Guest: Rand Simberg; Topic: Trump space policy, commercial space, Orion, SLS, SpaceX, heavy lift rockets, NASA Administrator, much more. 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 back Rand Simberg to discuss a possible space policy in the new Trump administration. During the first segment of our 1 hour 45 minute program, Mr. Simberg started the discussion by saying there would likely not be much of a change in space policy given the new Trump administration. In addition, Rand said the same would hold true had Hilary won the election. The job of NASA Administrator came up with Rand mentioning several of the potential candidates based on rumor.
One thing discussed for a lengthy time was the probable cancellation of Orion but not SLS. Rand spend a considerable amount of time on this particular topic in both segments. Listeners also called and emailed him about Orion, SLS, heavy lift, and SpaceX rockets and plans. The NASA centers were discussed with Rand saying that they usually had more power than NASA HQ and the administrator because of their voter constituency which DC does not have. Later in the segment, more names came up for the NASA Administrator job so this discussion continued as well throughout the show.
I asked Rand what he thought the new administration would be like regarding regulation, including planetary protection. Rand commented on regulations but most of our attention focused in on planetary protection, the Outer Space Treaty, and possible treaty modification. B John then sent in an email wondering if there might be a NewSpace person named as NASA Administrator.
Rand took a detailed call from John in Ft. Worth inquiring about the possible cancellation of Orion. Rand talked about competing capsules from SpaceX and Boeing, suggesting there would be little or no use for the Orion. He said Dragon was already capable of returning from Mars and Boeing was studying how to make CST 100 work in cislunar space.
John from Freemont both called and emailed in with comments about Rand's comments on space settlement as compared to space exploration. Rand offered his comments on this subject early in our show. Before the first segment ended, in response to a question Rand said these were the most exciting times in space since the 60's. Another topic discussed during both segments dealt with NASA and Apollo from the 60s. He kept saying we would not be repeating the old space program but it would take the demise of Rand's and my generation to finally stop trying to relive the early days as this is what we experienced and what drives us despite US and world conditions not supporting that type of space program. Before the segment ended, Adrian sent in a note suggesting the next astronauts on the Moon or maybe even Mars would be Chinese. Rand disputed that saying they would be American private sector astronauts.
In the second segment, Dr. Lurio called to discuss two issues, private space stations and the possibility of Musk/SpaceX using Marshall resources to help build his Mars hardware. Don't miss this discussion as Rand had much to say about both subjects.
Burton from Canada sent us a note about the SpaceX ITS having a booster test off Seattle. Tom then called from Seattle to talk about the F9 loading fuel with astronauts on board, astronaut safety, the NASA position on this and more. Again, don't miss this interesting discussion. Rand posted a comment on this discussion on his blog, www.transterrestrial.com & says he will be writing more about it later.
Barry in Chicago sent in a note asking about FH delays. Rand was then asked for his thought on establishing a new National Space Council. Rand thought it might be OK but again, don't miss all of what Rand had to say about this topic.
Adrian sent in more notes, Ben sent in a note wondering if the Trump administration would follow through on the Hilary-Podesta campaign promise to release all the UFO files. Rand summed up the discussion by saying our future in space was very bright.
Before the program ended, Rand mentioned he was exploring the possibility of putting together a flyby flight to Enceladus which would be privately funded. Do not miss what Rand said about this. Also, make sure you understand this is not a project, it is only a very basic idea being tossed around by Rand and a few others.
Please post your comments/questions in the comment section of this archived program on The Space Show website. You can reach Rand Simberg through me or his blog, www.transterrestrial.com.
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