Manny Pimenta returned to the Space Show for this holiday broadcast to talk about the upcoming Space Frontier Foundation's (SFF) Return to The Moon Conference (RTM) to be held in Las Vegas the weekend of July 16-18. As a member of the Board of Directors and the conference coordinator, Manny spoke about the importance of this conference and the events of 2004 that have unfolded to date to make this year's conference amazingly special! In the context of the RTM, we discussed the new space policy initiative put forth by President Bush, the Aldridge Committee report, and the successful flight of Space Ship One. Manny was in Mojave for the Space Ship One flight and he shared with Space Show listeners his thoughts, perceptions, and impact from witnessing this historical event. Tom Matula, also a previous Space Show guest, called the program to discuss RTM with Manny and he too witnessed the Space Ship One flight. Thus, Tom was asked to report to Space Show listeners what he saw and experienced in Mojave on the morning of July 21. Tom also gave us a preview of the presentation he will be making in Las Vegas at RTM. Manny received several e-mail questions from listeners asking about RTM, if newly interested space advocates would be welcome or feel out of place, and of course if there was still time to register for the conference. Manny explained how the conference staff, presenters, Foundationers, and those attending went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome regardless of their level of knowlege or experience about space and the issues that are important to the SFF. Conference reservations are still available but he explained that hotel reservations at the special conference rate would expire on Monday, July 5th. Mr. Pimenta did a superb job of whetting the appetite of Space Show listeners for this conference. I know for example that he certain built excitement within me for RTM and I have been to most all of them since the Foundation began hosting this particular conference. I will be there, am presenting one paper which addresses the true cost and value for public monies spent on space exploration and development. After talking to Manny for 90 minutes on this program, I can't wait to get there! Listeners interested in attending RTM should go to the RTM website and from there they can contact Manny Pimenta. As always, you can contact drspace@thespaceshow.com and I will make sure Manny gets the notes. The RTM website is http://www.space-frontier.org/Projects/Moon/rtm2004.html.
Guest
The Space Show
