The Space Show by Dr. David Livingston

Hosted by Dr. David M. Livingston

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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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November 10, 20261 hr 27 min

The Space Show Presents John Hunt With His Review of the new Jay Stratton “Out Of The Shadows” on Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026.

The Space Show Presents John Hunt, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, #4605 Quick Summary: Our program focused on a review of the book “Out of the Shadows” by Jay Stratton, which discusses non-human intelligent life and government UAP programs. John shared a presentation detailing Stratton’s career in the Army, Air Force Reserve, ONI, and DIA, and how he became involved in UAP research through the Skinwalker Ranch and the Legacy Program. The discussion covered claims of a secret program involving the CIA, DOE, and contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, which allegedly possesses recovered UAP craft and non-human remains. John and David debated the credibility of these claims, the role of government censorship, and the possibility of disinformation campaigns. They also discussed the “hitchhiker effect” associated with Skinwalker Ranch and the challenges of reverse-engineering advanced technology. The conversation touched on the potential for future disclosure and the difficulty of verifying such claims without tangible evidence. Detailed Summary: John and David discussed their upcoming presentation about a book on UAP, with John having thoroughly reviewed the material and prepared a structured talk. They debated the book’s credibility and potential government censorship, with David expressing skepticism about the government’s ability to keep secrets while John found the content convincing based on his existing knowledge. The three participants noted low attendance for their program and discussed plans to share the content on YouTube to reach a wider audience. The program transitioned into a space show program where David welcomed John as their physics and UAP advisor, and announced upcoming guests including Anatoly Zak and Doctor Phil Metzger. John presented information about Jay Stratton’s background and his book “Out of the Shadows,” detailing Stratton’s career progression through various intelligence roles in the US Army, Air Force, and Navy. John explained how Stratton became involved in UAP investigations, including the Stephenville incident and the Nimitz case, and described the origins of the program at Skinwalker Ranch funded by a $22 million government appropriation. The discussion covered how Stratton learned about the Legacy Project UAP program, which was controlled by the CIA Director of Science and Technology and funded by classified Air Force contracts, though a potential transfer of UAP debris to the program was blocked by Glenn Gaffney. John discussed the history and development of a classified aircraft program involving multiple contractors including TRW Corporation, which was later acquired by Northrop Grumman in 2002. He explained how the program faced funding challenges and opposition from the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, with some suggesting the program was blocked due to claims it was “demonic.” The discussion covered key figures involved in the program, including Stanton and Wiskowski, and concluded with the creation of a UAP task force following congressional testimony, though the effort ultimately ended due to lack of appropriations. John discussed a person’s experiences with UAPs and non-human intelligence, including alleged encounters at Skinwalker Ranch and various anomalous phenomena. He explained that the individual described seeing triangular UAPs and experiencing the “hitchhiker effect,” where strange occurrences followed him home, including incidents involving his son and dog. When David asked about how the individual could speak publicly about classified information despite NDAs, John noted that the person was not officially cleared for the program and may have been considered an interloper, though the details about government censorship remain unclear. David and John discussed the secrecy surrounding a book about UAPs, noting that Trump had ordered some transparency but questioned the extent of it. John explained the “legacy chapter” in the book, which covers historical UAP research dating back to Harry Truman, including the Roswell incident. They also discussed Dr. Brandenburg’s background and his potential knowledge of classified information, though David expressed skepticism about some of his claims. The conversation touched on various contractors and programs involved in UAP research, including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. John discussed the bureaucratic battle within government regarding disclosure of information about potential extraterrestrial life, explaining that while some argue for more transparency due to compartmentalization, others believe the subject is too sensitive and potentially dangerous. Marshall suggested the possibility that the entire phenomenon could be part of military psychological operations to influence foreign adversaries, though John expressed skepticism about this likelihood given the consistent government denials over decades. The discussion concluded with both participants questioning whether reverse engineering programs could successfully comprehend and replicate advanced extraterrestrial technology, given the significant challenges in understanding and manufacturing modern technology even with current capabilities. Marshall and John discussed the challenges of understanding and replicating alleged advanced technologies, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in physics and skepticism about claims of successful replication. They debated the potential motivations behind government transparency, including political implications and the influence of intelligence agencies. David raised questions about international competition in understanding these technologies and the lack of public transparency, while the group acknowledged uncertainty about what other countries know and the psychological impacts on individuals involved in related investigations. John and Marshall discussed the implications of reports about extraterrestrial beings, including potential biological risks and the challenges of feeding these beings if they were alive. They questioned the methods used to retrieve and study these samples, expressing concerns about national security and the lack of scientific scrutiny in current reporting. Marshall suggested that the biological and navigational differences of extraterrestrial life could be vastly different from Earth life, and both agreed that more scientific inquiry into exobiology could be beneficial without compromising security. The group discussed John’s review of a book about UAPs and potential extraterrestrial encounters, with particular focus on a former intelligence official’s claims about recovered craft and alien beings. David proposed reaching out to HarperCollins to request an interview with the author for their space show, though he acknowledged low odds of success due to the author’s security clearance restrictions. The discussion concluded with the group agreeing to follow up on the HarperCollins inquiry and planning upcoming shows, including an interview with Dr. Phil Metzger about lunar landing pads. 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: No program for Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 | Tuesday 10 Nov 2026 700PM PT Guests: D… Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

November 4, 20261 hr 27 min

The Space Show Presents Teachers In Space with Elizabeth (Liz) Kennick and Noah Luogameno

