Guest: Jim Muncy; Topics: Renewal of the commercial space learning curve, human spaceflight safety, regulation, risks, leadership issues, how best to enable the private sector in space development, FAA, DoT, DoC and more.
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We welcomed Jim Muncy back to the program for a wide-ranging policy focused discussion. As with previous programs and their summaries, please refer to the Tags repeated below as they fairly represent our discussion topics and the order discussed. The Tags are repeated below for your convenience.
Tags: Jim Muncy, SLS and sustainability concerns, commercial space learning period renewal, concerns about government regulation, unsafe vs. being safe, FAA, DoT, OCST, AST, new budget concerns, Ocean Gate, skirting U.S. law, Mike Listner analysis, hazardous and risky ventures, no expectation of safety, human spaceflight and safety, Axiom, advanced technology leadership, Greta on the Space News cover, the need for uniting leadership, space debris issues, space solar power, national security, questioning the public in space, encouraging private space companies track record, enabling the private sector.
Our initial discussion focused on the status of the effort to renew the learning curve for regulating commercial space per the Commercial Space Act of 2004. Jim had much to say on why this should be renewed but our discussion led to commentary on government regulation, taking risks in human spaceflight, should there be an expectation of safety in spaceflight and lots more. Even the Ocean Gate sub accident came up. That part of the discussion prompted several additional and safety focused listener comments. Noted space attorney Michael Listner called in to talk government regulation and policy, what was going on and what was likely to unfold near term. Michael's commentary was an important part of this program so be sure to listen to him when you hear him calling. Michael has been invited back to the program for legal and policy updates and an end of the space policy review program.
Overall, our discussion addressed the importance of the private sector and enabling it to do better. Jim talked about a 40-year commercial space history plus the slow progress for some of the companies such as Blue Origin and ULA being dependent on the BE 4 Blue Origin engine for their new Vulcan rocket. In this part of the discussion, the subject of the public in space came up and possible regulation to limit or seriously curtain public space access. Jim had some very interesting things to say on these subjects plus they were important for our understanding of where we are with commercial space development, progress and for the future.
Jim was asked for his opinion on climate activist Greta having her photo on the cover of SpaceNews. Jim had much to say on this topic, but the bottom line was that she was such a divisive person with zero space expertise and experience that he thought she was a bad example for a leader for space development. Jim thought that there were many young people that were inspired but also knew space and have some real expertise in space and climate matters. He thought that a better choice should have and could have been made to inspire leadership for younger people. I thought this was an important part of our program with Jim so don't miss it.
Please post your comments/questions for Jim Muncy on our blog for this show. You can reach Mr. Muncy through me at The Space Show.
The Space Show
