Long Conversation 12 of 19 | Peter Schwartz and Pete Worden

TL;DR

The future of space flight involves private sector involvement, new technologies like electric propulsion and heavy-lift airships, and the possibility of settling on other worlds.

Transcript

[Applause] Peter how you doing great I got a say so I don't know if you know I mean I'm an astronomical engine right so like this is heaven and you can turn off the clock now we're gonna geek out for about the next two hours I got lots of questions so can we pick up where were you were absolutely so the future of space flight okay has been very con... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 The future of space flight involves settling on another world, which signifies progress in long-term thinking and evolution of the human space program.
• 😘 NASA's new plan includes turning to the private sector for low-earth orbit operations and focusing on building a true spaceship for interplanetary travel.
• 😒 The use of electric propulsion and heavy-lift airships could change the way we travel in both space and aviation.
• 🌍 Synthetic biology offers potential in modifying life to adapt to environments on other worlds.
• 🔋 The future of aviation could become more sustainable through the use of high-density batteries powered by ground-based solar grids.
• 🗺️ DARPA has started the 100 Year Starship project, aiming to invest in technologies for interstellar travel.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is NASA's new plan for space flight?

NASA's new plan involves relying on the private sector for low-earth orbit operations while focusing on building a true spaceship for interplanetary travel.

Q: What are the challenges in building a spaceship and settling on other worlds?

One challenge is the lack of funding to rebuild Apollo, which led to the need for a new approach. Another challenge is finding a way to live in another world, which may involve modifying life through synthetic biology.

Q: How do electric propulsion and heavy-lift airships fit into the future of space flight?

Electric propulsion offers a more efficient and cost-effective way to travel between worlds, while heavy-lift airships could revolutionize air transport by offering cheap, overnight travel for shorter distances.

Q: How can the future of aviation become more sustainable?

One solution is to use high-density batteries powered by ground-based solar grids, which would make aviation more fuel-efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The future of space flight is aimed at settling another world, marking a shift in long-term thinking and progress in the human space program.

• NASA's new plan involves turning to the private sector for low-earth orbit operations, while focusing on building a true spaceship for interplanetary travel.

• The future of space colonization may involve modifying life through synthetic biology to adapt to another world's environment.