The Space Show by Dr. David Livingston

Dr. David M. Livingston
  • 4.2 (94)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

The Space Show® focuses on timely and important issues influencing the development of outer-space commerce and space tourism, as well as other related subjects of interest to us all. doctorspace.substack.com

  1. The Space Show Presents Paul Wardley on special thin film solar for space and more, Friday, 4-17-26

    17H AGO

    The Space Show Presents Paul Wardley on special thin film solar for space and more, Friday, 4-17-26

    The Space Show Presents Paul Warley, CEO of Ascent Solar, Friday, 4-17-26 Quick Summary: The Space Show featured Paul Worley, CEO of Ascent Solar, discussing their flexible thin-film solar technology. Paul explained that their CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Sulfide) panels are lightweight, rollable, and designed to fit specific areas, offering 12.5-14% efficiency and costing $35-70 per watt compared to silicon’s $3-10 per watt. The panels have been tested in space and can withstand radiation better than silicon, with applications including satellites, drones, high-altitude platforms, and underwater systems. Paul noted their panels can be deployed and rolled up multiple times, with TRL9 certification from a previous space mission. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ as ASTI and focuses primarily on DoD and commercial space markets, with plans to expand in MEO, GEO, and lunar applications in the coming years. Detailed Summary: Our program focused on technical discussions about space missions and power requirements. Paul explained different power levels for various orbital ranges, noting 450-600 watts per kilogram for MEO and GEO missions, and 150-250 watts per kilogram for lower orbits. The group discussed the format of an upcoming 60-minute space show, with participants introducing themselves and their backgrounds. Technical issues with audio echo were identified but not fully resolved before the end of the meeting. Paul explained the cost and efficiency differences between various solar panel technologies for space applications. He clarified that gallium arsenide panels cost $250-350 per watt, silicon panels cost $3-10 per watt, and their SIGS (Copper indium gallium sulfide) technology costs $35-70 per watt. Paul also described how their technology uses a different coating (XBR) for underwater applications, allowing panels to be submerged at 500 meters and recharge on the surface. Paul further discussed the development and specifications of their flexible solar panel technology, highlighting its advantages over traditional silicon wafers, including being 3-10 times lighter and providing roughly 4 times the power. The discussion covered the technology’s performance in high-pressure environments, manufacturing considerations, and potential applications in space, including lunar manufacturing and satellite deployment. Paul mentioned having a SpaceX founder on his advisory board and noted their current customers include a communications satellite company, with plans for manufacturing in space, as well as potential applications in drones, HAPS, and underwater systems. Paul discussed their company’s solar panel technology, explaining that if a panel is damaged by space debris, electricity can still flow around the damaged area. He confirmed they are in talks with multiple space companies, though he declined to name specific clients. When asked about operating temperatures, Paul clarified that their panels can operate between -100C to +100C in space conditions, though he couldn’t specify the exact temperature without cooling systems. The discussion ended with Paul highlighting their product’s key advantage of faster delivery times compared to traditional gallium arsenide panels, though he didn’t complete the specific timeline comparison. Paul discussed the efficiency of their flexible solar panels, explaining they measure between 12.5% and 14% efficiency in secondary cells. Marshall inquired about the durability of rolling up the panels, to which Paul confirmed they can be rolled up hundreds or thousands of times without damage, citing their TRL9 rating achieved through underwater testing. Paul also mentioned their product is patented and not restricted by ITAR, though they primarily market to Europe and India rather than China or other restricted regions. Paul talked about his company’s solar product, highlighting its durability and competitive advantage over Chinese alternatives in the consumer market. He explained that while the product was previously used in camping and military applications, current focus areas include DOD commercial applications, space, and potentially drones. Paul noted that while residential rooftop installation is financially viable, it’s not part of their current strategy due to reinforcement requirements for buildings. The discussion concluded with an unasked question about cell density per square meter from John Hunt, which was not answered in the provided transcript. Deployable solar panel technology, explaining that their panels can produce power at 60% angle while most silicon panels require 30-40% angle for power generation. He described different deployment mechanisms including roll-out systems and origami structures, noting that cost and mass of the support system are significant factors. Paul also mentioned that their technology is currently too expensive for widespread residential use, with installation costs being a major barrier, and that 40% of roofs would require reinforcement. We covered ongoing R&D efforts to improve product efficiency and reduce waste, including work with perovskite coatings and a collaboration with a company that has developed 400 patents around perovskite technology. The team conducted initial space testing with different FEP thickness coatings, though the sample size was too small for definitive conclusions. Paul mentioned that additional radiation and atomic oxygen testing would be conducted in the next 2-3 months, and he expected data from the Novi satellite launch on SpaceX’s rocket within 2-3 weeks, including information about deployment and space debris impact. The meeting also focused on discussing Paul’s space solar panel technology company, ASTI, which is publicly traded on NASDAQ. Paul explained that while the company receives about one legitimate space-related business inquiry per week through their website, they typically require NDAs to share technical details about their solar panels, which can withstand higher temperatures and radiation than traditional silicon panels. The discussion revealed that ASTI’s competitive advantage lies in the flexibility of their panels, allowing them to outperform silicon panels in certain curved or complex applications. Paul noted that while the company is well-funded and manufactured-ready, the next major power push in space is expected in the third and fourth quarters of next year. Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment We use Zoom phone numbers for program participation. For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access. The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org. If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to: One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135 Upcoming Programs: Broadcast 4594: Zoom: Bob Zimmerman (Special 6 PM PDT start time) | Tuesday 26 May 2026 600PM PT Guests: Robert Zimmerman Zoom: (6 PM PDT Start Time) Bob Zimmerman is back on Starship and all space matters. Don’t miss it! to Listen and participate use Zoom phone lines. Email DrSpace before airtime for the number access. Broadcast 4595: Hotel Mars TBD | Wednesday 27 May 2026 930AM PT Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston Hotel Mars TBD No Program for Friday, May 29, 2026 | Friday 29 May 2026 930AM PT Guests: Dr. David Livingston No program today, Friday, May 26, 2026 Broadcast 4596: Zoom: Open Lines Discussion | Sunday 31 May 2026 1200PM PT Guests: Dr. David Livingston Zoom: Open Lines Discussion. Email DrSpace prior to air time for Zoom phone number access. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 14m
  2. The Space Show Presents A Starship Demo 12 Test Discussion

