The Space Show hosted by: Dr. David Livingston

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.

You can listen anytime you like to any guest that has been on The Space Show or its predecessor, Business Without Boundaries, using Windows Media Player.

Broadcast 859 (Special Edition)	Listen to the show!
Aired on December 24th, 2007
Guest: Robert Zimmerman
Guest: Robert Zimmerman. Robert Zimmerman was our guest for this special Christmas Eve Space Show program. Thus, how appropriate for Bob to lead off the discussion with a look back 39 years ago to the Apollo 8 mission to the Moon and the reading from Genesis in the Old Testament by the three crewmen as they went around the Moon on that special Christmas Eve. Bob told us the story of events leading up to selecting and reading from Genesis, and provided us with information from his interviews with those involved at the time. During this segment, we also talked about other meaningful astronaut statements from space on holidays or for other events. One listener even inquired if the astronauts have a holiday schedule when in space on a day such as Christmas. This discussion comprised our first segment for the program but we referred to it throughout this Christmas Eve broadcast. Other topics discussed on this show included the Hubble Space Telescope and its pending repair mission, space shuttle flights and safety, COTS, presidential candidates and their views on space, all with many listener questions. Additionally, Bob got some questions from a listener regarding better uses of public money for society needs rather than space. Both Bob and I responded to this listener, but as always when this type of question comes up, its not only hard to answer but equally hard to change a person's perspective. Another listener question involved the robotic space component and scientific missions being more inspiring than the manned program so why focus on the manned program. Bob thought the question to be loaded , but you will want to hear how he answered this person in Minneapolis. Science and education were also topics discussed on this program. As with so many Space Show programs, India and China were discussed in terms of their plans to go to the Moon , but this time from the point of view of what this might mean for the United States. You will want to hear Bob's view on this issue. Visit Robert Zimmerman's website at http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze3cxxp/zimbib.htm. Per his website, you can send your additional comments and questions to zimmerman@nasw.org.

About our guest...

Robert Zimmerman
Robert Zimmerman is a well known and respected space historian and author. He posts regularly at his new website, http://behindtheblack.com, on space, science, and other matters relating to cultural and political issues. Mr. Zimmerman is also an award winning author. His most recent book, THE UNIVERSE IN A MIRROR: THE SAGA OF THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE AND THE VISIONARIES WHO BUILT IT (Princeton University Press) was just released in paperback. The book tells the poignant tale of the men and women behind the telescope, and how many had to sacrifice careers and family to get it built. It also describes in detail the importance of Hubble both scientifically and culturally. More than any other instrument sent into space, the Hubble Space Telescope reshaped the human perception of our place in the universe. Robert's previous book, LEAVING EARTH: SPACE STATIONS, RIVAL SUPERPOWERS, AND THE QUEST FOR INTERPLANETARY TRAVEL, is a must read! It describes in detail the history of manned space flight, post Apollo. Thus, it includes a lot of information about the Soviet/Russian space program that is unknown to most Americans. In 2003 American Astronautical Society awarded LEAVING EARTH the Eugene Emme Award as that year's the best space history for the general public. Mr. Zimmerman has also authored GENESIS, THE STORY OF APOLLO 8 (published by Four Walls Eight Windows in 1998), telling the family and political tale behind the first human journey to another world, and THE CHRONOLOGICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DISCOVERIES IN SPACE (published by Oryx Press, now ABC-CLIO, 2000), a detailed reference book describing what was accomplished on every space mission beginning in October 1957 with Sputnik and continuing through December 1999. His work is published regularly in such magazines as SCIENCE, ASTRONOMY, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, INVENTION & TECHNOLOGY, FORTUNE, AD ASTRA, AMERICAN HISTORY, STARDATE, and many other major magazines. In 2000 he was co-winner of the David N. Schramm Award, given by the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the American Astronomical Society for Science Journalism. He can be reached at zimmerman at nasw dot org.

[ Return to the main page ]

NOTICE: The views and comments expressed on The Space Show by its guests, callers, and listeners belong to the maker. The Space Show and its host serve only as a platform and are not responsible for other's comments or view. All topics discussed on The Space Show are primarily for educational purposes.

Streaming audio requires Microsoft Windows Media Player or compatible audio player
For technical support please contact the webmaster: Webmaster@TheSpaceShow.com

Website and audio content are for personal use only and protected by U.S. copyright law.
For more information e-mail Dr. David Livingston: DrSpace@TheSpaceShow.com