The Space Show Presents Elizabeth Kennick & Teachers In Space, Friday, 30 Oct. 2026 Review action items Quick Summary: This program focused on the work of Teachers in Space, a nonprofit led by Elizabeth and Noah to work with K-12 teachers to design and fly CubeSat experiments and to promote STEM to their students. Elizabeth and Noah explained that the program provides teachers with training, equipment, and flight opportunities on platforms like high-altitude balloons, zero-g flights, and suborbital rockets such as Blue Origin’s New Shepard. They described how teachers use these experiences to engage students in STEM, often in Title I schools, by building 1U CubeSats and analyzing flight data. Noah detailed the use of affordable sensors and Arduino-based programming, noting that AI is used appropriately to help teachers integrate new sensors into their code. The group discussed the challenges of funding, the importance of workforce development, and the goal of sending teachers to space to inspire students. David and other participants also discussed the role of risk in space exploration, the use of simulations like Kerbel Space Program for education, and the need for accessible resources to explain complex aerospace concepts to non-engineers. Detailed Summary: Together with The Space Show Wisdom Team, Noah and Liz discussed how common AI tools have become in business settings, with Noah sharing examples of AIs being used for interviews and other business functions. We started with Liz giving us an update on her organization’s space education initiatives, including their 2U CubeSat experiments launched with Blue Origin on New Shepard, which have flown repeatedly since 2019 and included a flight with Lauren Sanchez in 2026. The team discussed space safety standards, with participants debating whether space flights should conform to aviation safety guidelines, and whether risk-taking is necessary in the early development of new space technologies. The conversation included introductions for today’s Wisdom Team: John Jossy, John Hunt, and Dr. Ajay Kothari who shared his connections to University of Maryland and discussed their perspectives on space safety and industry standards. Noah and Marshall briefly shared their respective farming experience and background. In addition, our introductions included Liz telling us about Noah Lugano, the program manager of Teachers in Space, and explained the organization’s mission to get K-12 teachers into space. She described how the program has evolved from a project of the Space Frontier Foundation in the 1990s to a 501C3 organization that received significant funding from Blue Origin in 2021, enabling them to launch classroom experiments on suborbital and orbital flights. The organization currently has 10 mission ambassadors selected based on their commitment to expanding the program and willingness to fundraise, with plans to send the first teachers to space next year. Noah explained his work training K-12 educators to build CubeSats, providing ongoing support throughout the school year as students work toward milestones including writing experimental proposals and building functional satellites. The CubeSats contain environmental sensors like temperature, pressure, accelerometer, gyroscope, and light sensors, all using open-source materials based on Arduino microcontrollers and Adafruit sensors costing around $120 per kit. Liz detailed the various methods they’ve used to send CubeSats to space, including stratospheric balloon missions since 2012, human-tended payloads on commercial resupply missions to ISS in 2014-2015, stratospheric glider flights since 2016, and flights on New Shepard and Firefly vehicles since 2019, with plans for additional flights next year. Our TIS guests discussed their educational program where students build CubeSats and conduct space experiments. Elizabeth explained how they received funding from ARDC to teach teachers about amateur radio, providing equipment and opportunities for students to communicate with satellites. Noah described how the program can inspire students who initially showed little interest in STEM, explaining that participating in the engineering design process and seeing real data can fundamentally change students’ perspectives on science and technology. Noah explained that the main challenge in engaging students in STEM is not lack of interest but lack of awareness about these career possibilities. He described how the CubeSat program introduces students to various skills through hands-on projects, including environmental sensors, sound level measurements, and radiation experiments. Both Liz and Noah provided examples of student hypotheses, including experiments about space capsule environments and radiation protection materials, with one notable student experiment leading to a PhD in chemical engineering. Liz discussed the evolution of their space education program since 2011, noting that while initial funding came from NASA, they later secured support from various foundations and corporations. She explained that schools don’t directly pay for the program, with funding coming from grants and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Elizabeth described how the program has adapted over time, moving from focusing on NASA enthusiasts to broader audiences interested in aviation and engineering, and noted that teachers’ technical skills have advanced significantly, with many now familiar with Arduino technology. The discussion focused on a space education program where teachers participate in zero-gravity flights to engage their students. Elizabeth explained how the program has evolved from balloon flights to zero-G research flights, with the first full team of five teachers flying in 2022-23. Noah emphasized the significant impact teachers have as “hometown heroes” after space flights, bringing back valuable experiences and inspiration to their classrooms. The program is currently accepting new teacher participants, with contracts typically being finalized in October for the fiscal year starting that month. Elizabeth and Noah discussed their approach to recruiting teachers for their STEM education programs, explaining that they target specific geographic areas and work with local education departments to reach teachers. They noted that administration leaders often drive teacher participation, and highlighted a positive trend of newer STEM teachers being hired to write curriculum. The discussion also covered their recent initiative to partner with colleges to teach pre-service teachers, marking a new direction for their program beyond K-12 education. Before ending, we addressed the appropriate use of artificial intelligence in education, particularly in STEM programs. Both our guests explained how they use AI to help students with programming and sensor integration for CubeSat projects, demonstrating how AI can reduce development time from two days to just a few minutes. The conversation also addressed the challenge of making complex space concepts accessible to middle and high school students, with participants discussing resources like Kerbal Space Program and suggesting that simpler explanations of rocket science could be developed for younger audiences. ________________________________________ Attendees: David Livingston, Dr. Sherry Bell, Philip Swan, Marshall Martin, Dr. Ajay Kothari, Elizabeth Kennick, John Hunt, Noah Luogameno, John Jossy. 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… Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

October 26, 20262 hr 12 min

The Space Show Presents A New Open Lines Discussion for Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.

The Space Show Presents An Open Lines Discussion, Sunday, 10-25-26 Quick Summary: The meeting began with a brief discussion about a recent release from the Department of War and an FBI report as presented by John Hunt re a triangular object, which David dismissed as lacking credible evidence in that these data dumps never include material for third party professional inspection and analysis. The conversation then shifted to SpaceX’s Starship and the number of refueling flights required for a lunar mission, with Ajay and Phil debating the physics and payload capacity assumptions. Bill shared NASA’s updated mission profiles for Artemis III and IV, comparing the Starship and Blue Origin Blue Moon lander approaches. David expressed skepticism about the 2028 timeline for a human lunar landing, citing technical and political risks. The group also discussed the potential for space-based weapons and recent Russian and Chinese satellite maneuvers. Additionally, David shared an update from Celestis regarding regulatory challenges for lunar burial missions due to opposition from Native American and other groups. The conversation ended with brief updates on Venus missions and a mention of a round table meeting with JD Vance attended to by Dr. Kothari and having nothing to do with space. Detailed Summary: John Hunt mentioned recent UFO sightings and government transparency about UAPs, with David expressing skepticism about unverified claims and emphasizing the need for independent third-party verification of any physical evidence. The conversation then shifted to space topics, including SpaceX’s Starship refueling requirements for lunar missions and Blue Origin’s lunar lander approach using multiple New Glenn rockets. David announced upcoming show topics including Venus missions, NASA’s nuclear space initiatives, and a potential interview regarding the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. He also addressed technical discussions about SpaceX’s numbers, urging participants to avoid getting too deep into engineering details that might lose non-engineer audience members. The group discussed reusable rocket technology, with Ajay sharing historical context about AFRL’s work on reusable boosters in the 2000s, including both boost-back and fly-back solutions. David and Ajay debated the timeline and significance of different companies’ reusable rocket achievements, with David noting that while Blue Origin was first to successfully land a reusable rocket, SpaceX has since dominated the market. The discussion concluded with concerns about SpaceX’s Starship development timeline and potential political risks facing the project, with David expressing doubt about meeting the 2028 target due to both technical challenges and potential regulatory delays. The group discussed concerns about SpaceX’s timeline claims and potential delays to NASA’s lunar program. Phil raised concerns about SpaceX’s track record of missing deadlines and questioned whether their claims were fraudulent, while some noted uncertainty about Elon Musk’s intentions and emphasized the need for penalties in contracts under real time constraints. Ajay highlighted the importance of achieving the 2028 moon mission timeline over pursuing criminal prosecution, and Bill mentioned recent NASA updates on the Artemis III and IV mission profiles that could inform future discussions about refueling requirements. David did not concur with the assumptions Phil was making regarding SpaceX and/or Musk intentions, suggesting Phil’s suggesting fraud were unfounded and biased. Bill presented details of two lunar landing systems: SpaceX’s Starship approach involving multiple propellant launches and in-orbit docking, and Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark II lander using three modified Mark 1 transfer stages. The group discussed that both systems are still in development, with SpaceX facing additional challenges around in-orbit refueling, while Blue Origin’s approach appears more purpose-built but uses hydrogen versus methanol. The demonstration of these systems is targeted for 2027, though there are concerns about potential delays and the significant development work remaining for both approaches. The group discussed the feasibility of lunar missions in 2028, with Ajay expressing more optimism about achieving this timeline with Blue Origin compared to SpaceX. The discussion centered on calculating the number of refueling missions required, with Ajay presenting calculations showing that 9 refueling flights would be needed if Starship’s payload capacity to LEO is around 100 tons, while Phil suggested the actual numbers might already be known but not publicly disclosed. The conversation also touched on technical challenges including boil-off issues and the mass requirements for the upper stage, with Marshall noting that refueling efficiency remains uncertain until actual testing occurs. The group discussed technical aspects of Starship’s capabilities and mass requirements for lunar missions. Dr. Ajay presented calculations showing that 777 tons of fuel would be required for a specific Starship-HLS mission configuration, with the number of refueling flights estimated between 9 and 26 depending on payload capacity assumptions. The discussion revealed ongoing uncertainty about key parameters, particularly the dry mass of the Starship upper stage, with estimates ranging from 70 to 200 tons, and participants debated whether SpaceX’s published mass-to-LEO figures of 23-75 tons should be used as conservative estimates rather than higher projections. The group discussed payload capacity estimates for SpaceX’s Starship, with Phil suggesting a conservative estimate of 23 tons while Ajay mentioned potential for up to 30 tons. They debated whether SpaceX and NASA’s numbers align, noting discrepancies between previous estimates of 16, 18, and 22 tons. The discussion concluded with concerns about meeting the 2028 moon mission timeline, with participants questioning whether Blue Origin’s system could be ready in time or if an alternative like Falcon Heavy would be necessary. The group discussed NASA and SpaceX’s estimates for returning to the moon, with John Hunt suggesting that NASA would likely consult with SpaceX experts before making public statements about parameters and timelines. David shared Bob Zimmerman’s concerns about ASAP’s track record and credibility, though questions remained about whether Zimmerman had published supporting evidence for his claims about ASAP being corrupt. The discussion concluded with David expressing skepticism about the 2028 timeline for moon missions due to complexity and potential delays, while Dallas clarified that Starship cannot go directly to the moon without refueling in orbit. John Jossy posted the Zimmerman article on The Space Show blog for this program. David expressed concerns about the feasibility of the 2028 moon mission timeline due to program vulnerabilities and potential political changes, suggesting 2029 might be more realistic. He emphasized the need to implement the program with the current administration to avoid delays from potential future political shifts. Bill countered that Artemis has strong bipartisan congressional support, though Ajay noted that past administration changes had led to program cancellations. The discussion concluded with an update about Celestis’s lunar burial mission, which is still on hold but planned due to various protests but is making progress in securing regulatory authority. David shared news about opposition to lunar burials and lunar commerce, noting that a variety of groups have joined regulatory discussions about authorizations for lunar activities. He plans to follow up with Celestis and others to learn more about the opposition and potentially invite representatives onto his space show to discuss their perspectives. The group discussed potential lunar launch opportunities, including rideshare options with companies like Intuitive Machines and Voyager Space, … Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

