Guest:  Chris Carberry;  Topics:  Explore Mars Humans2Mars event, why go to Mars, humans and Mars and 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 Chris Carberry back to the show to discuss the upcoming Humans2Mars event sponsored by Explore Mars, Inc.  This year's event will be in Washington, DC at GWU from May 9-11.  Check it out and get all the details including registration information at their website,  http://h2m.exploremars.org.  During the first segment, we talked about the event, main speakers, programming topics and the live streaming of the event again this year.  Listeners sent in several emails asking Chris if this or that topic would be covered at the event.

Other topics discussed in the first segment included various Mars architectures, hosting the Humans2Mars event in different cities and a request by listener Clark for Chris to list the top challenges for getting humans to Mars.  Chris had much to say in response to this question.  He listed policy as the main challenge but be sure to listen to all of what he had to say about challenges.  Ben followed up asking about our TRL for humans to Mars.  Chris provided us with a good answer but said we needed to get started or we would never accomplish the goal. Again, you do not want to miss what Chris had to say about our TRLs.

A few listeners pointed out recent criticism of humans to Mars plans and specifically SpaceX plans.  They wanted to know if the Explore Mars event was addressing the negative press for going to Mars.   Chris talked about polls his organization has done over the years indicating widespread public support. 

Peggy asked Chris for his humans to Mars pitch were he stuck in an elevator with President Trump for a few minutes.  You do not want to miss what Chris said in responding to this question.  Listeners sent in notes during the rest of the with their version of what they would say if in the elevator with President Trump. 

Tim asked about concerns for planetary protection and getting humans to the surface of Mars.  Chris said this was an important topic, there were concerns and they needed to develop and work out a strategy for all concerned.  This is another mini-discussion you do not want to miss.    Before the segment ended, B John sent in a note regarding Apollo and the impact it had on the US in the 70s that was not positive from his perspective.  Both Chris and I gave an answer to B John but he then sent in a follow up question that we handled in the second segment.

In the second segment, we took a call from John in Ft. Worth.  He wanted to comment on the B John email plus talk about why he thought the Moon was an important step on the way to Mars.  He also plugged his idea for SLS.  John and Chris had a good back and forth to open up the second segment of today's program.  Next, I read the follow up question from B John and Chris gave a good and detailed reply to B John. 

I asked Chris if he had noticed any gender differences among people wanting to go to Mars.  Our guest had much to say in response to this question and referred back to the polls he mentioned in the first segment of the show.  For the most part he said there were no noticeable gender differences according to our guest.  Chris also offered comments in support of diversity in helping to get humans to Mars. 

Before our program ended, Chris went over the conference logistics, travel, registration, hotels, and more.  He gave out his email address for those wanting to contact him with questions about the event.

Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog for this show.  You can reach Chris Carberry through his website, his address he gave out on air or through me.