Rocketplanes, Space Yachts and New Space Geeks at SpaceUp!

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: This Planetary Radio episode spotlights the Space Up San Diego unconference, where leaders from new-space companies and the space tourism movement discuss amateur planet monitoring, XCOR’s Lynx progress, private spaceflight’s growth, and a vision for orbital hospitality. It also covers Bill Nye’s appearance at the White House Science Fair and the role of science education in future innovation.

Main Topics: Space Up San Diego unconference: Emily Lakdawalla and Matt Kaplan reflect on the third annual Space Up event, a gathering of space enthusiasts, engineers, and advocates that emphasized networking, idea-sharing, and grassroots enthusiasm for space. XCOR Aerospace and Lynx development: Jeff Lichardello describes XCOR’s suborbital spaceplane Lynx, its physical models at the event, and the company’s planned test flight and commercial timeline. Space tourism and orbital super-yachts: John Spencer outlines a long-term vision for private spaceflight, including space tourism growth, new investment from outside the traditional space sector, and luxury orbital experiences. Amateur astronomy and changing outer planets: Emily explains how amateurs contribute to monitoring Jupiter and Saturn via uploaded images, highlighting visible atmospheric changes such as Jupiter’s pale Red Spot and cloud activity. Bill Nye at the White House Science Fair: Bill Nye discusses the White House Science Fair, the importance of youth science competitions, and the administration’s emphasis on science and technology as engines of economic and social progress. Public science communication and education: Bruce Betts closes with a live ‘What’s Up’ astronomy segment from a university classroom, blending outreach, skywatching tips, and a trivia contest to engage listeners.

Key Arguments: Amateur astronomers play an important role in tracking dynamic planetary weather and often provide observations that professionals do not continuously gather. Space Up succeeds because it brings together a broad community of space fans, engineers, and companies in a friendly, collaborative environment that still allows healthy competition. XCOR’s Lynx is progressing toward a 2012 test flight and later commercial operations, illustrating the maturation of commercial suborbital spaceflight. The new space industry is at a tipping point because commercial activity, public attention, and NASA’s commercial partnerships are converging. Bill Nye argues that science literacy and student innovation are essential to future economic growth and world-changing technological progress. John Spencer argues that large, underused pools of capital and interest from hospitality, finance, and media industries could accelerate space tourism and orbital experiences.

Data Points: White House Science Fair student competitions: 40 - Bill Nye says students from 40 science competitions attended the White House Science Fair. Private space tourists flown by 2012: 8 - John Spencer notes Dennis Tito was the first and seven others had since flown as private space tourists, with one person flying twice. Space Up San Diego attendees: Mostly 20-somethings, ranging from toddlers to at least one attendee in his late 80s - Matt Kaplan describes the age range and community mix at the unconference. XCOR Lynx model scale: 1.6 scale - Jeff Lichardello says the company had recently received 1.6-scale models of the Lynx suborbital vehicle. XCOR test-flight target: End of 2012 - Jeff says XCOR hoped to get air under Lynx’s gear by the end of the year. XCOR commercial operations target: 2014 - Jeff says publicly the company was shooting for commercial operations sometime in 2014. Space Tourism Society founding: Mid-1990s - John Spencer says he founded the Space Tourism Society in the mid-90s. Private space tourism milestone: April 2001 - John Spencer cites Dennis Tito’s flight as the first private space citizen mission. Space tourism anniversary discussed: 10-year anniversary - John Spencer says they hosted the 10-year anniversary of the first private space citizen flight the previous April. Potential idle capital: Over $6 trillion - John Spencer claims more than $6 trillion in major corporate and government money is sitting unused and could flow into new industries. Mars opposition date: March 3 - Bruce Betts says Mars will be at opposition on March 3. Venus Express orbital period: About 24 hours - Bruce Betts gives the answer to the trivia contest about ESA’s Venus Express. Live class broadcast time: Wednesdays, 3:00–4:30 p.m. Pacific - Bruce Betts mentions the live TV/internet astronomy class schedule.

Pivotal Quotes: "I feel like the new space industry is at a tipping point." — Jeff Lichardello: He explains why XCOR staff and other new-space participants are energized by Space Up and the broader commercial space movement. "Science and technology is how you innovate for the future." — Bill Nye: He speaks about the White House Science Fair and why student science projects matter for long-term progress. "We're this kind of friendly, welcoming front door to the hospitality and entertainment industries." — John Spencer: He describes the Space Tourism Society’s role in connecting nontraditional industries to space tourism and orbital experiences.

Implications: The episode portrays commercial space as moving from aspiration to execution, driven by startups, public outreach, and new investors. It also suggests amateur observations and youth science programs remain crucial to the field’s future.