Episode 518: Lots to See at SpaceFest V-Part 2

On part two of our two-part special on SpaceFest V, we invite attendee Libby Norcross to join us as we discuss the rest of the Sunday panels, which included the Mars and asteroid panels. Discussed are the benefits of going to Mars, robots vs. humans, and what the experts such as Emily Lakdawalla and Peter Smith think about the idea of commercial companies such as Mars One and Inspiration Mars. We then hear from the asteroid panel, which includes discussions on commercial mining, how much science that actually gives, and if we're blurring the line of science fiction and science fact too soon. You'll hear from experts such as Deep Space Industries' Rick Tumlinson and Geoff Notkin, Planetary Resources' Chris Lewicki, and planetary scientist Dan Durder.

For more on Libby, visit http://libbydoodle.com

As well, our thoughts go out to Gene Mikulka and his family as they deal with a difficult time.

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Libby Norcross, Mark Ratterman

Show Recorded 06/10/2013

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Episode 517: Lots to See at SpaceFest V-Part 1

On this special two-part episode of Talking Space, we begin by discussing last week's Soyuz launch before devling into the weekend-long event in Tucson, AZ. The event involved vendors and artists who specialize in space, as well as an impressive panel of astronauts which spanned every single American manned space flight program from Mercury to shuttle. On top of the astronauts were many panels and discussions. You'll hear bits from the talks by Dr. Carolyn Porco famous for working on Cassini and Prof. Brian Cox. We then jump to the Apollo astroanuts panel and hear their views on where we are and where we should be going in space.

Tune in next week for two of the best panels of the show: the panel on Mars and on asteroids, which includes thoughts from members of the private sector.

NOTE: This show was recorded on the week of May 27th, however due to technical difficulties, it was released this week, so some news is out of date.

For the Apollo panel transcript, visit http://pad39a.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/spacefest-v-apollo-panel.html

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Member: Gene Mikulka

Show Recorded 05/28/2013

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Episode 516: A Quick Debris Avoidance Maneuver

On this episode of Talkling Space, the regular gang is dealing with illness and traveling on the road. However, Mark Ratterman comes to the rescue with a phenomenal interview about something this show has become known for: space debris. Mark interviews Alex von Eckartsberg, who recently returned from the Sixth European Conference on Space Debris in Darmstadt, Germany. Alex discusses some shocking numbers about how bad our debris problem is. Also discussed is the current means for trying to avoid debris, avoid collisions, what to do with defunct satellites, and what the plan is for the future. Is it too late to stop pollution near earth orbit?

For more information on Alex and space debris, visit her blog at http://www.skyhie.net/. You can also follow Alex on Twitter @StarlingLX

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest Alex von Eckartsberg

Show Recorded 05/16 and 5/21/2013

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