Dr. Paul Hardersen what the guest for this special Friday morning Space Show program. We began our discussion by inquiring about the observatory that is at the University of North Dakota, the plans for remodeling it, what it will be able to do and the opportunities it will afford students, and the fund raising campaigns designed to support the program. We then switched topics to asteroids, one of the areas of special interest and expertise for Dr. Hardersen. Our discussion was wide ranging from robotic exploitation of the asteroids to the space transportation needed to get to and from an asteroid. We talked about nickel and metal as well as platinum metals, mining, transmission delays even to the Moon and how such delays can adversely impact even lunar robotics. We also discussed the architecture being used for RTM and the VSE, the politics of the VSE, and the need for a manned program versus just a robotic program. Dr. Hardersen also discussed the politics of federal budget allocations for scientific research projects and how projects get prioritized. In response to a listener question, Dr. Hardersen even talked about the publish or perish mentality at universities throughout the country. Both Dr. Hardersen and I spoke about the UND Department of Space Studies, how to apply to the program, the fields of study within the program, and the general admission requirements. You can send Dr. Hardersen follow up questions or comments at Hardersen@space.edu or you can do so through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.
Guest
The Space Show
