John Batchelor and I welcomed Rick Fisher back to the program to discuss China's space program, focusing on the Long March 10 and 9 rockets. Rick explained that the Long March 10, which recently passed a static test, is designed to transport cargo and astronauts to the moon, while the Long March 9, similar in size to SpaceX's Starship, is intended for lunar missions and eventual Mars expeditions. David asked about China’s funding of their space program given report of Chinese economic problems. Rick noted that China's space program is a priority for the Communist Party due to its strategic importance. He suggested that the Chinese government may prioritize space exploration over other areas due to its focus on maintaining power. Rick also outlined a timeline for China’s lunar program. Rick was also asked about their work on human spaceflight medical challenges plus their lunar settlement plans, if any. You might be surprised by what our guest had to say about their lunar development settlement plans/program.

Our Zoom program with Mari Anne Snow, CEO of EASCRA, began with a focus on Eascra Biotech's innovative work in nanomedicine, including their space missions and development of Janus-based nanoparticles for medical applications. The discussion concluded with detailed exploration of the company's space-based manufacturing processes, potential profitability, and future plans for clinical trials and product development. Read the full summary at both www.thespaceshow.com and doctorspace.substack.com for this date, Friday, August 22, 2025. You can also watch the video at our Substack site.

In this space policy discussion, host David and guest Michael Listener, a space attorney, addressed recent developments including potential changes to COMSTAC, budget concerns, and the Trump administration's approach to commercial space through executive orders. They explored international competition with China, regulatory challenges for lunar nuclear power, and the philosophical differences between US and European space law approaches. The conversation also covered practical ways citizens can influence space policy, though both speakers acknowledged the difficulty of accessing decision-makers without connections or expensive lobbying efforts. Read the full summary for this date at www.thespaceshow.com and at doctorspace.substack.com.

ur Open Lines program began by delving into a wide-ranging discussion about space exploration topics including nuclear power on the Moon, micro reactors, and SpaceX's Starship program. Together we explored various challenges facing space missions, including regulatory hurdles, technical limitations, and the need for proper infrastructure, while also discussing the financial implications of space programs and the role of government involvement. The conversation ended with updates on upcoming events, including an art show by Dr. Ajay and discussions about Artemis program development, along with announcements about future Space Show programs. Joining us in our Zoom discussion were Marshall Martin, John Hunt, Dr. Sherry Bell, Dr. Ajay Kothari, and John Jossy. We had a call from Tony in Pasadena and a few emails from the live stream listening audience. I also talked about my recent Coast to Coast appearance on one or two specific topics in conjunction with anew Sunday Op-Ed by Mark Whitington.

Hotel Mars guest Andrew Chanin discussed the ETF (Exchange Traded Fund UfO, which provides exposure to global space companies, and explored various investment opportunities in the space industry, including both public and private companies. He examined different investment approaches and vehicles, such as exchange-traded funds, special purpose vehicles, and private securities markets, while considering factors like company profitability and access to public markets. The conversation concluded with discussions about space infrastructure development, military strategy, and the potential for investing in lunar space infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of proper capital management and technology diversity.

The program focused on Ajay Kothari's proposal to use multiple Falcon Heavy rockets instead of Starship or SLS for lunar missions, which he argued would be more cost-effective and implementable within two years despite technical challenges raised by other participants. The group discussed broader concerns about the Artemis program's leadership, timeline feasibility, and competition with China's lunar ambitions, with some members expressing skepticism about returning to the moon while others emphasized the importance of establishing infrastructure like nuclear power systems. The conversation ended with participants debating when humans would actually return to the moon, with estimates ranging from 2028-2029, and David announcing upcoming shows including Hotel Mars and an appearance on Coast to Coast. Please read the full summary of this program at www.thespaceshow.com for this date, Tuesday, August 12, 2025. In addition, the video and audio archive will soon be published at doctorspace.substack.com.

Our program started with Tom announcing his new MBA program in space commerce at Sul Ross University. Tom also talked about different universities' offerings, program structures, and Texas's support for the space industry. The conversation concluded with detailed discussions about commercial space exploration, employment opportunities in the space industry, and the capabilities and future of space travel, particularly focusing on SpaceX's Starship and Falcon 9 rockets. Read the full summary of this program at www.thespaceshow.com and at Substack (doctorspace.substack.com) for this date, August 10, 2025.

Rand Simberg was our guest for this one segment Hotel Mars program. Our discussion centered on commercial space's role in the U.S. moon return efforts, with particular focus on NASA's Artemis program and the challenges posed by the Space Launch System (SLS) program's high costs and limited sustainability. Concerns were raised about the U.S. potentially losing the moon race to China due to the current focus on SLS, with suggestions to redirect funding toward more innovative space transportation solutions. The conversation concluded with an analysis of human lunar lander development progress between SpaceX and Blue Origin, highlighting both companies' capabilities and challenges in their respective development paths. Read the full summary for this program at www.thespaceshow.com and doctorspace.substack.com for this date, Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Dr. Space hosted a discussion with Ben Roberts, founder and CEO of Skyworker Work Group Finance and Advisory Surfaces LLC, about financing entrepreneurs developing health and material products in microgravity. The conversation explored how the absence of gravity in orbit can be leveraged to produce advanced materials and medical goods, with applications including protein crystals for medicines, nanoparticles, 3D printing cardiac tissue, and accelerated aging studies. While the microgravity economy is still in early development with no companies currently making significant commercial profits, many ventures are approaching viability and could potentially access substantial markets within the next 3-5 years once they clear regulatory hurdles.

Our program covered vertical takeoff and landing technology, tracing its evolution from science fiction to modern concepts and exploring various engineering challenges and potential solutions. The discussion concluded with updates on space travel innovations, including rocket designs, propellant considerations, and the importance of collaboration between private sector and government agencies in advancing space exploration. We also talked Moon and Mars. Read the full summary at www.thespaceshow.com for this date, Tuesday, 8-5-25 and at doctorspace.substack.com.