The Age of Infinite explores topics related to the emergence of infinite opportunities to improve life for all species through Mearth, our accelerating Moon-and-Earth based ecosystem. Fascinating, innovative, paradigm-shifting content is shared by experts in space, commerce, science, government, and the environment to enlighten, educate, inspire, and dare listeners to think bigger about infinite possibilities for the future.
Episodes
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
In This Episode
Join us as David Goldsmith welcomes John Mankins, president of Mankins Space Technology and former chief technologist at NASA, to discuss the critical topic of powering space. In this enlightening conversation, John shares groundbreaking insights on energy sources for space exploration and settlement, emphasizing the importance of solar and nuclear energy. He illustrates the challenges of energy costs in space, revealing that power on Mars can be up to 10,000 times more expensive than on Earth. The discussion takes unexpected turns as John explores the potential of modular solar power systems and wireless energy transmission, painting a vivid picture of how these innovations could revolutionize our approach to living and working in space.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to energy needs for space exploration
- Overview of primary energy sources: solar, nuclear, chemical, and mechanical
- Understanding the second law of thermodynamics in energy use
- Current state of energy costs in space versus Earth
- The role of solar power in future space missions
- Challenges of energy production on the Moon and Mars
- The concept of modular solar power systems for mass production
- Wireless power transmission: technology and applications
- Energy requirements for life support and agriculture in space
- Future prospects for sustainable living on the Moon and Mars
Biography of the Guest
John Mankins is the president of Mankins Space Technology and serves on the board of several prominent organizations, including the Moon Village Association and the National Space Society. With a background as a physicist and former chief technologist at NASA's Human Exploration Development of Space program, John has been at the forefront of space technology for decades. He is recognized for his significant contributions to energy solutions for space applications and is currently working on innovative projects aimed at making sustainable life in space a reality. His upcoming book, "Powering Space," promises to delve deeper into these themes, offering insights into the future of energy in our solar system.
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.
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
In This Episode
Join David Goldsmith as he converses with Ryut Abramovich, a scientific adviser at the Davidson Institute of Science and Education and core lecturer at the International Space University. Ryut shares her insights on the intersection of new technologies and sustainable life on the moon, particularly focusing on astrobiology and biotech solutions.
Key insights include the potential of astrobiology to inform our understanding of life in extreme environments, both on Earth and beyond. Ryut discusses how ancient trade routes can inform modern space logistics, emphasizing the importance of efficient trade routes for establishing a lunar economy. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore how advancements in 3D printing, nanosatellites, and AI could revolutionize space travel and resource management.
Ultimately, this episode connects the dots between historical trade practices and future space exploration, highlighting the broader implications for humanity’s progress in establishing a sustainable presence beyond Earth.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to Ryut Abramovich and her expertise in astrobiology
- Overview of astrobiology: origins and evolution of life
- The significance of extremophiles in biotechnology
- Exploring ancient trade routes and their relevance to modern logistics
- The concept of trade routes in the context of lunar and Martian economies
- 3D printing: potential applications in space construction
- Nanosatellites: revolutionizing communication and data collection
- The role of AI and machine learning in managing space logistics
- Synthetic biology: challenges and future prospects in space
- Closing thoughts on accelerating space-based ecosystems through collaboration
Biography of the Guest
Ryut Abramovich is a scientific adviser at the Davidson Institute of Science and Education and a core lecturer at the International Space University. She holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology, with a focus on astrobiology.
Throughout her career, Ryut has contributed significantly to research on extremophiles and their applications in biotechnology. Her work includes exploring microbial life forms that can survive extreme conditions, which has implications for both Earth-based industries and extraterrestrial environments.
Ryut is also involved in various projects aimed at advancing our understanding of life beyond Earth, making her a key figure in discussions about sustainable practices for future lunar colonization. Her insights into ancient trade routes provide a unique perspective on how we might establish logistical frameworks for space exploration.
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.
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
In This Episode
Join us as we explore the transformative potential of insurance in the space industry with Kirby Eiken, Chairman of the Board at the National Space Society. With over 30 years of experience in the space sector, Kirby shares groundbreaking insights on viewing insurance not merely as a safety net but as a powerful financial tool that can unlock opportunities for startups and established companies alike.
Throughout the conversation, Kirby emphasizes the importance of understanding risk exposure at various phases of space projects. He illustrates this with compelling examples, including how insurance can help secure contracts and attract investment by minimizing perceived risks. This approach not only aids in launching new ventures but also ensures their sustainability in an evolving market.