    20H AGO

    The Space Show Presents A Starship Demo 12 Test Discussion

    Detailed Summary: SpaceX Starship Launch Discussion The group discussed SpaceX’s recent Starship launch, which John described as a partial success with significant technical challenges including an engine outage that caused the booster to deviate from its course. David praised the high-quality camera work and photography during the launch, while Dr. Sherry noted that SpaceX itself considered the mission a success and emphasized their approach of learning from mistakes. The team also explained the satellite ejection mechanism used in the launch, with Charles and Robert providing details about how the satellites were deployed from the rocket. The group discussed SpaceX’s Starship Flight 12 (IFT-12), with participants evaluating its significance for future Artemis missions. Bob explained that while the flight was important for testing new engines and systems, it wasn’t critical for SpaceX’s overall success, particularly given their upcoming IPO and existing Starlink revenue. The discussion highlighted the technical challenges involved in the flight, including new Raptor 3 engines and a rebuilt launch pad, with participants agreeing that the flight achieved its main objectives of reaching orbit and conducting necessary tests. The Wisdom Team discussed the recent Starship test flight, comparing it to SLS development and emphasizing that the technologies are not comparable due to different approaches and goals. David defended SpaceX’s methodology of learning from failures, while Ajay highlighted specific technical issues with the first stage during the test. The discussion included observations about engine problems and a puncture in the tile, with participants noting that this is part of the development process for new technology. The group discussed the recent SpaceX Starship test flight, with Dr. Ajay clarifying that one engine blew up before separation, causing other engines to shut down due to fuel sloshing. Phil expressed concerns about the program’s timeline, arguing that SpaceX is not on track to meet the goal of reaching the moon within a couple of years, while Robert countered that abandoning the current approach would only cause further delays. The discussion concluded with Dallas defending the mission’s success in achieving its suborbital trajectory goals, though Phil maintained that the program has not yet proven its ability to deliver the required 100 tons of payload to orbit. The team discussed SpaceX’s satellite deployment program, with Marshall clarifying that dummy satellites weighed about 2 tons each but Phil found conflicting information suggesting 17 tons total for 22 satellites. The discussion then shifted to refueling capabilities, where Doug shared insights from a leading researcher who estimated a 50% chance of success on the first attempt and near 100% on the second attempt for propellant docking and transfer. The conversation concluded with Ajay noting that while Progress has done fuel transfer with storable fuel, cryogenic fuel transfer remains untested in orbit, though SpaceX had previously demonstrated cryogenic propellant transfer during IFT-10. The group discussed SpaceX’s development of in-orbit refueling capabilities, with Dallas sharing details about their 2008 demonstration using vapor-cooled skins and a crawl cooler from Criari. The discussion focused on comparing SpaceX’s progress with Blue Origin’s approach, with Robert noting that while SpaceX has outlined plans for a several-week refueling mission this year involving two Starship launches, Blue Origin’s development pace remains slower. The conversation concluded with debate about propellant requirements for lunar missions, with Dallas explaining that the HLS mission would need approximately 40 tons of propellant for the Gateway and lunar lander in the lunar vicinity. Phil suggested that NASA should design the optimal lunar lander and then assign contracts to commercial companies like Boeing or SpaceX for manufacturing, while also working to reduce the cost of SLS rockets through mass production. Robert clarified that NASA’s investment in SpaceX’s Starship program is minimal compared to SpaceX’s private funding, which includes $12 billion raised for Starlink and an expected $75 billion from an IPO. The discussion highlighted concerns about Starship’s timeline and feasibility, with participants noting that alternative approaches using existing technology like SLS and a modified lander could potentially be faster than Starship development, though still facing significant challenges. Robert discussed the challenges with NASA’s rocket development programs, highlighting that despite being 16 years since launch, they have only launched twice and suggesting that competition from multiple companies would be beneficial. Phil argued that NASA should handle advanced projects internally due to their track record of successful first-time launches, while Dallas clarified that NASA did not design the SLS but served as system integrator. David raised concerns about safety risks in human spaceflight programs, citing a former Artemis team engineer’s warnings about discontinuity in systems engineering when switching between commercial companies, which Marshall supported by noting that most bugs occur at interfaces between different components or companies. The group discussed software engineering interfaces and their impact on system safety, particularly comparing Apollo and Artemis programs. Marshall and Ajay explained that while multiple companies building different components can create interface challenges, proper system engineering and testing can mitigate these risks. Robert emphasized that Artemis’s current issues stem from lack of overall NASA-designed architecture and distributed ownership, suggesting NASA should consolidate components and hire companies to build major components with fewer interfaces. Doug cautioned against attributing 90% of problems to interfaces alone, noting that known issues in NASA’s culture contributed to previous shuttle program losses. The discussion focused on comparing NASA’s Apollo-style approach with SpaceX’s commercial approach for returning to the moon. Doug and Charles argued that the commercial approach using Starship offers better long-term sustainability and permanence on the moon compared to the Apollo-style urgency-driven approach using SLS and Orion. Philip countered that Starship is not necessarily the permanent solution and that a racal departure from rocket technology might be needed for true permanence. The conversation also highlighted that SpaceX’s Starship development represents a smaller portion of their overall investment compared to their other projects like Starlink, with Starship serving as a transportation system to support broader capabilities. The group discussed the evolution of chemical rockets and reusability, with Phil and Doug clarifying that full reusability is not a revolutionary change compared to the space shuttle. David challenged critics like Phil and AJ to support the current Artemis program rather than continuously criticize it, asking what constructive role they could play given the program’s commitment to Starship and Artemis missions. Ajay expressed support for the Artemis program overall but raised concerns about Starship’s size and propellant fraction requirements, suggesting it should be reduced to about one-third its current size for lunar missions. Phil shared insights from his recent presentation at Ascend, noting that NASA engineers lack access to critical technical details about Starship’s development, similar to the broader public’s understanding of the program. The group discussed concerns about NASA’s involvement and insight into SpaceX’s Starship program, with Philip expressing concerns that NASA’s team lacks sufficient information to properly assess Starship’s performance and safety. The discussion revealed that while NASA has embedded engineering teams with SpaceX and extensive visibility into various aspects of development, they don’t have complete control over architectural decisions. The conversation ended with John mentioning SpaceX’s improvements to the launch site and Raptor 3 engine, and Sherry praising the video footage of Starlink satellites in space. The group discussed SpaceX’s achievements and role in the space industry, with participants praising their rideshare and Starlink initiatives while expressing concerns about relying too heavily on Starship for the Artemis program. Phil suggested reassessing NASA’s lunar landing strategy by considering alternative solutions like using Falcon Heavy or smaller landers from companies like Dynetics or Blue Origin. The conversation ended with Robert promoting an upcoming Space Show discussion and David reflecting on Memorial Day, thanking veterans for their service and contributions to space exploration. Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment We use Zoom phone numbers for program participation. For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access. The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org. If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to: One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135 Upcoming Programs: Broadcast 4594: Zoom: Bob Zimmerman (Special 6 PM PDT start time) | Tuesday 26 May 2026 600PM PT Guests: Robert Zimmerman Zoom: (6 PM PDT Start Time) Bob Zimmerman is back

