Guest: Doug Messier. Topics: We discussed a wide range of topics from Google space to space tourism, technology & more. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.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. For those of you listening to archives on live365.com & rating the programs, please email me the reasons for your rating. This will definitely help improve Space Show programming. Thank you. We welcomed back Doug Messier, Managing Editor of ParabolicArc.com for this 1 hour 43 minute discussion. During our first segment, Doug talked about the proposed Google space program involving up to 1,600 satellites for global communication and wifi. Doug shared with us as much information as was currently known regarding this program, plus he talked about the Loon Project and explained why he referred to the multiple satellite program as "Son of Teledesic." While no launch vehicle has been identified Doug and listeners did talk about the possible impact launch services needed for such a large program. Doug also reported on Masten Space Systems. He also talked about Masten in the second segment. Many listeners sent in emails about the proposed Google program, some expressing skepticism, some wanting more information. Doug then turned his attention to Virgin Galactic and he talked about their powered test flights, engine issues, possible hybrid replacement engines, and more. We talked about the signed up Virgin passengers and PR efforts to keep them informed of Virgin's progress. Doug also briefed us on XCOR and the Google Lunar XPrize contest. A listener emailed in about the decline of the California aerospace industry and state regulatory issues. Doug had much to say about this. Before the break, a listener asked for an update on Stratolaunch. In the second segment, Doug talked about the management changes at Virgin given three executives have left in recent times. In addition, he said some of the lower level employees were sending out resumes. In response to a question, he updated us on Virgin's Launcher One. We talked about Dream Chaser test flights, the name change at Dryden, & the NASA Ames name. Near the end he gave us a brief report on Garvey Space, then Dr. Lurio called in and they discussed at length the Virgin hybrid engine issues, vehicle modifications, & the possibilities for a replacement engine. Doug commented that they may not make it to 100KM! As the program was ending, Doug said it would be an interesting year, that he thought there would be crewed vehicle flights later this year, and then he shared his thoughts regarding possible commercial crew downsizing. During this segment, I asked Doug to comment on his most exciting and frustrating stories of last year. Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog. Doug can be reached through me or through ParabolicArc.com.
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