ISDC: Michael Mealing, Masten Space Systems

Posted on May 30, 2007 by Tim Bailey

One of the most innovative private space companies is Masten Space Systems. When you decide to go into space – Masten wants to make it as simple as making a retail purchase – and it looks like they’re already well on their way to doing just that. Michael Mealing, the CFO and VP of Business Development stopped by to tell us why it doesn’t need to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to go into space and why you can start making your plans right now.

Space Task Force Episode 6.4: Michael Mealing, Masten Space Systems

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ISDC: Dr. Robert Zubrin; Founder and President of the Mars Society

Posted on May 30, 2007 by Tim Bailey

One of the coolest parts of ISDC was getting to spend some time with Robert Zubrin, the Founder and President of the Mars Society. In this interview, he gives his take on why going to Mars is critical – and how you can play a role. He also tells us about the 10th International Mars Society Convention, August 30 to September 2 at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Listen here: Here’s that interview: Space Task Force Episode 6.3 Dr. Robert Zubrin

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ISDC: Robert Pearlman, collectSPACE

Posted on May 30, 2007 by Tim Bailey

If you want a piece of space history, collectSPACE.com is a good place to start. The site offers everything you need to know about artifacts – but also breaks news as well. The founder of collectSPACE, Robert Pearlman, stopped by to talk with us about everything from Project Apollo – to the Shuttle Launch Experience at the Kennedy Space Center.

Here’s that interview: Space Task Force Episode 6.2 Robert Pearlman

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ISDC: Ken Davidian: NASA Centennial Challenges

Posted on May 30, 2007 by Tim Bailey

We talked with a lot of great people in Dallas, and one of those was Ken Davidian. In this interview he talks about the NASA Centennial Challenges for 2006, what’s to come – and some great things to expect at the 2007 Wirefly X PRIZE Cup.

Here’s that interview: Space Task Force Episode 6.1 Ken Davidian

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ISDC: Back from Dallas

Posted on May 30, 2007 by Tim Bailey

Tim and I had a great time in Dallas, Texas at ISDC. Special thanks to the National Space Society for outstanding hospitality. So let’s get started with the podcasts. Here’s an overview from Tim and I on the floor of the conference.

Listen here: Space Task Force Episode 6.0

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Episode 2

Posted on April 7, 2007 by Tim Bailey

Click here to listen or download: STF Episode 2

I hope the weekend is going well for you. Here’s a link to our second show.

Quick show notes:

  • Space Headlines: Everything from quayle in space to a $49.95 spaceflight
  • Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides. She’s President of the Space Generation Foundation. She’ll talks about Yuri’s Night — and what it could be like to honeymoon in space.
  • Michael Cassutt, a good friend and award winning writer and producer. Michael is an expert on all things related to the Russian space program – and he’s written such books as “Deke!: An Autobiography” and “We Have Capture: Tom Stafford and the Space Race“.
  • George and Tim wrap up the week.

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Space Task Force – Episode #1.

Posted on March 31, 2007 by Tim Bailey

Download Episode 1

Think of it as a test vehicle, we’re working out the bugs and making sure all systems are nominal. Can we do this? Can we deliver quality space entertainment to the masses and keep them entertained and informed, while they’re waiting for the spacecraft of tomorrow to be built? No small goal, sure, but why not give it a try?

(By the way, you’ve got to love the word nominal. It’s just an intelligent word).

This first show runs about 50 minutes (give or take a few seconds).

The rundown goes a little something like:

Welcome

  • George introduces the show (from the shores of the highly secretive Lake Apollo – on the Space Coast of Florida)
  • George talks about the sponsor (www.worldspaceexpo.com)
  • George Introduces Tim Bailey, co-host and rocket scientist extraordinaire (www.skyfirelab.com)
  • Tim introduces George, he’s won a few Emmys (www.captainjon.com)
  • Tim talks about ZERO-G (www.gozerog.com). (he’s a coach onboard)
  • George and Tim discuss the Space Task Force and what it’s all about (George is the Journalist, Tim is the Rocket Scientist)

Yuri’s Night Preview (www.yurisnight.net). We discuss why Yuri jumped out of the spacecraft on the way back – and the missing 18 minutes of his flight. We also talk about events coming up on April 12 (the anniversary of Yuri’s flight). A musical break from Scott Rodell (a damn good song and downloadable from Yurisnight.net)

Space Headlines (special sound effects provided by Tim)

  • Space junk and air traffic (and why the two aren’t a good combination)
  • Bigelow Aerospace and valet parking (Expensive? Who would you trust with your spacecraft? And what about the Space Junk?)
  • Who wins the race back to the Moon? Tim gives the definitive answer (at least for this week)
  • Space Clothing Design (How do you drink a martini in space? We don’t really talk about that this time around, but it’s a good question) (For more great space design check out Tim’s company, www.SkyFireLab.com)
  • Why the International Space Station needs good module names (listen and it will become clear)
  • Stephen Hawkings dream of a lifetime (A Brief History of Time, still a good book – but check out A Briefer History of Time to the right)

George and Tim talk with Frank Miller, Event Manager of the World Space Expo (www.worldspaceexpo.com)

Show wrap

That’s show number one, please send comments, suggestions – or your own space music to spaceshark@gmail.com .

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