October 21, 20261 hr 32 min

The Space Show Presents Max Arshavsky and Sebastian Wieczorek from Zenno Astronautics Re Their Superconducting Magnetic Technology For Space Applications

The Space Show Presents Zenno Astronautics Max Arshavsky, Co-founder & CEO plus Sebastian Wieczorek, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, August 4, 2026 Quick Summary: The Tuesday Evening Space Show featured co-founders Max Arshavsky and Sebastian Wieczorek from Zenno Astronautics, a New Zealand company developing superconducting magnetic technology for space applications. Max explained their flagship product, the SuperTorquer, which uses powerful superconducting magnets cooled to 70 Kelvin to provide satellite stabilization and pointing control, currently operating on an Impulse Space satellite in low Earth orbit. Sebastian described their plans to re-domicile the company to the United States, with a new facility in Torrance, Los Angeles, and discussed their upcoming mission with Portal Space Systems featuring a 40 times more powerful magnet than their current deployment. The discussion covered applications including satellite stabilization, electromagnetic launch systems, radiation shielding, and potential uses in lunar infrastructure and cislunar transportation. The company has achieved Technology Readiness Level 9 and secured approximately $16 million in funding, with plans to pursue Series A funding in 2027. Detailed Summary: Marshall discussed positive economic indicators including low inventory levels across US companies and reduced Chinese oil consumption, which he believed would benefit stock markets. David introduced Sebastian who joined the call from New Zealand, revealing he has an engineering background and met his Co-founder while studying at the University of Auckland. Max, Sebastian’s Co-founder was expected to join the call soon. The program began with introductions for a live space show, featuring David as the host and guests including Marshall, John, and Max plus others that joined later. David introduced the evening’s topic, which would focus on Zenno Astronautics, a New Zealand company that achieved a major industry milestone by becoming the first to successfully operate a superconducting product in space with their Z01 Super Torquer onboard an Impulse Space Mirror satellite. Max explained Zenno’s technology, which focuses on creating powerful, compact, and controllable superconducting magnetic fields in space to convert solar energy into useful work. He described their first product, Super Torquer, which enables satellite stabilization by interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, replacing traditional reaction wheels and fuel systems. Max clarified that while the physics behind their technology is similar to torque rods, their engineering approach uses superconducting coils without a ferromagnetic core. Max and Sebastian discussed their development of superconducting magnetic dipoles, explaining that their technology can create orders of magnitude more powerful magnets in a compact format compared to previous systems. They described how superconducting wire eliminates resistance and heating issues that limit traditional electromagnets, though the magnets require extremely low operating temperatures below 70 Kelvin. Sebastian explained that while they initially hoped the space industry would fund development, they had to self-fund their first demonstration in 2023 and a commercial product in 2025, which has since been received well by the industry. The team reported that their current space demonstration is working better than expected, particularly the cooling system, and they have integrated an even more powerful magnet with Portal Space Systems for launch in October. Max and Sebastian discussed their development of a powerful magnetic actuator for space applications, which they described as the most powerful magnetic actuator ever flown to space. Sebastian explained that REBCO tape technology has significantly advanced their capabilities, with costs dropping from $200-300 per meter a decade ago to $10-50 per meter currently due to demand from the nuclear fusion industry. The team is exploring radiation shielding applications using magnetic fields, with their “Almighty” magnet containing radiation sensors to empirically measure protection capabilities. The discussion focused on applications of radiation shielding technology in space, particularly for Mars missions and data centers. Sebastian explained that their magnetic field technology could shield against harmful charged particles like electrons and protons, though stronger magnetic fields would be needed for deep space missions compared to Earth’s Van Allen belts. Max described potential applications for data centers in low orbit, noting that their SuperTorquer product could provide magnetic stabilization as an alternative to reaction wheels, which tend to fail after 10 years. The conversation also covered power requirements, with Sebastian explaining that their system requires approximately 40 watts of input power and scales relatively well for stronger magnetic fields, with most power consumption dedicated to cooling rather than increasing linearly with magnetic field strength. Max explained that their spacecraft stabilization product can control vehicles weighing up to 5 tons, with plans to double the strength to match Hubble Space Telescope’s capabilities. Max also discussed their electromagnetic launch work using superconducting coils to accelerate payloads in space, noting the advantages of superconducting technology for energy storage. When asked about deep space applications, Max clarified that their current stabilization product requires Earth’s magnetic field and hasn’t been developed for deep space missions, though other technologies like superconducting energy storage could work in such environments. Max discussed their company’s development of superconducting magnetic technology for space applications, primarily focusing on satellite stabilization in geostationary orbit. The technology uses a miniature cryo-cooler based on Stirling cycle engines to actively and passively manage temperatures, with Sebastian explaining that the system operates autonomously similar to a kitchen fridge. Max announced that the company is relocating from New Zealand to Torrance, Los Angeles, and is exploring applications in defense and space markets beyond their current commercial contracts with Mitsubishi Electric and a German federal agency. The discussion focused on Zenno’s superconducting technology for spacecraft stabilization, with Sebastian and Max explaining their applications in in-orbit manufacturing and commercial space stations. The company currently has about 10 engineers in New Zealand and plans to relocate to the US within six to eight weeks, with plans to hire American engineers while bringing one or two engineers from New Zealand. Max revealed they have raised $16 million USD in seed funding and are planning a Series A round in 2027, with their first product being deployed just six weeks prior to the meeting. The discussion addressed cislunar space infrastructure, particularly mass drivers and electromagnetic launch systems for transporting cargo between Earth and the Moon. Max and Sebastian from Zeno explained their company’s development of superconducting magnets for space applications, highlighting their upcoming launch of the world’s most powerful space magnet with a magnetic dipole moment of 4,000 meters squared. The conversation included technical details about how supercooling magnets enhances their strength to the equivalent of half a ton of force, and the group discussed practical applications like lunar mass drivers and orbital refueling systems. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

