Guest: Alan Boyle; Topics: ISDC 2018, Jeff Bezos ISDC Keynote & interview, moon program, space settlement, large rockets and 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 Alan Boyle back to the show for this one segment 69 minute discussion about ISDC 2018 and Jeff Bezos/Blue Origin. We started our discussion with Alan talking about Jeff Bezos, his keynote address and the onstage interview Alan conducted regarding Jeff. You can read Alan's interview at GeekWire at www.geekwire.com/2018/jeff-bezos-isdc-space-vision. Early in his comments, Alan said that Jeff opened up by talking about having saved The Expanse TV show which will now be an Amazon produced program. The cast of The Expanse was in the audience plus the audience loudly cheered. From time to time during our program with Alan, The Expanse came up along with the science of The Expanse and more. You won't be able to miss or overlook The Expanse comments.
Alan talked about the headline for his article, "Jeff Bezos: We will have to leave this planet … and it's going to make this planet better." Alan spent some time explaining Jeff's position on his leaving the planet comments. We also talked about his step by step approach, the use of suborbital flights to learn and perfect human spaceflight, Jeff's Moon policy, his support of the NASA and public return to the Moon policy and more. In addition, Alan mentioned that Jeff supported international projects, then we talked about Jeff's idea that Earth will evolve to light industry and residential living only with all the heavy industry and manufacturing taking place in space. When asked for timelines, Alan mentioned timelines for some of the closer in parts of the long term vision but said that Jeff thought it might take a hundred years or longer to evolve all the way to his grand vision.
Listeners had several email questions for Alan. Ben from Flagstaff asked Alan to compare and contrast the popularity of Musk and Bezos given his experience with both individuals. Don't miss what Alan said but he did mention that Musk has a rock start like quality about him with his fans and supporters. He made similar comments about Bezos but listen carefully to all of what Alan said in reply to Ben. Larry from Denver then sent in an email asking what Bezos might have said off the record or privately to Alan about the Moon initiative with the LOP-G, delays, etc. Alan said there were no off the record or private comments as the interview he did with Bezos was part of the ISDC program and was live, real time on stage.
Alan was asked about other ISDC speakers and events. He talked space settlement with us, new tools and directions for SETI with Dr. Frank Drake, and space farming of a sorts with someone known as The Real Martian (check YouTube for more information on this person and topic). I asked Alan about the business plan competition which Alan then talked about, especially the winner which he had much to say about. Don't miss what Alan had to say about the winner of the business plan competition. Next, we took an email from listener Cam asking about any possible discussion regarding commercial space regulatory issues. Alan did comment on this so don't miss what he said. Other short topics came up asking Alan for this thoughts on funding for the NewSpace ventures, the focus on international projects as compared to domestic only projects, the growth of innovative and entrepreneurial space businesses and even Bezos on the Moon Village concept.
We took a few calls including one from Marshall about space stations and space food/agriculture. Marshall's call was cut off and then we lost Alan but got them both back without a hitch. Toward the end of the program, William from Seattle called to talk about The Expanse as an ISDC highlight. We also talked about the science of The Expanse which was part of the ISDC Expanse panel discussion with the crew. As it turned out, Alan watches the Expanse but was a bit behind on the episodes. I don't watch it but might give it yet another try via On Demand.
Before we ended, Jake from Phoenix sent in a message asking Alan about the possibility of ISS commercialization. Alan had much to say on the subject but it was not a big ISDC topic this year.
Please post your comments/suggestions for this show on TSS blog for this program. You can reach Alan Boyle through The Space Show or his GeekWire blogging activities.
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