The Space Show by Dr. David Livingston

Meeting assets for The Space Show Presents Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Tuesday, 6-23-26
Quick Summary:
Tonight’s Space Show program featured Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson, a former NASA astronaut and naval fighter pilot who flew five space shuttle missions and served as chief astronaut. Hoot discussed his career journey from Vietnam War combat missions in F-4 Phantom jets to becoming one of NASA’s most experienced shuttle pilots, including his secret classified mission where his shuttle sustained over 700 damaged tiles but successfully returned to Earth. He explained the technical details of shuttle operations, docking with the Mir space station, and his thoughts on why the space shuttle program was retired despite its potential for continued use. The discussion also covered Hoot’s post-NASA career flying for Southwest Airlines as a captain for 10 years, his current aviation activities including air racing, and his recent memoir “Space Ace” which has already won six awards.
Detailed Summary:
The meeting began with introductions of The Space Show Wisdom Team present for this program with Hoot. Tony, the publisher for Hoot’s book was also present with us for this program. Tony has also helped Hoot write his book “Space Ace.” Hoot then explained how he met Tony through a children’s book project, then he proceeded to describe his career progression from Navy fighter pilot to space shuttle commander, including his combat missions in Vietnam and his work with the F-14 Tomcat, then to NASA and then to South West Airlines. Hoot’s Space Ace book has won six awards since its release in March of this year.
Hoot shared his experience flying combat air patrol over Saigon on April 30, 1975, during the final days of the Vietnam War, and described his subsequent training as an F-14 Tomcat instructor before applying to NASA in 1977. He explained how his extensive jet fighter experience made him feel unprepared when he first arrived at NASA, as he needed to learn basic space shuttle operations. When asked about his engagement orders during the Saigon embassy evacuation, Hoot confirmed they were cleared to fire, though they didn’t use their weapons due to fuel constraints.
Hoot discussed his experience flying different space shuttles, explaining that while NASA aimed to make all shuttles identical, Columbia was built heavier at 7,000 pounds and had some unique features due to being the first shuttle. Hoot shared that he flew Challenger on his first mission, Columbia on his second, and Atlantis twice, but regretted not flying Discovery which would have allowed him to fly all five shuttles. When asked about shuttle landings, Hoot explained that his first landing as commander was an unplanned night landing at Edwards Air Force Base after weather prevented a Cape Canaveral landing, and he agreed with David that the space shuttle had significant life left despite NASA’s decision to retire them after the losses of Challenger and Columbia.
This is only a partial program summary.

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 John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment
We use Zoom phone numbers for program participation.
For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.
The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:
To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.
If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:
One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135
Upcoming Programs:
Broadcast 4555 Zoom: Dr. Deana Weibel | Friday 26 Jun 2026 930AM PT
Guests: Dr. Deana Weibel
Zoom: Dr. Weibel returns to discuss her new book “The Ultraview Effect: What We Can Learn from Astronauts About Awe, Humility, and Exploring the Unknown,”
Broadcast 4556: Zoom: Open Lines Discussion | Sunday 28 Jun 2026 1200PM PT
Guests: Dr. David Livingston
Zoom: A full Open Lines discussion. Join us with Zoom phone numbers. Email drspace before airtime for the numbers


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The Space Show Presents Dr. Ryan Dowdy re ISS & Artemis Astronaut Food, May 15, 2026, Friday
Quick Summary:
The Space Show featured Dr. Ryan Dowdy, a former NASA ISS Food System Manager, discussing food in space and his commercial food company ReadyBar. Dowdy explained how NASA’s 20-person team in Houston produces all space food, with 60+ signatures required for each item due to government regulations. He detailed the challenges of providing nutrition for astronauts, including the need for 500-calorie meal replacement bars and the importance of fresh food for psychological well-being. The discussion covered topics like packaging limitations, radiation effects on food, and the potential for growing food in space. Dowdy also shared information about his company ReadyBar, which makes meal-replacement bars designed to replace an entire meal with 30 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber for $5.99, currently sold online with plans to expand to retailers and Amazon. The conversation explored how commercial space companies are developing their own food systems and the need for continued R&D investment in space food technology.
Detailed Summary:
Ryan discussed the challenges and innovations in providing food for astronauts, particularly focusing on NASA’s ISS and Artemis missions. He explained how meal replacement bars became popular due to cost and packaging efficiency considerations, noting that 60% of food weight on the ISS was packaging that was discarded. Ryan described his work at NASA from 2016, where he helped update the food menu by adding more fish, fruits, and vegetables to address astronauts’ nutritional needs for omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. The discussion concluded with Ryan sharing how he initially became interested in space food science through a professor’s suggestion to directly ask NASA about their challenges rather than proposing solutions without understanding their needs.
Ryan also discussed his experience as the ISS Food System Manager at NASA’s Space Food Systems Laboratory, explaining how food scientists create meals designed to last up to two years in space. He described the process of working with astronauts to taste and rank approximately 200 menu items, noting that while shrimp cocktail was a popular choice, the Russian crew preferred more soup in their meals, leading to food exchanges between the two teams. When asked about future food options for space missions, Ryan clarified that while no insects were consumed on the ISS during his tenure, there is potential for growing food in space, though current plant growth experiments like the Veggie system didn’t provide sufficient daily calories. He concluded that while space food systems aren’t ready for long-duration missions like Mars yet, continued research through initiatives like the Deep Space Food Challenge is necessary.
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 John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment
We use Zoom phone numbers for program participation.
For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.
The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:
To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.
If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:
One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135
Upcoming Programs:
Sunday, June 21: No Program For Father’s Day | Sunday 21 Jun 2026 1200PM PT
Guests: Dr. David Livingston
No program due to Father’s Day


Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

The Space Show Presents Andrew Rush of Star Catcher, Friday, 6-1926
Quick Summary:
This Space Show program featured Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher, discussing their development of an orbital energy grid using power beaming technology. Andrew explained how his network of satellites would collect solar energy and transmit it via laser beams to client satellites in low Earth orbit, enabling them to deliver significantly more power without requiring larger solar arrays or changes to the satellites’ orientation. The technology aims to address power constraints in space by delivering up to 100 kilowatts per power node, with plans to provide commercial service by the end of the decade. The discussion covered potential applications including orbital data centers, lunar power distribution, and extending the operational life of existing satellites, with Andrew noting they had raised $65 million in Series A funding and were actively hiring.
Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher, discussed the company’s efforts to create the first orbital energy grid through power beaming satellites. He explained that Star Catcher has developed a network of power beaming satellites using solar concentrators and multi-wavelength laser systems to deliver additional power to client satellites in low Earth orbit. Andrew reported significant progress, including over 40 letters of intent signed and 6-7 power purchase agreements, demonstrating strong market demand for the technology. He clarified that while each power node can deliver about 100 kilowatts of energy, the system is designed for one-to-many architecture with multiple beams, and as a U.S. company, they remain subject to ITAR regulations.
Andrew explained that client satellites in the Star Catcher network don’t need to change their orientation to receive power from the system’s power nodes in low Earth orbit at 1500 kilometers altitude. He detailed how the power beaming uses near-infrared and visible wavelengths compatible with both silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells, with different requirements for each type of cell. Philip suggested using the infrastructure to help satellites escape the atmosphere more easily, potentially reducing launch costs, which Andrew acknowledged as a promising use case, particularly for electric propulsion systems.
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 John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment
We use Zoom phone numbers for program participation.
For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.
The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:
To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.
If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:
One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135
Upcoming Programs:
Broadcast 4552: Zoom: Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher | Friday 19 Jun 2026 930AM PT
Guests: Andrew Rush
Zoom: Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher updates us with new developments. See https://www.star-catcher.com
Sunday, June 21: No Program For Father’s Day | Sunday 21 Jun 2026 1200PM PT
Guests: Dr. David Livingston
No program due to Father’s Day



Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Due to bandwidth issues, there is no Zoom video for this program. The audio is being archived here and on The Space Show website for this date, www.thespaceshow.com.
The Space Show Present Manuel Cuba with The Space Show Team for a general discussion, Sunday, 6-14-26
Meeting Summary:
The meeting was a space show discussion hosted by David Livingston, with participants including Manuel, Philip, GuySchumann, Marshall, John Jossy, and Sherry. The main guest Cesar from Peru was expected to join but experienced technical difficulties connecting from the airport, so the group decided to reschedule his full interview. The participants discussed various space-related topics including SpaceX’s recent IPO, the government’s UAP document release, ISDC conference experiences, and NASA’s Artemis III crew selection. GuySchumann provided updates on his work in drought mitigation using space-based predictive analytics, while the group also shared insights about recent space conferences and debated whether crew weight and mass considerations might factor into lunar mission planning.
Detailed Summary
Manuel shared his positive experience attending AIAA in Washington D.C., describing it as worth every penny despite the high cost. The group discussed the potential duration of an upcoming show, with Manuel indicating it should be between 60 and 90 minutes and mentioning that Caesar would have significant content to share. The conversation briefly touched on SpaceX’s recent IPO and the mixed opinions from the financial community regarding its economic prospects and future quarterly reporting requirements.
The group discussed David’s having seen the Spielberg movie, “Disclosure Day,” which explores the concept of “Disclosure Day” regarding extraterrestrials. David reviewed the movie positively, noting it features good acting and innovative storytelling, though he personally doesn’t share Spielberg’s precise views on extraterrestrials nor how disclosure day will take place, assuming it ever does take place. .
Guy Schumann discussed a follow-up conversation with Chris Bures from his last program appearance with us when a listener from Las Vegas, Chris, engaged him and his company about water supply and drought issues in Nevada and the west, where Chris had offered to connect him with municipal and state contacts but the response status remained unclear. Guy explained that while they don’t currently have direct municipal contacts in Las Vegas, they partner with a Florida-based company to provide flood modeling and risk assessments for counties in the US, though this partnership is currently focused on Florida rather than the Western states. Marshall raised concerns about weather pattern challenges in Oklahoma, specifically the need to manage both drought and sudden heavy rainfall during harvest season, which Guy acknowledged as a widespread issue affecting both European and US agriculture.
The group discussed challenges in predicting and preparing for extreme weather events, with GuySchumann highlighting the difficulty of predicting short-acting events and staying within community budgets. Marshall shared that his brother-in-law could significantly increase crop output with just four months of weather prediction, leading to a discussion about seasonal forecasting improvements enabled by AI and space data. GuySchumann described the rapid technological development in extreme weather prediction over the past five years, noting that progress has accelerated to the point where conferences are overwhelming due to the pace of innovation.
The Wisdom Team discussed SpaceX’s recent IPO, with Philip noting that many retail investors are making long-term bets on space exploration rather than seeking immediate returns. Marshall expressed caution about buying shares until next week, while David mentioned plans to purchase shares for his trust to benefit his children. Manuel recommended reading Robert Zimmerman’s blog post about the IPO, though David thought Zimmerman was overly optimistic. John Jossy observed that space stocks were down on Friday, with some speculation that investors were selling other space companies to buy SpaceX shares.
We talked at length about SpaceX’s IPO and Elon Musk’s public approach to his companies. GuySchumann shared his perspective on Musk’s vision for space exploration and how it could inspire public investment, comparing it to the excitement around early personal computers. The discussion touched on how Musk’s public persona and rhetoric might change due to SEC oversight, with GuySchumann suggesting he would be more careful out of a sense of responsibility to shareholders. The conversation also covered the regulatory challenges Musk would face as a public company CEO and the potential for litigation, while Marshall noted that Shotwell appears to be the next person in line for leadership at SpaceX.
Phil reported that his presentation about moon-based data centers went well at ISDC, with good audience engagement and questions. He also mentioned other notable speakers including David Dillon from Electromagnetic Launch who discussed quench gun technology, and presentations about Venus colonization and biological methods for making structural components in space. David expressed frustration about Blue Origin’s reluctance to participate in his show, noting that the company prefers controlled environments where they can restrict discussion topics rather than facing an unpredictable audience.
The group discussed keynotes from a recent space conference, including presentations by Harrison Schmidt, Lindy Tompkins, and Bill Diamond of SETI. Manuel shared insights from his attendance at the conference, where he met with Space Tango and a South Korean pharmaceutical company to explore low Earth orbit life sciences facilities and potential research opportunities with the Department of War. The participants also briefly discussed the recent U.S. government’s UAP document release, noting that while it generated some media attention, it didn’t receive widespread public focus.
The group discussed the upcoming Spacecom conference in January in Florida, which Manuel found interesting due to its focus on satellite communication and launch systems. They also discussed the timing of the next SpaceX Starship test flight, which is targeted for July 2026, with speculation about whether it might coincide with the July 4th holiday. The conversation then shifted to discussing Keith Cowling, who received a Pioneer Award from NSS despite controversy, and the upcoming NSS elections where several space show personalities are running for positions.
The team mentioned NASA’s selection of an all-male crew for the Artemis III mission, with Phil proposing a theory that the heavier male astronauts were chosen for this low-orbit mission to maximize payload capacity, while future missions might favor lighter crew members including women. The discussion included technical considerations about weight, oxygen consumption, and space requirements for astronauts, with David sharing insights from his scuba diving experience about how weight and gender can affect mission planning. The conversation ended with plans to reschedule Cesar’s interview.
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 John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment
We use Zoom phone numbers for program participation.
For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.
The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:
To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.
If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:
One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135
Upcoming Programs:
Broadcast 4552: Zoom: Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher | Friday 19 Jun 2026 930AM PT
Guests: Andrew Rush
Zoom: Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher updates us with new developments. See https://www.star-catcher.com
Sunday, June 21: No Program For Father’s Day | Sunday 21 Jun 2026 1200PM PT
Guests: Dr. David Livingston
No program due to Father’s Day


Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

This was a Space Show program featuring Chris Carberry, co-founder and CEO of ExploreMars, discussing space policy, Mars exploration, and his new book “Future Spacefaring Society.” Chris explained that Explore Mars has always been agnostic on launch vehicle selection, supporting both SLS/Orion and Starship/Blue Origin developments while advocating for lunar missions that deliberately advance Mars capabilities. The discussion covered current NASA budget challenges, the need for entry descent and landing technology development, and the potential for human settlement on Mars in the 2030s through a hybrid approach combining NASA and private sector capabilities. Chris also promoted the upcoming Humans to Moon and Mars Summit in Houston, Texas, which will focus on topics like food systems, commercial space capabilities, and physical/mental health challenges for lunar and Martian missions.
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 John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment
Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)
For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.
The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:
To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.
If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:
One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135
Upcoming Programs:
Broadcast 4549 Zoom: Manuel Cuba & Cesar Santisteban | Sunday 14 Jun 2026 1200PM PT
Guests: Manuel Cuba, Cesar Sa Santisteban
Zoom: Manuel and Cesar or Peru space and more, Details to follow


Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe