Commander Neil Woodward from NASA HQ was the guest for this Space Show program. We started our discussion with Commander Woodward asking him about his aircraft carrier flight and landing experiences. In addition to experiencing night and bad weather traps through this vicarious conversation with Cmdr.Woodward, including learning how much time we had for survival in cold water with various Navy survival equipment, listeners began asking him questions about aircraft pressurization issues and relating his comments to the need for space suits in suborbital flight. We also talked ejection and the potential of space skydiving as a sport. You will want to hear his comments. We then switched to discussing the COTS program. One of the questions asked Neil had to do with the possible NASA strategy of dealing with a COTS partner that flames out. Will this adversely impact the full COTS program, does the remaining money go to the other COTS contender, does it go to the non-paid COTS contenders or back to the NASA budget. You will want to hear his response to this question. Another listener asked why COTS was considered so risky given our experience and know-how in getting to space. The listener included Russia and other space nations in the experience pool. Neil explained the business risk side of the COTS program and the technical and space risks. You will want to hear his full remarks. This discussion led us to an exchange about risk in general and the risk averse nature of NASA, the Navy, and the country. We also discussed issues relating to the NASA ESMD. We talked about the budget priorities as compared to bottom line and even low cost space access priorities. We also discussed completing the ISS, keeping international agreements, and more. At one point, I asked Neil about the time it was taking to return to the Moon and was it a function of funding from Congress, technology, or a combination of both. Our discussion pointed toward a funding issue but with limitations. I then asked him how we as advocates and supporters of the VSE program could influence congress to do the program quicker. His suggestion was to tell members of congress why it is important for the heath and benefit of the country that we go to the Moon much faster. As you will hear during the program, I put it out to listeners to send in your answer to his question. Listen to the discussion and send in your answer. If you would like to send in a comment or follow up question for Cmdr. Neil Woodward, please do so through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Guest
The Space Show