October 12, 20261 hr 25 min

The Space Show Presents Andrew Chanin on SpaceX IPO, UFO ETF and more.

The Space Show Presents Andrew Chanin, Friday, July 17, 2026 Quick Summary: This was a Friday Morning Space Show program where host David Livingston interviewed Andrew Chanin, Co-founder and CEO of ProcureAM, about their UFO ETF (space exchange-traded fund) and SpaceX’s recent IPO performance. Andrew explained that SpaceX was added to UFO at approximately 4.61% weighting after qualifying under new fast-track inclusion rules for pure-play mega cap space IPOs, though the stock has since declined below its IPO price due to market selloffs following the initial hype. The discussion covered how UFO’s index methodology defines space companies using revenue thresholds and the Karman line, with SpaceX currently classified as a pure-play space company despite potential future changes if it merged with Tesla. Andrew noted that while SpaceX’s performance has impacted the broader space industry, the company’s public status now allows more investors to gain exposure to space-related businesses, and he compared the current market environment to previous space investment cycles. Detailed Summary: Andrew discussed the recent addition of SpaceX to the UFO ETF, explaining that it was included at a 6% weighting due to its mega-cap space IPO status, with potential to increase to 15% at future rebalances. He noted that SpaceX’s stock price has declined from its IPO price, similar to other space industry stocks, and discussed how lockup periods and increasing share supply could impact the market. The conversation also covered UFO’s portfolio allocation across sectors and how SpaceX’s classification fits within the fund’s industry breakdowns. Andrew confirmed that UFO (SpaceX) is listed on NASDAQ and explained the fund’s rules regarding pure play versus diversified aerospace companies. He discussed how a potential merger between SpaceX and Tesla could affect the company’s qualifications for the fund, noting that if less than 50% of revenue came from space but more than $500 million annually came from space, it could still potentially qualify but at a lower weight. Andrew also addressed questions about SpaceX’s complex share release schedule and lockup periods for different types of investors, explaining that these restrictions are common to prevent insiders from selling large stakes quickly. Andrew also discussed the recent sell-off in the UFO ETF, drawing parallels to the post-SPAC boom bust cycle and suggesting that current market volatility presents an opportunity to evaluate space industry companies based on individual merits rather than broad market trends. He explained that while delays or failures could impact individual stocks, the passive ETF structure tracks the Vetti Space Index methodology and rebalances quarterly, allowing for natural adjustments in company weightings. Andrew noted that past examples like AST SpaceMobile demonstrated how companies could rapidly increase their fund weightings during quarters before being rebalanced back to index requirements. Dr. Kothari presented his company’s design for a ramjet powered by a molten salt reactor, asking if it would qualify as an aerospace application under a space index. Andrew explained that the index provider uses the Karman line as the definition for space, so technologies operating below this line would be considered aerospace rather than space companies. Andrew noted that while technology could potentially qualify for aerospace or defense funds, the index has specific rules requiring pure-play space companies with revenue derived from space-related activities. David and Andrew discussed the potential for data centers in space, particularly in light of emerging political platforms opposing data center construction. Andrew explained that while space data centers could address energy and water requirements, there are ongoing innovations in energy-efficient data center technologies that might make traditional solutions more viable. Dr. Kothari interjected about molten salt reactors that could eliminate water requirements for data centers. Andrew suggested that SpaceX, with its existing capabilities in space technology and solar power, could potentially leverage space-based solar energy to power their data centers on Earth. Our guest talked about the top 10 space companies in his index, including Sirius, Trimble, Garmin, Viasat, SpaceX, EchoStar, Planet Labs, AST SpaceMobile, Rocket Lab, and Iridium. He noted that Boeing, while not in the top 10, was the 16th largest holding at 2.77% weighting. Andrew explained how the space industry has evolved over seven years, with the fund expanding from 30 to over 60 publicly traded names globally, including companies from South Korea, Japan, Europe, Canada, and the US. When asked about Blue Origin, Andrew clarified that it remains a private company separate from Amazon and is not a holding in his fund, though Amazon has contracted with multiple launch providers including Blue Origin for its Project Kuiper satellite constellation. Andrew mentioned that Lockheed Martin currently holds 2.7% of the index, ranking as the 18th largest holding and sitting just below Boeing. He noted that while space is an important segment for Lockheed Martin, the company operates in a diversified business model with space revenue between 20-50% of total revenue. Andrew also discussed how the index considers global space companies from developed markets, not just the US, and mentioned a recent rule change allowing fast-track inclusion for pure-play space companies with market caps over $100 billion, referencing SpaceX’s IPO as an example. The discussion further focused on the impact of SpaceX’s IPO on the commercial space industry. Andrew argued that the IPO has been positive, as it allows more people to invest in and benefit from SpaceX’s success, including through pension funds and index trackers. He noted that SpaceX’s achievements have helped lower the cost of accessing space, enabling more companies and technologies to enter the market. Marshall raised a question about evaluating the value of classified military contracts in SpaceX’s financial reports, to which Andrew responded that they track indices that include such companies based on methodology rules. Our guest referred to the challenges of valuing investments in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in space exploration, noting the difficulty in assessing potential returns from classified projects and long-term initiatives like Mars terraforming. He highlighted the growing influence of retail investors, who are becoming more active and coordinated through shared information online, though they compete against professional traders in sophisticated financial markets. When asked about the accuracy of financial news, David inquired about Andrew’s perspective on the quality of financial reporting, but the transcript ended before Andrew could respond. Later in our program we discussed the importance of approaching financial news with skepticism and highlighted the volatility of markets, sharing a personal experience from the 2009 flash crash. He noted that retail traders now have more opportunities to express opinions through various leveraged products but emphasized the need for thorough due diligence. Andrew also shared his positive experiences with various media outlets, particularly mentioning Morgan Brennan at CNBC and Charles Payne, while expressing appreciation for the enthusiasm of space-focused journalists. The conversation concluded with a discussion about prediction markets and their regulation, followed by an exploration of succession planning at SpaceX, which remains a topic of interest despite limited public information. Our final discussion topic focused on Elon Musk’s role and potential succession plans at SpaceX. Andrew explained that while Musk holds significant sway as a large shareholder, specific succession plans are not publicly available, similar to other major companies like JPMorgan Chase. The conversation explored Musk’s a… Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

October 11, 20261 hr 27 min

The Space Show Presents Dr. Mark Shelhamer re His New Book On Humans To Mars, “Are We Ready To Go.”