    2 hr
  3. The Space Show Presents Virtual Moon With Manny Pimenta, Philippe van Nedervelde

    6D AGO

    The Space Show Presents Virtual Moon With Manny Pimenta, Philippe van Nedervelde

    The Space Show Presents Virtual Moon With Manny Pimenta & Philippe van Nedervelde Quick Summary: This was a Space Show program featuring Manny Pimenta and Philip van Nedervelde presenting their Virtual Moon project, which aims to create a digital twin of the lunar surface for immersive virtual reality experiences. Manny explained that Virtual Moon began as Lunar Explorer over 20 years ago but was ahead of its time when consumer VR hardware wasn’t available. The current project uses NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data as its foundation and includes a working Apollo 11 landing simulation that can be experienced on VR headsets like Quest 2 and 3. Philip detailed their technical approach, which involves using AI and generative adversarial networks to upscale the LRO data to higher resolution and create photorealistic lunar terrain. The team demonstrated live reactions from users experiencing the VR simulation and discussed their plans for “One Giant Leap,” a new product release featuring multiple Apollo 11 mission vignettes including Armstrong’s first steps on the moon and the lunar module’s ascent. They also revealed their concept for “Selene City,” a large-scale lunar habitat designed to accommodate 5,000 people by 2045, which would serve as both an engineering simulation and potential resort destination. The discussion covered technical challenges including real-time rendering requirements and how they plan to address issues like unlit craters and lava tubes through lighting systems and future data upgrades. Detailed :Summary The meeting focused on demonstrating Virtual Moon, a virtual reality project that creates immersive lunar experiences. Manny introduced the project’s history, explaining that it evolved from Lunar Explorer, which was created over 20 years ago when consumer VR hardware wasn’t available. Philippe detailed the technical approach, describing how they use NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data as a foundation and plan to enhance it using AI and generative adversarial networks to achieve higher resolution and accuracy comparable to Apollo mission photographs. The team encountered technical difficulties with screen sharing during the demonstration, preventing them from showing the actual VR content to the audience. Manny explained that Virtual Moon offers users the opportunity to own a piece of virtual lunar property, starting with 100 square meters free, with additional property available for purchase. He announced the upcoming release of the “One Giant Leap” Apollo 11 VR experience, priced at $15, with a $10 pre-order that includes 2,000 square meters of Virtual Moon property as a special promotion. Philippe clarified that the experience will be web-delivered and compatible with various VR headsets including Quest models and Pico headsets, with plans for a multi-user metaverse version of Virtual Moon. Philippe explained how the virtual moon mapping system will handle dark craters by using virtual headlights to illuminate elevation data, and mentioned that the system will be updatable with higher resolution data from other space agencies. He described a planned collaboration with a company developing an unmanned mission to explore lava tubes at Lacus Mortis, where robots equipped with lidar would provide real-time 3D scans that would be integrated into the virtual moon system. The team also discussed their existing Apollo 11 VR landing experience, which recreates the actual landing trajectory and maneuvers using historical telemetry data, and Dr. Kothari expressed interest in potentially using similar virtual mission simulations for his own lunar landing system designs. Manny and Philippe discussed plans for Virtual Moon, which will include a complete recreation of all moon missions with photorealistic 3D animations, serving both space enthusiasts and the professional space industry for mission planning and troubleshooting. They outlined future features including games like lunar racing and treasure hunts, as well as potential revenue streams from Hollywood studios using virtual lunar terrain for movie sets. The team is working on a new automated website version and has already received interest from potential investors including Dr. Kothari, with plans to expand to other celestial bodies like Mars in the future. The team demonstrated virtual reality experiences of the moon using Quest headsets, including a simulation of the Apollo 11 landing and a construction site on Malapert Mountain. Manny explained the concept of Saline, a planned large-scale lunar city designed to accommodate 5,000 people by 2045, which will serve as both a resort destination and an engineering simulation to prove the feasibility of building such a city. Dr. suggested connecting this plan with NASA’s lunar base development timeline, particularly with Carlos Galan Garcia’s work on lunar base phases, and Manny agreed to reach out to him for collaboration. Manny discussed the Virtual Moon project and announced the upcoming “One Giant Leap” release, which will build on the existing Apollo 11 VR landing experience with improved visual quality and additional content including a vignette of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon, a mini-game for landing the lunar module, and interactive laser experiments. Philippe provided details about the new features, explaining that users can experience the Apollo 11 landing, see the first steps on the moon through different viewpoints, attempt to land the Eagle, watch the historic rocket launch, and explore Tranquility Base as it would appear today. John Jossy suggested connecting with GRU space, a startup working on lunar hotels, as a potential collaboration opportunity. Philippe explained the technical aspects of simulating laser beams and real-time rendering in their Virtual Moon project, clarifying that they use pre-computed graphics played back as loops rather than performing physics calculations in real time. Manny discussed their Virtual Moon Ambassador program and plans for permanent exhibits in science museums, while also announcing upcoming newsletter updates and promotional opportunities including property ownership and VR headset pre-orders. The team addressed questions about language support, with Philippe confirming plans to implement support for 125 or more languages using AI, and discussed potential collaboration opportunities with Dr. Kothari and Philip Swan regarding mass driver concepts and Falcon Heavy simulations. Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment No program for Sunday, May 10, 2026 PT Due to Mothers Day. Guests: Dr. David Livingston Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time) For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access. The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org. If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to: One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135 Upcoming Programs: Wednesday, May 20: Hotel Mars with Anatoly Zak on Russian Space News Updates. See archives for program play. Friday and Sunday there will be no program for non-space biz affairs and Memorial Day Holiday weekend. Programming resumes Tuesday, May 26 with Bob Zimmerman. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 30m
  4. The Space Show Presents The NSS ISDC 2026 with Aggie Kobrin, Rod Pyle & Dr. Pascal Lee

    MAY 14

    The Space Show Presents The NSS ISDC 2026 with Aggie Kobrin, Rod Pyle & Dr. Pascal Lee

