The Space Show

Guest: Dr. Paul Spudis; Topics: We discussed our guest's new book, "The Value of the Moon" plus Dr. Spudis responded to listener questions on numerous topics. Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm. We welcomed back to the show Dr. Paul Spudis for a discussion about his new book, "The Value of the Moon: How to Explore, Live, and Prosper in Space Using the Moon's Resources," plus Dr. Spudis responded to many listener questions about returning to the Moon, going to Mars, and U.S. space policy. In the first segment of our 1 hour 45 minute discussion, Dr. Spudis introduced us to his new book, then I asked him to elaborate on his chapter that provided three reasons for our going back to the Moon. Paul went over the three reasons so let us know with a blog comment what you think of them. I do! I asked our guest why it has been so challenging to return to the Moon. You do not want to miss what Dr. Spudis said in response to my question. Listener emails started coming in with Karen asking why not first solve our economic problems before going into space or returning to the Moon. Dr. Spudis gave her a good answer, showing how important space has become to all of us. Listeners wanted to know the Spudis roadmap for returning to the Moon so our guest summarized it on air but for all of it, get a copy of his book as that is where the details are located. Listener John wanted to know about public private partnerships, could the Moon be developed totally by the private sector, or would it be developed by only the government. Again, don't miss what our guest had to say in response to this question. Another topic in this segment was Mars and going there as our priority. Dr. Spudis had much to say about going to Mars, using the Moon as a learning and testing base and being the only rational way to have human spaceflight to Mars. Mars was a major part of our discussion as it is a popular target for lots of people regarding spaceflight. We talked about SLS & Orion, , using the big rocket and capsule for going to the Moon, not Mars, and the need for a lunar lander. Dr. Spudis also talked about the important role of robots in returning to the Moon. In the second segment, Judith from Seattle asked what Paul thought of one way trips to the Moon, similar to what Mars One was planning for Mars. He did not think much of them but listen to all of what he had to say about a one way lunar mission. Cislunar transportation was discussed in some detail in this segment. So was the possibility of a lunar space elevator and the changing of US space policy to make space settlement a priority. In this context, our guest had much to say about ISRU.. Next up was an email from Luis in Venezuela asking about solar electric power (SEP). SLS John called to be supportive of Paul's comments about SLS being a placeholder for American labor, skills, and technology. Please read the rest of this summary @ www.thespaceshow.com.