The Space Show Presents Dr. Mark Shelhamer, Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, “Are We Ready” Quick Summary: This was a Space Show podcast discussion with Dr. Mark Shelhamer, author of “Are We Ready?” about the human challenges of Mars missions. Dr. Shelhamer, a biomedical engineer and former chief scientist of NASA’s Human Research Program, explained that current approaches to human spaceflight treat medical issues in isolated silos rather than addressing the complex interactions between physiological and psychological systems during long-duration spaceflight. He emphasized that Mars missions would face unprecedented challenges due to the three-year total mission duration, communication delays of up to 22 minutes one-way, and the inability to turn back once the spacecraft reaches a certain distance from Earth. The discussion covered various medical concerns including bone and muscle degradation, cardiovascular changes, psychological stress, and the limited capability to treat medical emergencies without immediate Earth support. Participants also discussed the potential for robotic surgery in space, the role of artificial intelligence for psychological support, and the importance of crew autonomy in making real-time medical decisions. Dr. Shelhamer noted that while NASA has developed risk-mitigation approaches for known problems, there is a need for more integrated research that considers how multiple systems interact during spaceflight, as well as better simulation environments that combine physiological and psychological stressors. Detailed Summary: The discussion focused on the human aspects of Mars exploration, with David expressing concern about why advocates like Musk don’t discuss human medical challenges and life support systems in detail. John Jossy suggested that Musk’s focus is primarily motivational and that technical aspects like transportation come first, with life support considerations addressed later. The conversation then transitioned to introducing Dr. Mark Shelhamer as the guest for the Space Show, with plans to discuss his new book “Are We Ready?” about human factors in Mars exploration. Mark discussed his new book about human space travel to Mars, highlighting the need to rethink how we approach human space missions due to the complex interactions between various subsystems affecting human health and performance in space. He emphasized that current research tends to address problems in isolation rather than considering how these systems interact holistically, arguing that this approach will not be sufficient for the extreme challenges of a Mars mission. Mark also noted that while medical issues in space have been surprisingly frequent despite decades of spaceflight, a better understanding of human health in stressful environments could benefit both space missions and Earth-based healthcare. David and Mark discussed preparation for human spaceflight missions, particularly to Mars. Mark explained that while there are measures for monitoring physiological responses to space conditions on Earth, there are no current standards for assessing an astronaut’s ability to adapt to multiple stressors simultaneously during a mission. He noted that NASA uses analog facilities like HERA and CHAPIA to simulate space conditions, but these facilities don’t integrate both physiological and psychological stressors. David raised concerns about medical treatment capabilities during long-duration missions where astronauts cannot return to Earth, and Mark responded that current Mars mission plans would take approximately six to nine months. Mark discussed the challenges of planning a Mars mission, highlighting the need for crew autonomy due to communication delays and limited medical supplies. He explained that current medical planning uses probabilistic risk assessments to prepare for potential health issues, but emphasized the difficulty of making decisions about resource allocation when faced with unexpected medical situations. Mark noted that space missions regularly encounter unexpected medical conditions, suggesting that new challenges may arise during a Mars mission that have not been anticipated. Mark discussed the challenges of psychological and mental health issues in space missions, noting a lack of comprehensive information on the research side and privacy constraints that limit data sharing between research and medical operations teams. He cited an example from astronaut Peggy Whitson’s experience where a crewmate struggled with severe homesickness during a mission, highlighting the potential psychological challenges of long-duration space travel. Bill agreed that the psychological burden might differ significantly between NASA’s first crewed Mars mission and Elon Musk’s proposed large-scale colonization efforts, suggesting that non-professional astronauts might face greater psychological challenges during the journey to Mars. Mark and Bill discussed the differences between professional government astronauts and private citizen commercial astronauts, with Mark acknowledging that while private astronauts like Jared Isaacman may be high-performing individuals, they lack the formal risk calculation experience of professional astronauts. Dr. Kothari raised a philosophical question about human adaptability, suggesting that NASA might be overestimating psychological and physiological challenges of long-duration spaceflight. Mark responded by acknowledging the possibility of being wrong about his concerns and explained how complex systems can produce unexpected emergent properties, using elevated CO2 levels in spacecraft as an example of how multiple secondary effects could create significant problems on a Mars mission. Mark and Ajay discussed the concept of resilience in complex systems, using commercial aviation as an example of how systems can maintain functionality despite unexpected circumstances. Ajay cited the Dubai flight as a recent example where quick thinking by crew members helped resolve an emergency situation. David pointed out that the success of such situations often depends on random factors, including the specific skills and backgrounds of the people involved, which presents challenges for Mars missions where crew selection and training would be critical. The group discussed resilience and randomness in emergency situations, using examples like the flight incident and Apollo 13 to illustrate how untrained actions can contribute to survival. Mark emphasized the importance of both risk mitigation and promoting positive aspects in complex systems. John Jossy raised questions about AI and psychological support during long-duration missions, particularly regarding potential dependencies and emotional attachments to AI systems. Mark acknowledged these concerns and noted that while conventional AI applications like monitoring are discussed in their book, the specific psychological aspects of AI dependency are not extensively covered. The group discussed the challenges of human spaceflight in microgravity environments, particularly focusing on muscle and bone degradation, spacesuit limitations during EVA activities, and the potential benefits of partial gravity on Mars (0.38G) and the Moon at its even lower gravity level. Mark explained that while partial gravity might help mitigate some physiological issues like fluid shifts in the head, this remains unknown because proper experiments would require a human centrifuge in space, which does not currently exist. David raised questions about whether NASA and the broader space community are making progress on understanding the “gravity prescription” for human spaceflight, and asked for Mark’s suggestions on thriving during Mars missions. Mark discussed the limitations of artificial gravity as a countermeasure for space travel, noting that while it addresses physiological challenges like bone and muscle issues, it does not address behavioral health and performance problems or deep space radiation effects. He explai… Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

October 11, 20261 hr 35 min

The Space Show Presents Dr. Rainer Zitelmann Discussing His New Book, “New Space Capitalism: The Entrepreneurial Path to the Stars”

