On the Space Show twice this week!
After yesterday’s Starship/Superheavy test launch, David Livingston, who runs The Space Show, decided schedule an quick open-lines show for tomorrow, Sunday May 24, 2026 at noon (Pacific), asking all of the show’s board of advisors to come on and discuss their impressions of the launch and the future of SpaceX.
I agreed, mostly because I am curious to hear what the other board members think. They focus more on the engineering than I do, so I want their perspective. I will of course chime in when I think I have something to add.
In addition, I have a full two-hour appearance already scheduled on The Space Show for Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6 pm (Pacific). On that show I will expand on my own perspective SpaceX as well as all things related to space exploration, focusing less on engineering and more on the larger political and cultural issues.
In both cases, the shows will be aired live on Zoom. To join that Zoom meeting as a video participant you need to be a supporter of the Space Show by donating at least $100.
However, anyone can listen and participate by phone without donating. To do so you need to email David Livingston at drspace@thespaceshow.com prior to airtime for both the Zoom phone numbers and access permission. The name and the phone number you provide should agree with the same on your telephone number log in when you enter the Zoom waiting room. The Space Show is following Zoom security requirements in inviting public participation in this program.
Without the access codes, you will not be able to join.
You can also place a comment below saying you want to participate, and I will then put you in touch with David.
I hope some of my readers join the discussion. You have a lot to contribute, and you also would ask really pertinent questions.
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The print edition can be purchased at Amazon or from any other book seller. If you want an autographed copy the price is $60 for the hardback and $45 for the paperback, plus $8 shipping for each. Go here for purchasing details. The ebook is available everywhere for $5.99 (before discount) at amazon, or direct from my ebook publisher, ebookit. If you buy it from ebookit you don't support the big tech companies and the author gets a bigger cut much sooner.
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You might want to get with Nate P. so as to address a recent video some hedge-fund guru by the name of Patrick Boyle floated (one reason I don’t like money-men).
He seems to lament just how much control Elon maintains in the IPO—-but I myself am glad that such a set-up can block not only MacDoug poison pills, but it would keep the cards-against-humanity type stunts at bay.
I would prefer Elon made hydrogen stage-and-a-half LVs for technical reasons, but I don’t like the idea of Patrick Boyle trying to sour the milk based on any extant dislike for Musk personally…which I suspect may be the case.
A financial guru can ruin a company with just faint praise, let alone any hidden axes to grind.
I would like to see some laws passed to where engineers can pull rank over shareholder wishes.
Jeff Wright,
There are people much better suited to that than me, and I am unfortunately not available at the scheduled time regardless.
Will they eventually be available to the general public?
Darwin Teague: Yes. The Space Show zoom sessions are always released for download to the public after broadcast. See this link.
Very interesting discussion. What I heard was that SpaceX does not yet have all the engineering answers necessary to achieve a working Starship program. Would be very informative to see a checklist of the engineering milestones that have to be reached in order for Starship to work. Enough engine power to lift 100 tons to orbit. Engines which do not fail. Heat tiles which can handle a return from LEO and keep on ticking. This past flight checked a few boxes. Launch tower does not disintegrate. Raptor 3 engines work. Heat tiles handle sub orbital return.