    The Space Show Presents ISDC 2026 with Rod Pyle, Aggie Kobrin & Dr. Pascal Lee, Tuesday, 5-12-26 Quick Summary: The Space Show hosted a discussion about the upcoming ISDC (International Space Development Conference) in McLean, Virginia, featuring Aggie Kobrin, Rod Pyle, Pascal Lee, Sherry Bell, and select members of The Space Show Wisdom Team. The participants discussed the conference’s location, schedule, key speakers including Apollo astronaut Jack Schmidt, and various tracks covering topics from AI in Space to Mars exploration. Pascal explained the current technical readiness levels for Mars missions, noting that while conceptually feasible, reliable systems for a round-trip mission remain challenging. The group also discussed the conference’s networking opportunities, student participation, and various awards to be presented, including the new NSS Apollo Legacy Award to Jack Schmidt. The conversation concluded with reflections on the evolution of space technology and the conference’s role in bringing together diverse perspectives in the space community. Detailed Summary: Our program focused on discussing the upcoming ISDC (International Space Development Conference) in McLean, Virginia. Aggie Kobrin provided details about the event, noting that approximately 400 students are registered to attend from various countries, with about 50% coming from Romania and 50% from India. The conference will feature keynote speakers, astronauts, and NASA representatives, along with multiple tracks and sessions over four days. The meeting discussed the upcoming space conference scheduled for June 4-7, featuring over 100 speakers including astronauts, NASA officials, and space industry leaders. Key speakers mentioned include Jack Schmidt from Apollo 17, Jerry Griffin, Michael Lopez Allegria, and science fiction author David Brin, who will receive the Clark Award. The conference will include plenary sessions, panel discussions, student tracks, networking events, and a Saturday night party with auction and DJ, though political representatives have not yet confirmed their attendance. The group discussed various tracks and speakers. They confirmed that Jarod Isaacman, who was previously invited, will not be attending due to a trip to Europe. Phil explained the focus of the interplanetary infrastructure track, which explores making space travel between planets more routine and cost-effective. Aggie described the “Launch Pads and Many Roads to Space” track as a way to accommodate student presentations that don’t fit into other tracks. The group also mentioned several competitions, including a student competition and the Rothblatt competition, where audience members vote on finalists. Philip confirmed that the interplanetary track is full, with the abstract submission deadline having passed on April 15th. Pascal joined the meeting to discuss his role as co-chair of the ISDC conference with Rod, highlighting new tracks including Interstellar, Mars, and AI in Space. Pascal announced that Jack Schmidt, an Apollo astronaut, would be honored with the new NSS Apollo Legacy Award at the conference, particularly in recognition of the upcoming Artemis II mission. The Mars track was noted to have a record number of contributions and speakers, with plans to discuss practical steps toward human Mars missions, including considerations around Starship and NASA’s current situation. The team discussed the current status of the conference program, noting that while most tracks are full, there is limited space available in “many roads to space” for additional presentations. They reported receiving about 300 abstract submissions this year, with around half being accepted. Pascal announced that the option to submit citable papers following presentations will be extended to all tracks this year, allowing papers between 2-20 pages. The group also confirmed details about meal speakers throughout the conference, including Arty Olimani, Jim Green, Jeffrey Manber, and others, and discussed that while some sessions may be taped for marketing purposes, the conference generally requires in-person attendance. The group discussed strategies for engaging younger audiences in space settlement topics, highlighting challenges in getting people below 35 to read comprehensive books like “High Frontier.” Rod shared that NSS published a Space Settlement Workshop book covering key steps in space development, while Pascal mentioned his student’s work on transitioning from the ISS to a station with artificial gravity. Aggie noted the success of engaging younger students at space events, mentioning hundreds of enthusiastic students from junior high to graduate level participating in poster sessions and other activities. The discussion focused on details about an upcoming space conference, including its location at the Hilton Hotel in McLean, Virginia, which is accessible via subway from both Dulles and Reagan airports. Aggie explained that while hotel rooms are still available, early bird pricing has ended, with current rates around $189-200 per night. The conference typically attracts around 400 student attendees among its thousand participants, and Rod shared inspiring stories from previous events about how space programs positively impacted young people’s lives. The conversation concluded with David asking about accessibility for newcomers to space topics, though the response was cut off at the end of the transcript. The group discussed the accessibility and appeal of the ISDC conference, emphasizing that while it caters to space enthusiasts and specialists, it is designed to be inclusive for a broader audience, including those new to space topics. They highlighted the evolution of space technology and ideas over the years, noting how once-futuristic concepts have become reality. The conversation also covered various awards to be presented at the conference, including the Arthur C. Clarke Award for David Brin, Space Pioneer Awards, and a Distinguished Service Merit Award for Fred Becker. Pascal expressed his enthusiasm for ISDC as a unique gathering of diverse space community members, highlighting its accessibility and networking opportunities. Pascal discussed the current challenges and requirements for a human mission to Mars, explaining that while the concept is feasible on paper, reliable systems for a round-trip lasting up to 900 days are still needed. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the moon first and highlighted the role of robotics and AI in future Mars missions. Pascal also addressed concerns about planetary protection, suggesting that crew members returning from Mars should be quarantined as a precautionary measure. The discussion highlighted the complexity and challenges of space exploration, particularly regarding Mars missions, and the value of networking and conversations at events like ISDC. The upcoming ISDC 2027 conference in Los Angeles was mentioned, then we continued going over ISDC format, tracks, and unique features. Phil highlighted the value of meal tickets and networking opportunities at the conference, while Marshall suggested the possibility of a dedicated robotics track in the future. The conversation also touched on the potential for discussing non-human biologicals at the conference, though Rod noted that any related information would likely remain classified. Aggie and Rod provided information about the conference website and registration options, and the group briefly discussed the evolving use of business cards in professional settings. Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time) For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access. The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org. If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to: One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135 Upcoming Programs: oadcast 4540: Zoom: Dr. Ryan Dowdy | Friday 15 May 2026 930AM PT Guests: Dr. Ryan Dowdy Zoom: ISDC, Artemis II food, astronaut nutrition and more Broadcast 4521: Manny Pimenta, Phillippe van Nedervelde | Sunday 17 May 2026 1200PM PT Guests: Manny Pimenta, Phillipe van Nedervelde Zoom: Our guests present “Virtual Moon” to us Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 20m
  5. The Space Show Present Gary Barnhard on space data centers

