Frank Sietzen and Keith Cowing, authors of the newly released book, “New Moon Rising: The Making of America's New Space Vision and the Remaking of NASA,” were the guests for this Space Show program. Frank and Keith talked extensively about their new book which delves into the behind the scenes making of the new space policy initiative proposed by President Bush in January of this year. Several questions were directed to Frank and Keith regarding the space policy, the presidential candidates and their space positions, election year timing, the Aldridge Commission, and the inner workings of NASA. Questions about the value of the space policy, distractions such as Iraq, the lack of popularity for President Bush and even the Gallop Poll showing that a significant percentage of Americans support the new space policy and vision were examined in detail. I asked Frank and Keith how they were able to obtain the type of information they used in this amazing book, and the clearly outlined the purpose behind writing the book which was to enable the reader to explore the making of a space policy, NASA and more. The book is not designed to sway the reader one way or the other about the new program, rather to help the reader be informed both as to fact and in understanding the process that had gone on since the Columbia accident. Having read several chapters of this book that were sent to me by the publisher, Apogee Books, I do strongly recommend that Space Show listeners buy and read what Frank and Keith have to say. Its important, but it is also a splendid read. I do want to let all of you know that there were telephone line problems with this show. I apologize for the static and crackling sounds that can be heard from time to time, as well as other noises, all of which are phone line artifacts.
Guest
The Space Show
