Jim Benson, founder of Benson Space Company, return for this Space Show program. Jim started our discussion by introducing us to Benson Space Company and the Dreamchaser which is modeled after the HL-20 spaceplane that Nasa Langley was designing and building. Jim took us through the history of the HL-20, its earlier Soviet Union counterparts and tests and much more. Benson Space actually has all design information from the HL-20, including the full size mock up of the vehicle. Jim then explained the Benson Space approach to propulsion and other design changes, passenger and crew requirements, g force stresses, and more. Jim then told us the story of space flight passenger Brian Emmett who won a prize to space but could not pay the taxes so he turned the prize back. Benson Space has hired Brian as the first space flight participant test pilot and he told us this story. Don't miss it! Jim then announced that he has a contest for others to win a trip to space on the Dreamchaser. His contest, "free trip to space" is described at www.freetriptospace.com. You can also get more information from his Benson Space website, www.bensonspace.com. Later in the show Jim was asked about the work and the lab equipment regarding fusion for Dr. R. W. Bussard. Do not miss this discussion. Its most interesting and Jim and SpaceDev are in the middle of it with some possible good research and tests ahead of them. Jim responded to many questions about Dr. Bussard's fusion reactor concept and his updates are important to hear. Mr. Benson fielded many listener questions ranging from regulatory and AST questions, to issues surrounding spaceports, closing the business case, being a businessman and working with engineers - the realistic how to part of that management equation. During the entire interview, we went back and forth with space tourism and Dreamchaser questions, specs, and performance issues. Jim will respond to your additional comments and questions but please send them to him through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. I will forward to him as soon as I receive them from you. As always when Jim Benson is a Space Show guest, its a stimulating and forward looking discussion that inspires as well as tackles tough business and space issues. This interview with Jim is no different. I hope you enjoy it and find it as interesting as I did.
Guest
The Space Show