The Space Show Presents Dr. Rainer Zitelmann & his new book, “New Space Capitalism: The Entrepreneurial Path to the Stars,” Sunday, 10-4-26: Meeting Summary: The Space Show featured Dr. Rainer Zitelmann discussing his book “New Space Capitalism” plus our guest talked about the importance of property rights for the future of space exploration and development. Dr. Zitelmann argued that private enterprise, not government-led efforts, is the key to progress in space, using historical examples like the American West and economic reforms in countries such as China, Vietnam, and India. He emphasized the necessity of legal frameworks allowing private ownership of celestial bodies to incentivize investment and development, comparing the potential process to historical land claims. The discussion also touched on the current political climate, with concerns about anti-capitalist trends and the need for a legal and economic framework to support space commercialization. Panelists and guests, including myself, John Jossy, Manuel, and Dr. Kothari engaged with Dr. Zitelmann on topics ranging from SpaceX’s market position to the role of billionaires in space development. The conversation highlighted the challenges posed by international treaties like the Outer Space Treaty and the differing views between U.S. and European legal experts on property rights in space. Detailed Summary: David and Dr. Zitelmann discussed property rights in space. I shared my 25-year history with the topic and my doctoral research on property rights in space. Rainer compared historical land settlement patterns in the United States, China, and Vietnam to potential future space development, arguing that settlement often precedes legal recognition. The conversation highlighted different approaches to space settlement, with David referencing Jim Benson’s controversial 1998 proposal to economically develop asteroids which faced significant opposition from NASA and astronomical scientists. Jim’s bottom line was to do and let others take the legal action to stop it. The group discussed concerns about the rise of anti-capitalist and Marxist movements in the United States, with Rainer noting his prescience in writing “The Power of Capitalism” eight years ago. David expressed worry about these trends affecting upcoming elections, while Rainer highlighted the lack of good political alternatives between Trump and far-left Democrats. The meeting included introductions of several space and aerospace experts, including John Jossy, Dr. Ajay Kothari, and Manuel Cuba, who were participating in this Space Show space-focused discussion. Rainer discussed his background in space exploration, explaining how his interest began as a teenager when he edited a newspaper about astronomy and space. He described his approach to studying economic systems by examining how adding more market elements led to success stories in countries like Poland and Vietnam, and applied the same analytical framework to the space industry’s transition from government-led to private enterprise-driven development. He attributed decades of stagnation in manned space flight not to technical limitations but to economic and incentive issues, suggesting that if private ownership of celestial bodies were possible, it could drive more progress similar to real estate investments. Rainer expressed concern about rising socialist and anti-capitalist trends in the West, citing recent political developments and lack of historical education about socialism’s failures. He explained that while China has a state-driven space program, it has also allowed 450 private space companies to develop, with these companies studying and potentially surpassing SpaceX’s approach. Rainer argued that the United States can only compete with China’s space efforts by maintaining more market freedom and avoiding excessive government regulation in the space industry. Rainer discussed SpaceX’s monopoly in the satellite launch market, noting that while the company dominates with 165 out of 324 launches in the previous year and 11,000 out of 16,000 active satellites being Starlink satellites, monopolies eventually lose their position through innovation and competition. He provided historical examples of companies that once held monopolies but later lost them, including Nokia, MySpace, Kodak, and Xerox. Our guest concluded by emphasizing that private enterprise, as demonstrated by SpaceX’s success in reducing launch costs by over 90% and achieving reusable rocket technology, outperforms government-run programs in the space industry. Rainer discussed how economic reforms in countries like India, China, South Korea, and Vietnam demonstrated the success of capitalism over socialism, and he shared his concerns about the moon landing’s legacy and the space shuttle program’s failures. He emphasized the importance of private property rights for space exploration, arguing that private companies like SpaceX should be able to claim ownership of specific areas on celestial bodies to finance future missions to Mars. He expressed concern about potential conflicts with the Outer Space Treaty, particularly regarding China’s future actions in space. Zitelmann discussed historical examples of land ownership claims, comparing them to potential space colonization, and emphasized the importance of private property as a driver for progress. Ajay brought up recent New York Times articles by Salam Gebrekidan about space property rights and mining, which led to a discussion about current legal frameworks and challenges in claiming ownership of celestial bodies. Rainer argued that clear ownership rights, including the ability to claim asteroids for financial gain, would provide the necessary incentives for space exploration and development, potentially through real estate investment trusts. Rainer also expressed concerns about the lack of clear economic benefits for investors in SpaceX’s Mars exploration projects, suggesting that Elon Musk needs to better explain how investors can make money from space missions. Ajay agreed with the need for incentives and emphasized the importance of providing something tangible to people willing to engage in space exploration. The discussion highlighted the tension between private property rights and the global commons approach, with David noting that benefit-sharing advocates cannot be ignored in establishing property rights in space. Rainer concluded that the focus should be on lobbying the United States government to recognize private ownership on Mars and the Moon, rather than engaging in discussions with countries supporting the global commons approach. We continued our property rights in space discussion emphasizing that private property is essential for space development success and arguing that settlers and entrepreneurs should lead the process rather than lawyers. Rainer criticized attempts to renegotiate the Outer Space Treaty as unrealistic and suggested the United States’ approach through the Artemis Accords was a positive step forward. The discussion also covered concerns about excessive regulations potentially stifling space development and the challenge of handling abandoned property in space, with Rainer proposing that claimed properties could be sold on stock markets to generate early revenue. We continued discussed the growing trend of space capitalism and entrepreneurship, citing SpaceX’s success with 165 launches compared to China’s 88 launches and Europe’s 8 launches. He warned about ideologically-driven opposition to private space travel, referencing a professor’s extreme views that Mars should belong to microbes rather than humans. Dr. Rainer also mentioned his book’s coverage of space tourism and shared details about his science fiction novel “2075: When Purity Became a Crime,” which features settlements on Mars and the moon. The book also describes a totalitarian movement in the United States that discriminates against beautiful people through taxes, scan… Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

October 3, 20261 hr 26 min

The Space Show Presents Dr. Logan Smith on Astronaut Mental Health and Space Psychology

