tim's comments regarding Halton Arp, quasars, and then he wanted to talk about Virgin Galactic per what Bob said earlier in the program. By the way, Tony fully supported Bob's VG commentary.
With Tony still on the phone with Bob, an email came in from Gary with four questions on it. The last question I will let be a surprise for you. I read it to both Bob and Tony on air and brought them into the discussion about the question. Listen, then tell us what you think about it by posting on our blog. Part of Tony's response focused on his retiring from Griffith but still finding a way to maintain all their telescopes.
After Tony left the line, we zeroed in on the other questions asked by Gary. One was about SLS and a possible cancellation down the road, another was as about using lava tubes on Mars as a habitat, and the last question was about a possible joint UAE-Israeli venture in space for the future. Bob responded to each of Gary's questions so listen carefully so you don't miss anything. Before ending, Tim from Huntsville sent in an additional note about the Arp theory and quasars by citing an example. I read his email on air but neither Bob or I commented on it as the program was about to end.
Please post your comments/questions on our blog for this show. You can reach Bob through his website www.behindtheblack.com or me, plus you can reach any of the callers or those sending in emails by going through me.
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