Pat Bahn, CEO of TGV Rockets, Inc., returned as a guest for this Space Show program. Mr. Bahn updated us on the activities of his company and why he moved it to Norman, Oklahoma as he prepares to begin operations by 2007 as a suborbital launch company. He explained the advantages of being associated with the Oklahoma Spaceport Authority, its financing, and range facilities for vertical launches. Mr. Bahn also discussed space ports in general as many states are building them as well as creating spaceport authority zones for economic development. We discussed the current activities of the Suborbital Institute, how it works to effectively lobby for constructive legislation for this industry. Mr. Bahn explained how best to target those in congress that can do the most good for developing this industry. Pat fielded many questions ranging from the President's space policy initiative, to the differences between orbital and suborbital flight, the return to flight of the Space Shuttle and much more. In addition, since our guest was also attending the NSS ISDC Annual Conference in Oklahoma City this weekend, he gave us a live report on the conference, some subjects being discussed, and the attitude of people attending and speaking at the conference regarding the likely progress that space commerce and development will make this year. Mr. Bahn was also asked about the potential space policy agenda for the two candidates running for president as well as space becoming a major part of either the Democratic or Republican party platform this year. Unfortunately, Mr. Bahn was not optimistic about space development being a political issue or being a platform issue for either party or either candidate. His comments about the expected delays for the Shuttle in its effort to return to flight were most interesting as he pointed out how the loss of backup equipment from Columbia, computers, navigation equipment, engines and more means that NASA will have major problems servicing and readying for flight the Shuttle in the same way as before the Columbia accident. In response to listener question, Mr. Bahn mentioned that these ongoing Space Shuttle problems do create opportunities for the private sector and NASA to work together to provide alternative access. As was pointed out, the Ariane 5 is planning on carrying people to space soon and the Russians have that capability. From Pat's perspective, either NASA will be forced to buy access to space from the Europeans or the Russians, or help American entrepreneurial companies establish the alternative access we have all been hoping and working for over the years. Pat Bahn provided Space Show listeners with important analysis and updates for space commerce and development for the balance of this year and on into next year. You won't want to miss this program.
Guest
The Space Show
