Guest: Gary Hudson. Topics: Rocket reusability and related topics. You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, and any discussion must be relevant and applicable to Space Show programming. Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. We welcomed Gary Hudson back to the program to discuss rocket reusability during our 1 hour 45 minute discussion. We started our discussion with an historical overview of rockets in the modern era to better enable our understanding rocket development, the role and influence of reusability. Gary started the history with Treaty of Versailles which ended WW1 and imposed strict arms controls on Germany, especially with long range artillery. This led to the German development of long range rocketry which was used in WW2 and then became the foundation for space programs without consideration to reusability. Despite this, Gary pointed to the Colliers Magazine series in 1952 in which rockets were portrayed as three stage reusable rockets. We also talked about NASA leadership and the commitment it would have to make to pursue lower cost space access and reusability. Gary then discussed reusability in the context of the recent Space X announcement on their reusability plans and went over some of the launch and fly back penalties. Don't miss this discussion. Lee emailed in multiple questions asking about the price per pound to orbit, the number of stages that might be used, rocket engine durability, hydrogen peroxide as a fuel choice, and air breathing engines. We also took a calls from listeners Trent in Australia and John in Atlanta about innovative rocket ideas and designs that could possibly be acceptable in today's space and economic climate as well as the Space X reusability plan. Don't miss Gary's comments on all of these excellent listener questions and ideas. In our second segment, Betty asked about Point to Point transportation, ramping up from suborbital, scaling back from orbital, or using hypersonics. Here, Gary had much to say, especially about the challenges for Point to Point, the obstacles involved in evolving from suborbital, and finally why he does not like hypersonics or think they will be the answer to anything. We then switched topics to the change over from the Space Act Agreement (SAA) to the FAR. Again, Gary had much to say about this but concluded that it would be disastrous. Finally, Gary told us about some rocket concept designs he works with, specifically the Hyperion vehicle. If you have comments or questions, post them on The Space Show blog URL above.
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