The Space Show by Dr. David Livingston
The Space Show® focuses on timely and important issues influencing the development of outer-space commerce and space tourism, as well as other related subjects of interest to us all. doctorspace.substack.com
10
Dr. Greg Autry Returns To The Space Show
<p>The Space Show Present Dr. Greg Autry, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026</p><p>Quick Summary: The group explored various aspects of the Artemis program, including its challenges, timeline concerns, and comparison with China’s space efforts, while discussing the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in space exploration. The conversation concluded with discussions about space policy, commercial space activities, and educational challenges facing the U.S., with emphasis on the need to generate public enthusiasm for space exploration initiatives.</p><p>Detailed Summary</p><p>David introduced Dr. Greg Autry, a space policy expert and economics professor at UCF, to discuss hi...
MARK WHITTINGTON Returns to The Space Show!
<p>The Space Show Presents Mark Whittington, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026</p><p>Quick Summary:</p><p>Our program began with followed by conversations about the Artemis II mission and space technology advancements. The group explored various aspects of space exploration, including Iran’s space program, lunar missions, and the development of space suits and launch systems. The discussion concluded with conversations about AI in journalism, nuclear reactor technologies, and the upcoming Artemis II mission, including its potential for public celebration and media coverage.</p><p>Detailed Summary</p><p>Our Zoom program Wisdom Team discussed the Artemis II mission, with Mark ex...
We welcome Marc Berte, CEO, and Dr. Paul Jaffe of Overview Energy regarding innovative space solar power for Earth.
<p>The Space Show Presents Marc Berte & Paul Jaffe of the Overview Energy Co. Friday, 2-6-26</p><p>Quick Summary</p><p>The Space Show hosted a discussion about space solar power with Marc Berte, CEO of Overview Energy, and Paul Jaffe, Vice President of Systems Engineering at Overview. The conversation focused on Overview’s innovative approach to space solar power, which involves beaming near-infrared light from geosynchronous orbit to existing large-scale solar projects on Earth. Marc explained how their system could potentially provide utility-scale power at a lower cost than other space solar concepts, with a target of de...
The Space Show Hotel Mars with Eric Berger
<p>Eric Berger of Ars Technia joined both John and me on this one segment Hotel Mars program to discuss thre details regarding NASA's urgency in acquiring a new Mars telecommunications orbiter. The debate seems to be between traditional public (government) builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions. Note that this was a one segment Hotel Mars program.</p><p></p><p>Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by...
The Space Show Presents Space/Science Journalist Sarah Scoles
<p>The Space Show Presents Sarah Scoles, Friday, 1-30-26</p><p>Quick Summary”</p><p>Our program initially focused on discussing the status and challenges of the Breakthrough Starshot project, including its cancellation and implications for interstellar travel research through Sarah’s Oct 2025 Scientific American story. Participants explored the technical and financial aspects of space exploration, including the development of laser propulsion technology, the importance of mechanical engineering in different gravity environments, and the role of commercial space companies in pharmaceutical development and national security. The group also discussed space budget allocation, the challenges of evaluating space companies, and the...
Hotel Mars presents Dr. Paul Kalas re the Fomalhaut Star System with multiple collisions.
<p>Hotel Mars Dr. Paul Kalas for Weds, Jan. Jn. 28, 2026, #4495</p><p>Quick Summary</p><p>John Batchelor and I presented Professor Paul Kalas of the University of California at Berkeley, who discussed his groundbreaking observations of the Fomalhaut star system using the Hubble Space Telescope. Kalas explained how he discovered evidence of asteroid collisions creating massive dust clouds, which occur approximately every 100,000 years and last only 5-10 years. The discussion explored how planetary systems form through collisions between smaller objects, with Fomalhaut serving as a “time machine” to Earth’s early history when similar collisions shaped our own solar system...
Dr. Ethan Siegel Talks With Our Space Show Audience. Don't Miss It!
<p>The Space Show Presents Dr. Ethan Siegel, Tuesday, 1-27-26</p><p>Quick Summary:</p><p>The Space Show featured a 90-minute discussion with theoretical astrophysicist Ethan Siegel, who shared his vision for space exploration and scientific research. The conversation covered the James Webb Space Telescope’s revolutionary capabilities, the potential for breakthrough propulsion technologies, and the importance of investing in large-scale space telescopes despite budget constraints. Ethan emphasized that while private sector involvement in space exploration is valuable, government funding remains crucial for ambitious scientific endeavors. The discussion also touched on the current state of NASA’s budget and...
Dr. Ajay Kothari Makes The Case For Cargo To The Moon
<p>The Space Show Presents Dr. Ajay Kothari, Sunday, 1-25-26.</p><p>Quick summary</p><p>The meeting focused on Dr. Kothari’s presentation of a cargo delivery concept to the moon using multiple Falcon Heavy upper stages docked together, which he proposed as an alternative to NASA’s current Artemis program. Ajay argued this method could be implemented more quickly and cheaply than the Starship program, with the potential to establish a permanent lunar presence before China’s planned International Lunar Research Station. While the Trump administration aims to land humans on the moon by 2028, several participants expressed skepti...
The Space Show presents Dr. Antonino del Popolo to discuss his new book, "Extraterrestrial Life: We Are Not Alone."
<p>The Space Show Presents Dr. Antonino Del Popolo, Friday, 1-23-25</p><p>Quick summary</p><p>The Space Show hosted Dr. Antonin o del Popolo, an Italian astrophysicist, to discuss his book “We Are Not Alone: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life.” Dr. del Popolo explained the various theories on the origin of life, including panspermia and abiogenesis, and discussed the challenges in detecting extraterrestrial life, such as the distance between stars and the lack of confirmed signals from other civilizations. He highlighted the potential for microbial life on exoplanets and the importance of future telescopes like the James Webb...
Hotel Mars with Doug Messier on global 2025 launch statistics.
<p>Broadcast 4491, Hotel Mars with Doug Messier, 1-21-26</p><p>John Batchelor and I welcomed back Doug Messier to discuss the global launch industry from 2025 plus the expectations of said industry for 2026. Doug called out SpaceX, the US, China, Russia, India and a few other launching nations. He talked about many of the private companies either developing their launchers or actually starting to launch rockets. He provided the statistics for the companies and launching nations as well. All of this jampacked into one Hotel Mars segment.</p><p>Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics...
