He runs a website The Physics of SpaceX (http://thephysicsofspacex.wordpress.com), dedicated to breaking down various SpaceX topics, specifically:
- Explaining the infeasibility of second stage re-use - Comparing first stage rocket engines - Comparing upper stage rocket engines
The cool thing is that he does so from a first principles standpoint.
In the interview we cover a bunch of different topic areas related to SpaceX and mars colonisation.
The interview can be listened to online: http://radio2.marssociety.org/2016/09/18/rpr-episode-3-thomas-myers-physics-of-spacex-blog/
or via iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/red-planet-radio/id1153447975?mt=2
Content includes:
- Intro to Tom and how he came to start his blog “The Physics of SpaceX” - Why SpaceX only reuses the first stage of the Falcon 9 - What SpaceX Mars colonisation logistics may look like (BFR + MCT). How the MCT could re-fuel in space - How “breaking” when arriving at Mars works - Fuel options on Mars (Methane or Hydrogen) - Who might be the first people to go to Mars? - Discussion of Skylon’s single stage to orbit liquid hydrogen concept - Ion engines and “going the long way around” to Mars - 38m – How ion engines work (vs liquid propellant) (loosely explained) - SpaceX plans for creating an internet satellite network - 51m – In situ-resource utilisation. Why we want to go to Mars vs building something in empty space. - Asteroid Mining - Feasibility of living underground on Mars - 1hr – Future Mars governance & future independence - Self driving cars on Mars - 1hr 18m – Virtual Reality utilisation on Mars - 1m 28m – Various rationales for going to Mars - 1hr 31m – Comparing the discovery of the Americas to Mars exploration
Hopefully the conversation is of interest. If you want to discuss it, reach out to either me or Tom in the comments.
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