Broadcast 994 (Special Edition)

Guests: Lee Tinker, Capt. Charles Hammond, Steven Benoit, and Nate Ambler, all graduate students in my Summer 2008 UND Space Studies class were our guests for this program nicknamed "Are you as smart as a Space Studies graduate student?" Each student focused in on the subject of their class paper or research. For example, Lee Tinker focused on Space Solar Power, Nate Ambler focused on the NASA HASP Program involving an indium-tin oxide solid state ozone sensor, Steven Benoit focused on the human factors barriers which are present in long duration human spaceflight, and Captain Charles Hammond, USAF, focused on the issue of the toxic lunar dust on the Moon and what this might mean for a lunar settlement. Listeners engaged the students with many questions and there were lots of cross over questions in which the students addressed various issues, not just those limited to their area of interest. There were many questions regarding human factors, especially gravity, bone loss, radiation, and emotional issues. Space Solar Power proved to be a major discussion point for most of the students and many of the listeners and myself. Hear what Lee Tinker found out doing his research on the subject. The SSP discussion led to a discussion regarding the weaponization of space here, I ended up on a soap box about space weapons to be used back here on Earth - based on what I have learned in my interviews, conference programs, my having met so many of our top ranking military officers and leading space personnel. Will any of you agree with me? When we came back from a break, I clarified the weapons discussion, see if the clarification makes sense. Given the comments that SSP might be used as a weapon in space, what are your thoughts on that issue? Let us know. Listeners asked the students many questions about space education, why an interdisciplinary program rather than focusing on engineering, science, physics, etc. Others wanted to know how to retain space studies students, still other questions addressed students recruiting students for space studies and the competition from other science related educational programs possibly offering faster rewards, more lucrative career paths, and even potentially more excitement. Each student also told why he chose space studies, what he wanted to get out of the program and what he honestly thought of the program, the classes, the professors, and the outcomes. The differences between an on campus program and distance program were highlighted as well. Each of these students is available for follow up questions or comments and if you are considering enrolling in a space studies at UND or another school, talk to these students first. Learn firsthand about the UND Space Studies program in addition to other things that may influence your decision about taking a space studies program or attending the University of North Dakota program or another school. To reach each student, do the following: Lee Tinker: TinkerW@stluciesheriff.com; Nate Ambler: nambler@ufl.edu; and for Capt. Charles Hammond and Steve Benoit, please go through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Let me know if you liked this student program and, of course, were you as smart as a space studies graduate student? Be honest, let me know. If you would like additional space studies student programs such as this one, also let me know. I am considering doing this quarterly or on some regular basis. I would also like to engage students at other universities including ISU. Perhaps even arrange a sort of Space Show student discussion/debate on important issues and programs facing the space community. Your feedback is certainly welcome.