    MAY 10

    The Space Show Present Gary Barnhard on space data centers

    The Space Show Presents Gary Barnhard, Friday, May 8, 2026 Quick Summary: The Space Show discussed space data centers with Gary Barnard, who explained the engineering challenges and potential solutions for placing data centers in space. Gary emphasized the importance of treating space data centers as combined heat and power problems rather than just power generation issues and highlighted how SpaceX’s Starlink constellation already represents an existence proof of space-based computing. Kevin Berry and Dr. Suzanne Sincavage also joined to discuss their work on space infrastructure and biological data storage in space, with Kevin presenting on space solar power at the upcoming NSS ISDC conference. The discussion included technical details about thermal management, launch costs, and the potential for Starship to revolutionize space transportation economics, though some participants expressed skepticism about certain engineering claims made during the conversation. Detailed Summary: David Livingston introduced the topic of space data systems and welcomed Gary Barnard, president of Extraordinary Innovative Space Partnerships, to discuss the subject. Gary discussed the evolution of space solar power from niche applications to potential space infrastructure that could serve a range of customers. He emphasized the importance of balancing enthusiasm with practical considerations, particularly regarding the fundamental laws of thermodynamics. Gary highlighted that systems engineering across disciplines is crucial for understanding the problem space and potential solutions, rather than focusing solely on technical details. Gary discussed the challenges of powering a data center in space, explaining that while space solar power systems are possible, they require massive radiators and don’t scale easily. He emphasized that viewing the problem as a combined heat and power issue, rather than just power generation and waste heat disposal, could make it more feasible by utilizing waste heat for other purposes like data center cooling and habitation. When asked about trusted sources for information on space-based solar power, Gary expressed skepticism about NASA’s report, noting that it was rewritten to reach a predetermined conclusion that space solar power wouldn’t be viable. Gary discussed the concept of “frog kissing” in relation to evaluating promising but potentially untractable ideas, using data centers in space as an example. He shared his analysis of thermal balance models and radiation environments, noting that recent experiments on the ISS showed radiation effects were less severe than initially anticipated. When asked about SpaceX’s claims regarding AI data centers in space, Gary expressed trust in SpaceX’s engineering capabilities, particularly in areas he understands well, while acknowledging his expertise spans multiple disciplines beyond just thermal systems. Gary discussed SpaceX’s evolution in satellite technology, particularly with Starlink, highlighting their progress from providing basic service to competing in the quality market. John Jossy proposed conducting a systems engineering analysis of Starlink’s design and scaling it to space data centers, which Gary expressed interest in. John shared findings from Mach 33’s analysis on scaling from 20 to 100 kilowatts, concluding that radiative cooling is not a physics blocker for this transition. Gary emphasized the importance of optimizing thermal mass and heat management in space data centers to make them practicable. Gary discussed the challenges and economics of power generation in space, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and resilience of different systems like photovoltaic and solar dynamic technologies. He emphasized the complexity of implementing new technologies in space missions and the potential for a paradigm shift as launch costs decrease, allowing for better optimization of functionality over size, weight, and power constraints. Bill mentioned SpaceX’s IPO insights on orbital data centers, noting their dependency on Starship for economic viability. Gary further discussed the economic challenges of orbital data centers, suggesting that improvements in space transportation, particularly with Starship, could make them viable within three orders of magnitude. He emphasized the need for prototyping and testing early systems, highlighting the complexity of simulating space environments. Gary also addressed terrestrial data center limitations, noting that current ground-based systems face supply chain constraints and environmental challenges, which could drive demand for space-based alternatives. The discussion touched on the need for advanced modeling to address the dynamic nature of power and data transmission in space-based systems. Our guest discussed the technical feasibility and challenges of space data centers, noting that while SpaceX’s Starship could significantly reduce launch costs to low Earth orbit, building scalable power systems and managing operations would require new frameworks for human-robot collaboration. He mentioned his ongoing research since the 1980s on n-dimensional interaction problems and indicated that his latest work, including a presentation at IAC 2025 in Sydney, would be made available online through the XISP Inc. website and the space show. Kevin Berry discussed the feasibility and economics of space data centers, highlighting SpaceX’s Starlink constellation as an existing proof of concept with 300 megawatts of collection in orbit and 10,000 satellites. He explained that early 2030s data center construction in space could become more cost-effective than ground-based construction due to expected decreases in space hardware and launch costs. Kevin noted that while SpaceX currently has a significant cost advantage over competitors like Blue Origin, the space data center market remains in early exploration stages with potential for significant growth as costs continue to decline. Dr. Suzanne Sincavage introduced her work on building a secure biological data repository, particularly focusing on DNA collection from Earth species for future astrobiology research and space-based biological studies. Kevin and Gary discussed space solar power systems, with Kevin explaining how Starship technology represents a paradigm shift from austerity-minded space design to industrial-scale manufacturing approaches. The group also discussed combined heat and power systems for space applications, though Phil very strongly expressed skepticism about some of the proposed engineering approaches being suggested by Gary. David announced he would miss the upcoming ISDC conference due to it coinciding with his 80th birthday, and the team discussed potentially featuring both Kevin and Suzanne on separate Space Show episodes about their respective ISDC presentations. While not part of this summary, The Space Show Wisdom Team continued discussing the subject off air with Phil strongly advocating against some the engineering proposals suggested by Gary regarding getting rid of the heat generated by an in-space data center. Perhaps on our next OL program if Phil joins that discussion, I can ask him to elaborate on his position regarding the engineering ideas presented during this discussion. Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time) For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access. The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org. If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to: One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135 Upcoming Programs: No program for Sunday, May 10, 2026 PT Due to Mothers Day. Guests: Dr. David Livingston Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 28m
  6. Hotel Mars with Phil Swan and Joe Pistritto on Artemis II and the rest of the Artemis program.

