Guest: Kim Holder; Topics: A detailed discussion of the Moonwards project (see www.moonwards.com) to design a virtual lunar colony. Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm.
We welcomed Kim Holder back to the show for a thorough discussion of her Moonwards project to design and construct a virtual lunar colony (www.moonwards.com). Please visit her website for more information as well as her blog for her relevant posts, www.moonwards1.blogspot.com. Please note that there were a few phone line issues with Kim during the show and later with Dr. Doug's call near the end of the program. We apologize for these audio issues. During the first segment of our 1 hour 56 minute show, Kim introduced us to her Moonwards project along with the why she chose to do it. She covers all aspects of the project, including ways for you the listener to participate in the project through design, economic, website and many other functions. Our first segment is fairly detailed about the key aspects of the project so if you are interested in helping out after listening to her and visiting her site, please contact her.
Listeners asked her many questions plus we took several phone calls. For example, Kim was asked about making contacts with key people that could help implement the project. Listen to her explanation of why she was not focusing on policy. As part of her answer, she provided us with three ways to contribute and offer input to the project. Freemont John called to talk about lunar gravity, a centrifuge and more. Kim talked about tethers. Don't miss this discussion. BJohn from Sweden wanted to know about the use of SSP and mirrors instead of nuclear power. Near the end of the first segment, several listeners talked about the political challenge for something like she was talking about plus they wanted to know the compelling reason for creating a lunar colony. Kim said she had posted a blog article about this subject a while back. Kim, if you can, please post the URL or title and date of your blog article so listeners can read it.
We opened the second segment by asking Kim why she specifically wanted to do this interview on 9/11. Kim went into detail about her reasoning. Please don't miss what she had to say about this. Tell us what you think with your comments on our blog. Kim then replied to the questions posted on the blog about going to different locations and even staying here on Earth. Don't miss what she had to say but for the most part, she believed the Moon was the gateway to all other destinations.
In a second email, BJohn took us in another direction when he asked why Kim had selected the Moonwards location for the colony as opposed to one of the poles. Don't miss her response BJohn. She also replied to Kapitalist who posted the question on the blog about different destinations that were possible other than the Moon. Marshall sent in an email this time rather than giving us a call. He asked Kim about possible issues for being pregnant on the Moon, childbirth, and having children in a lunar colony given the gravity and other issues. Don't miss Kim's response but for the most part it was about these issues having unknown answers at this time. Since Kim spoke about borders and the possible use of space based weapons in her comments about why she chose to do the show on 9/11, I asked how she thought lunar settlement would play out when Russia, China, ESA and eventually the US will be three. Don't miss what she had to say about this.
There were other topics briefly discussed, then I asked her for a three year development timeline for Moonwards. Again, listen to her reply. Tell us what you think by posting on The Space Show blog.
Dr. Doug was our final caller. He wanted to discuss Kim's preferred use of basalt and going underground for lunar habs rather than starting out with inflatables. They went back and forth on this subject with lots of information flowing from both parties. Later in their conversation, they talked about radiation issues.
As we were about to sign off, Kim told us about the flythrough animation on her website. Scroll down the home page to the Flythrough animation titled "Flythough of Cernan's Promise Virtual Moon Colony. As Kim said, this is about a 40 minute video animation but very revealing and important to the Moonwards project.
The final email came from Adrian in San Diego. He suggested that what Kim was talking about would not be possible to do. He provided his reasoning for his position. I read his email in full on air so you can hear what Adrian was suggesting. Do not miss Kim's response to Adrian. It might surprise you.
Please post your comments/questions for this archived program on TSS website. You can reach Kim through her website and blog or through me.
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