Meeting assets for The Space Show Presents Dr. Logan Smith, July 31, 2026, Friday. Quick Summary: The Space Show featured Dr. Logan Smith discussing the psychological risks and mental health challenges associated with space travel, particularly focusing on the potential impact of AI on astronauts’ mental well-being. Logan explained how over-reliance on AI could lead to skill deficits, unhealthy attachments, and exacerbation of mental health issues in the isolated environment of space. He highlighted the lack of current training and preparation for mental health crises in both public and private space programs, and the need for more research and concrete recommendations to address these risks. The conversation also covered the effects of environmental factors like lighting and noise on mental health in space, the potential for robotic therapy, and the challenges of supporting families and children in future space settlements. Logan mentioned his new Space Psychology Institute and the growing field of space psychology research. Other participants, including David, John Jossy, John Hunt, and Sherry Bell, contributed questions and comments on topics ranging from suicide risk in space to the role of music in astronaut well-being. Detailed Summary: Our attending Wisdom Team discussed the psychological effects of larger crew spaces on future missions, with John Jossy planning to introduce Dr. Logan Smith while calling him Logan. John Jossy shared his experience with jet lag and sleep issues, which David attributed to potential prostate problems. The conversation then shifted to Logan joining from Nashville, Tennessee, where he discussed the differences between Nashville and Stillwater. The conversation ended with David mentioning that John would co-host and that both would continue the discussion with more participants. David hosted the Friday morning West Coast Space Show program with returning guest Dr. Logan Smith, who discussed psychological risks for astronauts in deep space and the potential use of AI psychotherapy. Logan explained that while he initially used the term “automated psychotherapy,” the industry now refers to it as “AI psychotherapy,” and predicted AI would be an essential tool for astronauts in the near term for daily tasks and problem-solving. The discussion began to cover how astronauts might use AI to help with personal problems, though the transcript ended before this topic was fully explored. Logan discussed the potential psychological risks of astronauts using AI systems, particularly highlighting how AI could create skill deficits and unhealthy attachments that might isolate crew members from each other and Earth. He explained that current AI systems lack appropriate guardrails to prevent harmful guidance, citing examples of people being misguided by AI to attempt suicide or develop delusions. Logan emphasized the challenge of programming AI to be helpful without being overly helpful, comparing this to a therapist’s judgment about when to respond to clients. Logan also discussed his work developing guidelines for AI companies and therapists regarding AI use in mental health treatment. He shared research on customizing AI responses for individuals with mental health conditions like OCD, noting positive results from clients who reported improved mental health outcomes after adjusting their AI interactions. David asked about disabling AI’s positive feedback features. Logan provided detailed instructions for customizing ChatGPT settings to reduce excessive positivity and emotional responses. The conversation then shifted to a discussion about space astronauts, comparing traditional agency-trained astronauts with commercial/private sector astronauts. Logan discussed the current lack of attention to AI-related mental health training in astronaut programs, both public and private, noting that most existing programs focus on anxiety and the “overview effect” rather than potential AI-related psychological issues. He explained that while short space flights may not see significant AI-related problems, longer missions to Mars could present greater risks. When asked about potential reactions to a mental health disaster in space, Logan predicted it would likely cause public adverse reactions and potentially lead to pauses in space programs until solutions are found. Logan discussed various models of suicidal behavior, explaining how factors like isolation, trauma, and perceived burdens can contribute to suicidal thoughts, particularly in high-risk environments such as space missions or military deployments. He described treatment approaches, including crisis response plans and safety strategies to help individuals manage suicidal waves. The discussion also touched on how unacceptable losses and moral injury can lead to suicide, with examples from veterans and astronauts, and highlighted the challenges of preventing and addressing suicidal behaviors in isolated settings. Logan discussed PTSD as a risk factor for space missions, noting that NASA has protocols in place but treatment methods would need to change for deep space missions due to light lag. He explained challenges with therapy delivery, including potential confidentiality issues with small crews and suggested using multiple therapists across different ships as a solution. When asked about becoming a ship’s counselor, Logan expressed interest but noted he would wait until his daughter was older. The discussion concluded with considering robotic therapy dogs as an alternative to real animals on spacecraft, and ended with a question about how large habitable volumes would affect crew psychology compared to small spaces. Logan discussed the poor environmental psychology of current space stations, highlighting issues with cramped spaces, poor lighting, noise, and temperature that negatively impact mental health and cause insomnia among astronauts. He explained that larger inflatable habitats could improve these conditions, while Philip asked about the psychological benefits of fewer large spacecraft versus many smaller ones, to which Logan responded that in-person interactions are generally more beneficial and suggested ships should not exceed Dunbar’s number. David expressed concern about the limited focus on mental health in space medicine, questioning the lack of preparation for mental health crises during missions. Logan discussed the underappreciation of mental health in space psychology, explaining that people often believe they are in control of their mental health, unlike physical health. He outlined current mental health resources available to astronauts, including medications, restraints, emergency return options, and ground-based therapists. Logan also highlighted concerns about scaling these resources for future space missions with thousands of people and the potential physiological effects of radiation exposure on mental health in space. Logan and David discussed the risks of cosmic radiation exposure during long-duration spaceflight, particularly to Mars, emphasizing the unknown effects on mental health and the challenges of adequate shielding. Logan suggested accelerating research to determine the necessary level of radiation mitigation and proposed solutions like improving shielding or using magnetic fields. Logan noted his efforts to raise awareness through publications and the Space Psychology Institute, though he acknowledged that addressing these issues remains a future concern for policymakers and industry. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the broader implications of space psychology, including the challenges of pregnancy, children, and family structures in space settlements. Logan discussed the emerging field of space psychology, explaining that while perinatal mental health and space station psychology are areas of growing research, concrete recommendations for mission planning are still needed. Phil suggested that space psychology research should be tied more… Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

October 3, 20261 hr 30 min

The Space Show Presents Dale Skran Discussing the NSS Orbital Space Settlement Design Project with Co-host John Jossy.

The Space Show Presents Dale Skran with John Jossy as co-host. Friday, August 7, 2026, #4572 Quick Summary: This was a Space Show program featured Dale Skran, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Space Society, discussing the NSS Orbital Space Settlement Design Project. John Jossy acted as the co-host for this program. Dale explained how the project uses the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standardization methodology to design the first orbital space settlement, with a focus on a rotating 1G settlement accommodating approximately 1,000 people in the Earth-Moon system. The project has a five-year timeline and involves creating recommendations that would allow someone skilled in the art to build the settlement, with plans for a workshop in October 2026 in Florida. The discussion covered key technical questions including population size, mental health considerations, agricultural systems, and the need for pets, as well as economic models, location options, and regulatory aspects under the Outer Space Treaty. Participants raised questions about collaboration with commercial LEO destinations, building methods, and the project’s potential impact on space industry development. Detailed Summary: Dale Skran, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Space Society, discussed the new Orbital Space Settlement Design Project. The project stems from a 2021 workshop that reviewed the status of space settlement and resulted in a book called “The Dream Renewed, O’Neill’s Vision in the 21st Century.” Dale explained that the initiative aims to establish a comprehensive set of peer-reviewed papers demonstrating the feasibility of space settlement, inspired by the standardization methodology used by the International Telecommunications Union. Jossy did the introduction and led the program discussion with the first questions pertaining to the NSS new Orbital Space Settlement Design Project. Dale explained the project to design the first orbital space settlement, which is governed by a Terms of Reference document approved in March 2026 and follows the ITU process. He outlined the methodology, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly examining questions before beginning design work, and described how rapporteurs will chair groups to determine consensus. Dale announced an upcoming Space Settlement Summit in Florida in October where participants will examine questions and divide them into high-level, biological, and physical categories, with plans to select 4-5 initial topics for further workshops after the event. Our guest went over the requirements for participating in space settlement meetings, explaining that participants must submit relevant papers and have appropriate qualifications to meaningfully contribute. He addressed questions about minimum population size for space settlements, noting that 1,000 people would be necessary for permanent settlements rather than the smaller crews typically discussed. Dale also covered the importance of addressing pets in space settlements and the need to maintain appropriate levels of cleanliness and microbiome conditions to support human health. Our Wisdom Team discussed planning for a space settlement workshop in October, with Dale likely leading the high-level section, Bryce potentially leading the biological section, and Rick likely leading the physical aspects. Marshall shared insights from reading Meyer’s book about minimum farm sizes and health considerations for space settlements. John Hunt raised important questions about the economic function and use case of the settlement, to which Dale responded that these questions would be addressed at the first workshop, emphasizing that location, economic model, and use case are interdependent factors that need to be considered together. Dale confirmed that the space settlement design project is a 5-year initiative, based on feedback from John Mankins who suggested this timeframe would be more effective than 10 years. The project will focus on Earth-based research and development work before considering space implementation, with Dale emphasizing that the research would be relevant to Earth-based agricultural systems and medical practices. Dale clarified that the settlement design would not need to be fully autonomous, as medical evacuations and other services would be handled similarly to how small communities on Earth manage such needs. Another project discussed by Dale was the Board of Scientific and Technical Advisors (BSTA) with a core of 7-9 members and 25-50 subject matter experts to provide scientific oversight. He addressed concerns about attracting diverse participants beyond the NSS space community, noting that the previous meeting included experts like George Dyson who were not traditional NSS leaders. Dallas mentioned his master’s thesis on a rotating business center in Earth orbit for 400 people, which Dale encouraged him to submit for consideration, along with the British Interplanetary Society’s Avalon design. The project will be conducted virtually, rotating between continents. Dale talked about the location options for an orbiting facility, mentioning two preferred locations: an equatorial location and an Earth-Moon cycler orbit. He explained that space agencies are not driving the project due to their conservative nature, and noted that while NSS has some relationship with SpaceX, they have a more friendly relationship with Blue Origin. Dale emphasized that SpaceX’s focus on transportation and data centers means they are not duplicating efforts in those areas, and suggested working with SpaceX as a customer would work with any service provider. Dale and Marshall discussed the potential for in-space reuse and salvage of satellites, with Dale emphasizing the need to consider economic, physical, and biological challenges when designing a rotating space element. Dale clarified that the project’s scope would focus on the design of the rotating space element rather than detailed engineering specifications, involving modeling and analysis to demonstrate buildability. Phil inquired about the project’s approach, to which Dale explained it would not be a detailed bolt-and-screw design but would include sufficient modeling to demonstrate feasibility. Dale also mentioned the possibility of using lunar resources for construction, highlighting recent technological advances in mass drivers. Dale explained that after the five-year project concludes, the recommendations will be published in the NASA Journal of Space Settlement and potentially as a book or peer-reviewed papers, making the information freely available to collaborators. He outlined plans to collaborate with commercial LEO destination focused organizations like Blue Origin, Axiom, and Vast, as well as organizations like Paragon and the British Interplanetary Society, to help bring the rotating space settlement concept to fruition. The discussion also covered regulatory aspects, with Dale noting that the Outer Space Treaty is generally favorable to rotating space elements but requires establishing the legal right to mine the moon for construction materials. 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. 16… Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