    MAY 2

    Hotel Mars with Phil Swan and Joe Pistritto on Artemis II and the rest of the Artemis program.

    Hotel Mars for Wednesday, April 15, 2026 John and I welcomed Phil Swan and Joe Pistritto to discuss the Artemis II launch, all of the remaining Artemis program launches and needed tech to reach goals on time. We talked about SLS, the landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, time lines, human spaceflight safety, Orion, the heat shield issues and more. Joe talked about lunar mass drivers and potential lunar data centers down the road. This was a very informative and hard hitting Hotel Mars Artemis and related discussion. By the way, our two guests offered up interesting comparisons with Apollo and Artemis. Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time) For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access. The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org. If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to: One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135 Upcoming Programs: Broadcast 4534, Sunday, May 3, 2026. OPEN LINES DISCUSSION. To listen and participate via Zoom phone numbers, emails us prior to the program start time for the info. Space Show weekly schedule pending. See Upcoming Show Menu on the right side of our home page, www.thespaceshow.com. The weekly newsletter will be posted on Substack when completed. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  7. The Space Show Presents and Welcomes Author & Space Engineer JAMES VAN LAAK

    APR 30

    The Space Show Presents and Welcomes Author & Space Engineer JAMES VAN LAAK

    The Space Show Presents Author & James Van Laak re his book “To See Far - Conflict and Cooperation on the Space Frontier” from Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Quick Summary: This was a West Coast Space Show program hosted by David Livingston featuring author Jim Van Laak, who discussed his book “To See Far: Conflict and Cooperation on the Space Frontier.” Jim shared his experiences working on the International Space Station partnership with Russia during the 1990s, emphasizing the challenges of overcoming Cold War tensions and establishing cooperation between former adversaries. The discussion covered NASA’s current challenges, particularly regarding the Artemis program and SpaceX’s Starship development, with Jim expressing concerns about NASA’s lack of complete systems understanding due to the commercial service contract approach. The conversation also touched on broader societal issues, with Jim presenting a proposal about addressing global challenges through systems thinking and suggesting humanity may face significant challenges within 50 years. Detailed Summary Our Space Show team discussed James’s current role as a senior engineering consultant on the Artemis program, where he expressed concerns about schedule pressure and safety risks. We went on to the introductions where James discussed his book about conflict and cooperation on the space frontier, particularly focusing on his work with the former USSR on the ISS program. James shared his background as a Vietnam War veteran and pilot who later became one of the original seven leaders of the International Space Station (ISS) program in 1993. He discussed the challenges and tensions involved in establishing the cooperative program with Russia, highlighting how the partnership evolved from a survival instinct into genuine respect. When asked about the upcoming de-orbiting of the ISS, James acknowledged the sadness of its retirement but explained that the orbital debris risks make it impractical to keep it operational or reposition it as a museum. David expressed concerns about commercial space stations not matching the safety and redundancy of the ISS. Jim discussed his extensive background in aviation and emphasized the importance of humility in leading the space business, noting that many entrepreneurs lack this characteristic. He shared insights from the Soviet Union era, highlighting the challenges of working with difficult partners and the necessity of cooperation for the success of the space station program. He explained that the partnership with Russia was learned through practical experience rather than formal guidance, and he noted that technical collaboration required learning on the job without diplomatic involvement. Our guest shared his experience working on the Space Station program, particularly highlighting a meaningful meeting with a Russian chief engineer in 1993 where treating the colleague with respect led to a productive collaboration. He explained that while early interactions with Russian colleagues presented challenges, the program eventually developed a collaborative culture that has become normalized across both organizations. Marshall commented on the common challenge in software engineering of developing good solutions but facing difficulty in getting them accepted by others, which James acknowledged as a familiar issue in the space program. Jim talked about his experience working on the Space Station Freedom project, where he identified significant reliability issues with