Broadcast 246 (Special Edition)

Robert Zimmerman, best selling author and space historian, returned to The Space Show for this program. Mr. Zimmerman discussed the important roll that Russia is now playing in our space program and how Russia is actually making it possible to continue with the manned space program and the ISS. We talked about what this means for NASA, the United States, and the top level of NASA administrators. He believes that the top level of NASA administrators and people within our government do not realize what has happened vis a vis what the Russians are now doing to keep our program afloat and what the significance is of this development for our space program and nation. We also talked about the contribution to space by the former USSR and now Russia, with Mr. Zimmerman stating that perhaps their most important contribution has been in the area of space medicine for long term space flight for humans. Mr. Zimmerman went behind the scenes to share with us views about space and its importance in the coming election, with either candidate that may win the election, and with the Aldridge Commission report. He talked about the present NASA culture and how that is a stumbling block for moving forward to a productive space program. He also suggested that what happens with NASA and the public program is now becoming irrelevant because of what is going on within the private sector as depicted by Space Ship One, the X-Prize, the Canadian X-Prize entries and more. He cited comments made by NASA after the successful June 21, 2004 Space Ship One flight about how NASA was happy for the success and ready to work with Scaled Composites, etc. regarding this new technology, when in fact NASA is not working with Scaled Composites and the technology and engineering behind Space Ship One is proprietary. As is always the case with Mr. Zimmerman, he is hard hitting and to the point. Mr. Zimmerman also showed Space Show listeners why the Hubble program and its now questionable future is actually a metaphor for all of NASA and what it is doing. Be sure to hear this program. If you want to contact Mr. Zimmerman, you can do so through drspace@thespaceshow.com or visit his website at members.bellatlantic.net/~vze3cxxp/zimbib.htm.