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Welcome to our Open Lines program with Dr. David Livingston. Topics: Space industry and COVID-19, space policy, national security space, oil and energy industry, and more.
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Welcome to our two hour 40 minute two segment discussion which for the most part turned out to be about COVID-19 and the space industry. I also pointed out that during this virus crisis, some guests were canceling and some were delaying accepting invitations. I suggested adding in Open Lines programs, regardless of the day or time slot, when there was no scheduled guest. Since many of us are home, perhaps you would like to listen and participate and talk about the virus or or anything else on your mind. I will do my best to post such shows on the Upcoming Show Menu so listeners will know if such a show will be happening soon. In addition, I suggested people wanting to talk with me or other Space Show folks while we are home, to post that on our blog. I can get cell numbers for people and selectively share them so we can call each other. If you want to do that, let us know on the blog but all email addresses and cell numbers should only be disclosed to me by private email.
Our first caller was an excellent one from Robert in Houston. He talked about what was happening in the oil industry and the Russian-Saudi actions driving down prices. Robert spoke with us on this topic, then the virus and its impact on space, possible election impact and more for about 33 minutes. It was an excellent call which I urge you to listen to with great attention.
Marshall called next to tell us what farmers were doing during the COVID-19 outbreak. He divided his comments into three categories. Before he finished his call, he asked the question "why go to space?" Let us know what you think of what he said in response to this question. Do post your comments on our blog. We want to hear from you.
The subject of the Mars sample return came up. The suggestion was offered that we take the Mars sample return and evaluate it on the surface of mars with animals or rodents. Don't miss the detail behind this suggestion or the sample return and planetary protection policy discussion that followed. Gordon, in his call from Virginia, had much to say on this concept.
Freemont John called to mention a Wall Street Journal article about the passing of Freeman Dyson, then he told us about a website known as Web of Stories. John posted links on our blog in support of this site and the WSJ obituary. By the way, most of our callers posted blog comments supporting their call. Check them all out plus the man visual that have been posted in support of multiple listener phone calls for today's program. We finished with John by talking about the satellite and internet businesses and how they needed to be maintained during this crisis. When I asked John for his thoughts on the virus and the space industry, he thought it would definitely cause a slow down in some aspects of the space industry.
David called from Glendale. He used to call us from Seattle but he has been spending more time in Arizona than the Washington state. He wanted to report on his strong positive outlook for the possible successful treatment of COVID-19 by the French doctor using an already existing malaria drug on the market. I cautioned him to temper his excitement pending drug tests with patents in the US but I don't think he tempered his excitement. What do you think? I did hear this morning that TV Dr. OZ is funding or helping to fund a random FDA study of the malaria drug with a ZPAK at Columbia to start this week, plus the Cleveland Clinic. Later, I heard that other studies using these two drugs were underway in the US. If it is as good as reported, I would think we would hear something in 7-10 days. Dr. Oz reported talking to the French doctor over the weekend and was very impressed. As always, trust but verify. Being skeptical as I am does not mean I can't be hopeful or optimistic. I am both but as I said, I am also skeptical. Everyone hopes that they do the study and it is as exciting as people seem to think.
Michael Listner called. He told us about his new podcast which he started. Find out about it on our blog. He also talked about the upcoming new issues of his quarterly newsletter. Post your comments about his podcast and newsletter when you get it on the show. Share the wealth so to speak with other Space Show listeners.
Kim from Mexico was our next caller. She said things were changing in her tourist town in Mexico and public places were now closing though the virus was not yet in her area. I asked if it was impacting her Moonwards work. She said no but she does computer work. Listen to her full response . We took advantage of her call have her update Moonwards plus we wished her a Happy Birthday.
John Hunt called to suggest watching a YouTube cosmology educational series by Dr. Leonard Susskind of Stanford while we are all on lockdown. John posted the info on how to do that on our blog for this show. John also updated his ongoing virus analysis which he uploaded to our blog. I asked him for his thoughts on the virus and aerospace since he recently retired from that industry. He thought it might depend on the degree of national security a particular company or workforce dealt with as those segments and activities would continue.
Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog for this show. If you want to contact any of the callers for our program today, let me know.