I’m just about to head out from the NewSpace 2009 conference. Honestly, I ditched out of all of today, and parts of the other days, between my propellant depot panel, and the white paper I was working on. The panel went pretty well, though I’d only give myself a B+ overall. One of these days I’m going to learn a tactful way of reining people back in when they decide to “ask a statement” instead of a asking a question. Most of the questions were excellent, but I didn’t get the time to ask the two questions I really wanted to go into — how should depots be funded? and what advice would they give to Administrator Bolden regarding depots?
It was a fun conference, but at this point all I care about is getting up to Oregon to see my wife and kids again. They’re what makes all of this worth it.
Jonathan Goff
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Jon, I’m not sure if you’ve seen this already, but the Augustine Commission subcommittee on beyond LEO exploration just posted a progress report:
http://www.nasa.gov/offices/hsf/members/subgroups.html
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/368722main_Beyond_LEO_07_12_09.pdf
Apparently propellant depots are one of the key topics they’re analyzing, and are seeking comments.
how should depots be funded?
A possible funding source is the oil companies. Who sells NASA RP-1, LOX and methane?
Oil companies have a long history of running large projects – pipelines, oil rigs and gas stations.
Jon,
A Taser(TM) does an excellent job fixing a “questioner” who is actually a pontificator.
Seriously, though, don’t be hard on yourself. You’ll be better prepared next time. Just do as Presidents do to Helen Thomas at White House press conferences… don’t call on he who shall remain nameless, and ask *your* question.
Safe travels… the 9 hour (or so) drive is beautiful, but in your condition, it probably wasn’t fun.