Episode 538: To Launch or Not To Launch Is that The Question?

Onthis episode we discuss the multiple launch attempts by SpaceX of the SES-8satellite. Frustration at lack of information provided by SpaceX to the pressgets considerable attention from the Talking Space panel. Will it change whencrew launches begin? We sure hope so. Did you know Kimbal Musk, brother ofSpaceX CEO Elon Musk started a blog in November of 2005? Itis named “Kwajalein Atoll and Rockets” http://kwajrockets.blogspot.com/2005/11/kwajalein-and-rockets.html - Kimbal Musk also has a twitter account @kimbal though most of his recenttweets are not SpaceX related.

CometISON got our attention, now we say goodbye as its first trip around the sun didnot end as so many hoped. Sorry but no incredible December holiday views ofISON are expected. Here is a link to the SDO Mission Blog and the post from November29, 2013 describing the challenge that observing sun grazing comets presents. http://sdoisgo.blogspot.com/2013/11/where-was-comet-ison.html

OnDecember 1, 2013 at 1730 UTC China National Space Administration (CNSA)launched a Long March 3B carrying the Chang’e-3 lander/rover to the moon. Itwas a welcome surprise to find @CCTVnews (China Central Television) provided livestreaming coverage of the launch. They also requested participation from socialmedia! The multiple camera views, commentary and length of coverage from priorto launch to after payload separation were appreciated by spaceflight enthusiastseager to follow along. The European Space Agency is supporting Chang’e-3 to themoon. See this link to read more http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Helping_China_to_the_Moon

Emilybrings us an introduction to her article on SpaceFlight Insider about the 30years of spaceflight participation by European Space Agency. You’ll appreciate ESAeven more for their contributions to manned spaceflight, exploration andcertainly the International Space Station. Also we talk about the SpaceflightInsider Team and hear that “we ain’t seen nothing yet” regarding future plans.Here is the link to Emily’s December 1, 2013 ESA article http://spaceflightinsider.com/space-flight-news/european-space-agency-celebrates-30-years-of-manned-spaceflight-looks-toward-the-future/

TheKepler Space Telescope is in the news again. A new plan may allow Kepler to reacquireits pointing ability and continue searching for exoplanets. Some great readingmaterial is available for FREE from NASA. They have ebooks available supportingKindle and other ebook readers. How about their most recent title"NASA's First A:Aeronautics from 1958-2008" Go to http://www.nasa.gov/connect/ebooks/ to find your next great read.

Hostthis week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman.Guest Panelist: Emily Carney from our partner The Spaceflight Group http://spaceflightinsider.com/

Showrecorded 12/02/2013