October 1, 20261 hr 11 min

The Space Show Presents Kris Brown with Sue Mitchell re the book, “Northern Lights and Rocket Flights: My Years at Poker Flat Research Range.”

Meeting assets for The Space Show Presents Kris Brown & Sue Mitchell re “Norther Lights & Rocket Flights: My Years at Poker Flat Research Range” Tuesday, Sept. 29, 206 Quick Summary: The Space Show featured a discussion about the book “Northern Lights and Rocket Flights: My Years at Poker Flat Research Range,” edited by Sue Mitchell and brought to publication by Kris Brown, son of the late author Neil Brown. Kris and Sue shared the history and significance of the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska, detailing its founding, unique location, and role in studying the aurora and upper atmosphere using sounding rockets. They explained the range’s origins, its connection to Cold War research, and its current operations, including its funding structure and public outreach. The conversation included personal anecdotes about life in Alaska, the challenges of working in extreme cold, and the improvisational engineering that characterized the early years of the facility. The guests also addressed the continued relevance of sounding rocket research in the context of modern satellite technology and space weather. The program concluded with reflections on Neil Brown’s legacy and the enduring frontier spirit of Alaska. During our discussion, Kris showed several photos from the book and from the history of he Poker Flat Range. Detailed Summary: Kris explained that the name “Poker Flat” originated from Bret Harte’s 1960’s story “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” and was later adopted for the Alaskan research facility due to its remote location and nuclear testing associations. David introduced the evening’s program and announced upcoming guests, including Eric Berger for Hotel Mars and an interview with Dr. Zeitelmann. Tonight’s main discussion focused on the book “Northern Lights and Rocket Flights: My Years at Poker Flat Research Range,” which was edited by Sue Brown and published by Kris Brown, son of Neal Brown who passed in 2021. Kris provided background on his father’s role as the first director of Poker Flat Research Range for 18 years, his early NASA career, and how he became interested in studying the Northern Lights after working in Greenland during the Cold War. Kris discussed his book about the Northern Lights and sounding rocket site in Alaska, explaining that the facility was initially used for atmospheric studies during the Cold War due to its proximity to the Soviet Union. He clarified that while the site could theoretically launch orbital rockets, practical considerations like extreme cold temperatures in Fairbanks make it challenging for human spaceflight. The group discussed how sounding rockets were primarily used for data collection rather than requiring human presence, as the recovered payloads could be analyzed after the flight. The Space Show Wisdom Team discussed the history of rocket launches and military presence at launch sites. Kris explained that while there was initially a military presence at rocket launch sites, there is not currently one. He also shared details about how sounding rockets were developed from Korean War-era missiles in the 1950s. The discussion revealed historical incidents involving nuclear weapons, including a B-52 crash in Greenland in 1968 that led to diplomatic issues and the relocation of nuclear activities to Alaska, as well as plans to build a deep water harbor in Alaska that were ultimately canceled due to environmental concerns raised by scientists. The discussion focused on the University of Alaska’s Poker Flat Research Range, with both Kris and Sue explaining its history and operations. They described how the range is uniquely owned by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and operates as a rental facility for researchers funded by agencies like NASA and NOAA. The conversation covered the range’s origins under founder Neil Davis and its development under director Neal Brown, who led the facility for 18 years. The discussion ended with David asking about the current relevance of sounding rockets in today’s satellite launch environment, though this question was not completed in the transcript. The group discussed the continued relevance of studying auroras and their impact on space weather, telecommunications, and satellite operations. Kris explained that Poker Flat, located 30 miles north of Fairbanks, hosts regular rocket launches and public tours during summer months, with upcoming launches planned for October. The discussion included historical context about early military rocket systems like Nike Ajax being used for aurora research, and how modern launches now combine different rocket stages for various experiments. The conversation also touched on Fairbanks’ role as a hub for aurora tourism and the economic benefits the facility brings to the local community during winter months. Kris shared personal photos and stories about his father’s work at Poker Flat rocket range, including a photo of his father taking a barium gas release photo in freezing conditions. He described how his family lived in a trailer at the facility during a six-month custody arrangement after his parents’ divorce, and shared a photo from around 1974-75 of him and his siblings examining a rocket booster. Sue mentioned that the book contains human interest stories and anecdotes scattered throughout, including a humorous incident about a moose hanging from a rocket launcher. The group discussed Kris’s childhood writing sample about Poker Flat that was recently published in the book. Sue shared details about early rocket disposal methods at Poker Flat, including burning excess solid fuel and using innovative techniques like railroad tracks for rocket storage and dynamite for demolishing an old A-frame building. The conversation concluded with David asking about family life at the rocket base in Alaska. Kris shared experiences of growing up in rural Alaska, describing challenging winter conditions including extreme cold, transportation difficulties, and the need for special car heating procedures. He explained how distances to neighbors and activities were significant, leading to independent play and creativity with siblings. Sue added similar experiences from her Fairbanks childhood, including the unique challenge of trick-or-treating requiring costumes that fit over parkas and being transported by car due to cold distances. Kris shared stories about his father’s work at Poker Flat and his post-retirement creation of the Alaska Space Academy, where he inspired students across the state through his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to people of all ages. Sue confirmed this was her final book as she is retiring from writing, though she left open the possibility of writing her memoir in the future. The discussion concluded with David offering to share the archived show links with Kris and Sue for promotional use. Attendees: David Livingston (Organizer), Marshall Martin (External), John Hunt (External), Kris Brown - Vector Sciences (External), Hanna Spencer (External), Sue Mitchell (External) 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: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026: No Program today | Friday 02 Oct 2026 930AM PT Guests: Dr. David Livingston No Pr… Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe