Paul Coffman was the guest for this Space Show program. We began the discussion on rocket engines and fuel given the background and experience of Mr. Coffman. We compared the Apollo engineering and designs to the proposed new hardware designs. We also speculated on what might happen with Congress as well as NASA were the VSE to be based on all new hardware and launch systems. Paul had interesting observations on these issues. We talked quite a bit about NASA funding, congress, and the budget process both from the Apollo era and now. Paul spent considerable time answering listener questions about engine design and fuels, as well as the possible development of new exotic fuels that would substantially outperform what is in use today with chemical rockets. Paul concludes that its not likely and that we are doing about as well as can be expected with chemical rocket engine design, fuels, materials and components. He said the low cost to orbit has been a goal for decades and we still cannot achieve it. He is uncertain if sufficient savings can be created on the business and systems side to dramatically lower launch costs because of the range, tracking and other issues. He said for NASA and government launches, reliability is more important than the cost and it should be the same for the commercial markets too. He said we are extremely risk averse on the pubic space side and the payloads are very costly so making sure the launch works is crucial. More so than saving money on the launch. Paul was asked about the implied assumption that lower cost means less reliability. Its an interesting discussion. We also talked about the suborbital business, methane engines, some experimental programs he has worked on, Saturn V details and comparisons with engines today and much more. I am sure you will find this a most interesting 90 minute discussion. If you want to send a comment or question to Paul Coffman, please do so through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Guest
The Space Show