the attitude control system. He found that the probability of the system functioning across a 15-month period was only 35%, with a 65% probability of failure. This concern gained attention during the 1993 redesign when Bill Shepard became the transition program manager, leading to James being brought onto the ISS team to address these issues. James also shared his background in aviation, including a personal experience with an aircraft fire at age 19, which motivated him to understand the causes of machinery failure and human decision-making errors. His experience with NASA over nearly 40 years focused on sharing insights from his book “My Wife’s Creation” about the importance of space exploration. He expressed disappointment with NASA’s current Artemis program, particularly criticizing the lack of historical knowledge and the decision to have humans first experience the Starship during the moon landing mission without proper flight testing protocols. James noted that while some NASA personnel excel at seeing far and considering the larger picture, others tend to be one-trick ponies focused on specific solutions without broader perspective. James discussed the challenges in NASA’s decision-making process, arguing that poor leadership over the past 15 years has led to suboptimal solutions due to a lack of global perspective and systems understanding. He highlighted the issue of handling flammability in the cabin atmosphere as an example of how experts in different fields struggle to coordinate their efforts effectively. James emphasized the need for a systems engineer who can understand the interconnections between technical and human dimensions, rather than having experts who focus only on their specific areas of expertise. The group discussed leadership and management styles, particularly focusing on Elon Musk’s role at SpaceX and James’s experience leading a team of several thousand people during the space station era. James shared insights about his role as a coach and team captain, emphasizing how technical decisions were made collaboratively but ultimately required his final authority. The conversation concluded with David highlighting current external constraints on NASA, including congressional oversight and proposed budget cuts to the science budget, which he noted work against the vision of space exploration for all. Our guest talked about how NASA could better manage constraints and Congress’s role in space programs. He explained that effective NASA leadership is crucial in articulating technical requirements to Congress, who ultimately relies on NASA experts for guidance. The conversation then shifted to analyzing Starship’s compliance with the rocket equation, where James argued that using Starship for lunar missions would involve unnecessary complexity and risk due to its mass ratio requirements. John added that using Starship as a lunar lander may have been more of a political decision than a technical one, and James concluded by highlighting the importance of reliability in spacecraft design, referencing Apollo’s simple ascent engine as an example of effective engineering. James expressed concerns about NASA’s limited understanding of SpaceX’s Starship system due to proprietary information restrictions in the commercial service agreement. He highlighted that NASA’s current level of access and technical mastery is significantly lower compared to previous generations of vehicles, raising questions about the reliability and performance claims. James emphasized that while he supports SpaceX’s efforts, the decision to rely on commercial contractors represents an untested approach in this domain, making the outcome uncertain. The group discussed space technology and engineering approaches, with James sharing his perspective on traditional systems engineering versus newer approaches like SpaceX’s Starship. James agreed to write a review for the Evidence Ledger regarding Starship claims. The conversation shifted to broader societal questions about space exploration’s purpose and value, with James expressing doubt about human society surviving 50 years due to current trends in technology and behavior. The conversation ended with plans for an upcoming radio appearance where Philip and Joe would be guests discussing Artemis and lessons learned. Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time) For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access. The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org. If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to: One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135 Upcoming Programs: Broadcast 4534, Sunday, May 3, 2026 with JIM KERAVALA of OFFWORLD and their new project as recently announced at the Space Symposium. 12 PM PDT Via Zoom. For those wanting to participate via Zoom telephone, email me before airtime for the Zoom phone numbers. Space Show weekly schedule pending. See Upcoming Show Menu on the right side of our home page, www.thespaceshow.com. The weekly newsletter will be posted on Substack when completed. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 33m
  8. An Open Lines Space Show Discussion

