Guest:  Rod Pyle; Topics:  Rod's latest three space books, space policy and news, plus much more.  Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.com.   Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm.

We welcomed Rod Pyle back to the program to discuss his three latest and outstanding space books, "Amazing Stories of the Space Age," "Mars: Making Contact," and "Blueprint For A Battlestar."  During the first segment of our 1 hour 47 minute program, we talked about Rod's Amazing Stories book.  Besides being a fun, entertaining, very informative, and historical book, the stories take us back in history to some of the unusual events, programs and happenings starting out in the early days of the industry. We highlighted several projects talked about in the book including Nazi space program such as Project Silverbird, Orion for nuclear propulsion, Lunex, military programs competing with the Army, Air Force, and Navy, Von Braun stories, high ground stories with the military and the Moon as part of the Cold War, the Dyna-Soar project, Turtlenauts, Viking, plus other early stories that were both entertaining and informative. 

Our first segment discussion also gave rise to listener questions about the Chinese space program with assumptions that might involve the US Congress and our space policy. Rod mentioned the loss of interest and public support later in the Apollo program and the cancellation of the last Apollo missions.  I brought in the competition for the space program by the nation's focus on Vietnam and the divisions going on in the country back then.  Rod then introduced us to the Lunex program which was Chapter 5 in his book.  Don't miss what he had to say about this.

Rich called from Oregon to say he was torn between the Moon and Mars.  Rod and Rich had much to say about this but then I suggested both (and all the listeners) listen to TSS program from last Sunday with Dr. Larry Kuznetz on the Mars spacesuit.  Larry was asked about the Moon Mars issue near the end of the show and provided listeners with a blunt assessment of why the Moon was not supportive for Mars and more.  Don't miss what I said about this as I explained Larry's perspective which we don't hear that often on TSS.  I also urged both Rod and Rich as well as all the listeners to hear Larry's Space Show program from Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. 

Doug's email I mentioned a few minutes ago was the last item for the first segment which also included my comments on the Chinese economy and possible impact on their long term space program.  Here is a copy of the email he sent:  "Let's say that we find that China is planning on not only ending crew to the Moon like we did decades ago but they indicate that their objective is to do better by establishing humanity's first permanent off-Earth foothold.  What's more, let's say that we estimate that it would take much for them to drive around the poles, surveying, prospecting, and improving the polar areas by creating dustless roads.  Don't you think that some congressmen would start to get nervous about them taking the lead and excluding us from their operating areas meaning the lunar poles.  What do you think?"  Doug's question did produce a vibrant discussion.

In the second segment, we first took a call from Richard Easton as he had recently read Rod's "Amazing Stories Of The Space Age" book.  Richard was very complimentary of the book.  Rod and Richard went on to talk about Sputnik, Vanguard, TV coverage, the Cold War, Von Braun and much more. 

Next, we focused on Rod's new coffee table book, "Mars: Making Contact."  I noted many of the very special photos used in the book with most interesting back stories. His book also had great  information on Viking plus coffee table books in general and the use of printers in Asia.  This book is of very high quality.

His third book discussed was "Blueprint for A Battlestar: Serious Scientific Explanations Behind Sci-Fi's Greatest Inventions."  Most of the photos and technology diagrams and drawings are presented in the format of the old fashioned blueprint which makes for a very unique and interesting presentation.  Rod depicted lots of technologies and sci-fi instruments including weapons.  The stories and facts are terrific as are the photos so this too is a terrific book which you should definitely check out and get. 

Toward the end of our program, we talked about the Raw Science Film Festival which Rod attended, Kerri's incredible accomplishment with her film festival effort and the to screened film at this year's festival, "Passenger 25" which you can see on the Raw Science website for the film festival.  As we were closing the show, Rod talked about the publishing industry and the importance of readers leaving reviews on the online website pages for the author and his/her books.

Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog for this program.  You can reach Rod Pyle through me or his website, www.pylebooks.com.