Guest: Col. Carol Welsch (USAF). Topics: Space Development & Test Directorate, Space Test Program, DOD small satellite launch assist programs. You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, and any discussion must be relevant and applicable to Space Show programming. Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. We welcomed Col. Welsch back to The Space Show to discuss the Air Force Space Development & Test Directorate, the Space Test Program, and other DOD launch and small satellite assist programs. During our first segment, Col. Welsch introduced us to the program and we talked about several of their satellite projects, their R&D program, and their launch and satellite parameters for participating in their program. We talked about civilian as well as Air Force career opportunities within this Directorate. Civilian jobs are listed at www.USAjobs.gov site under the name of this directorate. We also talked about funding and congressional budget cuts, the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program and office, as well as the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). We took listener calls and emails about the hyperspectral imaging (ARTEMIS) satellite, TacSat-3, and even the Civil Air Patrol and their airborne imaging sensor. We talked about university launches, the requirements for their participation and even the need for security clearances as warranted by the specific project. As this segment ended, Jack asked about suborbital launches and the emerging suborbital industry. In our second segment, we talked about the future of ORS and the FY 13 proposed budget cuts. We talked about the Army getting back into the small satellite business with KESTREL EYE and the Air Force support to the Army in these satellite programs. I asked Col. Welsch about future plans five years out and longer and we got a glimpse of their strategic planning ideas and projects. We talked about the possible use of foreign launchers and their educational outreach programs to school kids. A caller asked about the Space Experiments Review Board and another wanted more information about the use of sounding rockets with NASA or in the private sector. We learned that the lead period for a NASA sounding rocket could be two years and cost a few million dollars. If the emerging suborbitals can do the mission, this will be a real cost plus for the program and save it lots of lead time. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog URL above. If you want to reach Col. Welsch, please send your email to me and I will forward it to her.
Guest
The Space Show