    APR 23

    An Open Lines Space Show Discussion

    Open Lines for The Space Show for Sunday, 4-12-26 4529 Quick summary: The meeting was an open lines discussion on the West Coast Sunday Noon Space Show, focusing primarily on NASA’s Artemis II mission and its implications. Participants discussed the mission’s success, media coverage, technical challenges, and future lunar exploration plans. The group examined concerns about the heat shield, SLS rocket development, and commercial lander programs. They also discussed SpaceX’s upcoming IPO, potential space data centers, and nuclear propulsion for space travel. The conversation touched on China’s lunar ambitions and the geopolitical implications of Artemis II. Participants debated various space exploration priorities, including Mars missions and artificial gravity, while sharing perspectives on technology development and future space infrastructure. Summary: The Space Show Wisdom Team discussed Eric Berger’s article about NASA’s challenges in returning to the moon, including issues with the Space Launch System, mobile launch tower damage, and the need for a new heat shield. They examined a photo showing what appeared to be a chunk missing from the heat shield during re-entry. The conversation also touched on the timeline for the next Orion capsule delivery in 2027 and the development of commercial landers, with some participants expressing skepticism about meeting these timelines. The group noted the significant improvement in camera technology since the Apollo missions, allowing for much higher resolution images of the moon. A few in the group mentioned concerns about a potential chunk missing from the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield during re-entry, with mixed opinions on whether the issue actually existed based on available images. They debated NASA’s timeline for implementing a new heat shield design by 2028, with David expressing skepticism about meeting this deadline given the extensive work required and limited time. The conversation concluded with a discussion about maintaining public interest in space exploration, particularly regarding the Artemis program and the 2028 moon mission timeline. Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment No Program for Friday, April 24, 2026 | Friday 24 Apr 2026 930AM PT Guests: Dr. David Livingston No Program today No program for Sunday, April 26, 2026 | Sunday 26 Apr 2026 1200PM PT Guests: Dr. David Livingston No program today The program resumes its regular schedule on Friday, May 1, 2026. Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time) For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access. The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use: To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org. If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to: One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135 Upcoming Programs: Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 60m
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4.2
out of 5
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The Space Show® focuses on timely and important issues influencing the development of outer-space commerce and space tourism, as well as other related subjects of interest to us all. doctorspace.substack.com

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