The Value of Space Exploration During a Time of the Global Pandemic w/ Charlie Bolden #26

In This Episode

Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of space exploration and its implications for life on Earth with our esteemed guest, Charlie Bolden, former NASA Administrator and retired Major General in the U.S. Marines. In this episode, Charlie shares his insights on the fragility of the human body in space, the challenges of getting humans to Mars, and the transformative potential of space research on cancer treatment and crop growth.

Charlie discusses how space missions can lead to breakthroughs in medical technology, such as the development of targeted cancer therapies using microcapsules created in microgravity. He also highlights the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity within the space community, emphasizing that true progress relies on harnessing a wide range of perspectives. The conversation takes unexpected turns as Charlie reflects on historical parallels between past societal challenges and today's issues, offering a hopeful outlook for future generations.

This episode serves as a reminder that advancements in space exploration not only push the boundaries of human achievement but also hold the key to addressing critical issues facing our planet today.

Episode Outlines

• The fragility of the human body in space
• The challenges of getting humans to Mars
• Cancer treatment delivery through microcapsules
• The role of the International Space Station as a national laboratory
• Crop growth experiments and their implications for food security
• Interplanetary contamination concerns
• The importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity in space exploration
• Public-private partnerships in advancing space technology
• The impact of space research on Earth-based technologies
• Future possibilities for human life on Mars and beyond

Biography of the Guest

Charlie Bolden is a retired Major General in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as the 12th Administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017. During his tenure at NASA, he oversaw significant advancements in space exploration, including the transition to commercial crew missions. Charlie has flown four space shuttle missions and is a veteran astronaut with extensive experience in human spaceflight.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Charlie has received numerous awards for his service, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.

In addition to his work at NASA, Charlie is an advocate for STEM education and actively promotes diversity within the aerospace industry. He continues to contribute to discussions around space exploration's impact on society through various initiatives and public speaking engagements.

The themes in today’s episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into innovation, interconnected thinking, and paradigm-shifting ideas at  www.projectmoonhut.org—where the future is being built.