The discussion takes unexpected turns as Kirby reflects on his unique background in space advocacy and insurance underwriting, revealing how these experiences shaped his perspective on commercial space enterprises. The implications of this conversation extend beyond individual businesses, suggesting a paradigm shift that could accelerate the development of a thriving space economy.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to Kirby Eiken and his role in the National Space Society
- The importance of viewing insurance as a financial tool
- Understanding the essence of insurance in business
- Exposure and phases of risk in space projects
- Using insurance to secure customer contracts
- The role of stakeholders in shaping insurance strategies
- Innovative applications of insurance for startups
- The impact of risk perception on investment opportunities
- Future trends in space insurance and commercial connectivity
- Key takeaways for businesses entering the space industry
Biography of the Guest
Kirby Eiken is the Chairman of the Board at the National Space Society, where he advocates for space exploration and commercial enterprise development. With over three decades in the space industry, Kirby has held various roles, including space insurance underwriter, where he gained unique insights into managing risks associated with space ventures.
He holds degrees in law and commerce, specializing in accounting and financial management. His career highlights include facilitating innovative insurance solutions for emerging space businesses and contributing to discussions on sustainable practices within the industry.
Kirby's recent initiatives focus on bridging gaps between technology development and market viability, emphasizing how well-structured insurance programs can enhance business prospects. His work aims to foster a robust ecosystem that supports both new and established players in the rapidly evolving landscape of commercial space.
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.
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
In This Episode
Join us as David Goldsmith interviews Grant Anderson, co-founder of Paragon, a leader in life support systems for space exploration. With over 30 years of experience, Grant shares his insights on the often-overlooked importance of life support in human spaceflight.
Throughout the conversation, Grant emphasizes that life support is the "forgotten element of exploration," a critical component that is frequently overshadowed by more glamorous technologies like rockets and spacecraft design. He discusses how over $10 billion will be spent on spacecraft life support systems in the next two decades, highlighting the urgent need for innovation in this field.
Grant also shares compelling stories from his extensive career, illustrating how life support systems have evolved and their implications for future missions to Mars and beyond. The discussion takes unexpected turns as they explore how advancements in life support technology could address pressing issues on Earth, such as the global water crisis.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to Grant Anderson and Paragon
- The significance of life support in space exploration
- Understanding Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS)
- The projected $10 billion investment in life support systems
- The challenges of testing life support systems in microgravity
- The role of redundancy vs. maintainability in long-duration missions
- The global talent pool for life support engineering
- How life support technology can benefit Earth’s water crisis
- Future innovations in life support and environmental controls
- Closing thoughts on the importance of exploration for humanity
Biography of the Guest
Grant Anderson is the co-founder and CEO of Paragon Space Development Corporation, established in 1993. With a focus on advanced life support systems, Grant has played a pivotal role in numerous human spaceflight projects.
He holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering and has contributed to various publications on life support technologies. Under his leadership, Paragon has developed innovative solutions that not only enhance space exploration but also have real-world applications on Earth.
Grant’s recent initiatives include projects aimed at addressing global water scarcity through advanced purification technologies derived from space mission requirements. His work exemplifies the intersection between space exploration and sustainable living on Earth.
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.
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
Sunday Dec 30, 2018
In This Episode
Join us as we explore the cosmos with Pete Warden, a retired brigadier general and former director of NASA Ames Research Center. With a background in astrophysics and public policy, Pete shares his insights on the dynamic nature of the universe and our place within it. Key moments from our conversation include:
- The motivations behind humanity's expansion into space, driven by both threats to Earth and opportunities for exploration.
- Exciting possibilities for colonizing nearby celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars, including recent discoveries of water on these planets.
- The search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the implications of potentially discovering life beyond Earth.
As our discussion unfolds, we delve into unexpected topics such as the potential for interstellar travel and the philosophical questions surrounding communication with alien civilizations. This episode invites listeners to consider broader implications for human progress and the future of life in the universe.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to Pete Warden's background and expertise.
- Motivations for exploring the cosmos: threats vs. opportunities.
- The dynamic nature of our universe: timescales and spatial scales.
- Exploring our solar system: potential habitats on the Moon and Mars.
- The concept of terraforming and creating Earth-like environments elsewhere.
- The significance of asteroids and other celestial bodies for future colonization.
- The search for extraterrestrial intelligence: history and current efforts.
- The Fermi Paradox: why we haven't encountered alien life yet.
- Technological advancements in space travel: from probes to potential manned missions.
- Philosophical implications of discovering intelligent life beyond Earth.
Biography of the Guest
Pete Warden is a retired brigadier general with a distinguished career in both military service and space research. He served as the director of NASA Ames Research Center, where he led groundbreaking projects in astrophysics. Pete holds a degree from Syracuse University’s public policy school, which complements his scientific expertise with strategic thinking. His significant achievements include pioneering efforts in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and promoting sustainable practices in space exploration. Currently, he is involved in initiatives aimed at expanding human presence in space, emphasizing both the protection of Earth and the exploration of new frontiers.
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.