A report on the opening of the Space Travelers Emporium (see previous items here, here and here), a combination space theme shop and space advocates hangout, last weekend in San Diego: Space Travelers Emporium Now Open - SpacePod 2010.07.20 - Spacevidcast.

The San Diego Space Society has opened the Space Travelers Emporium in the city: San Diego Space Society launches out of this world from South Park - San Diego Uptown News - July.9.10

The storefront is designed like a small gift shop, selling posters, T-shirts, and even space suits—currently modeled by a mannequin that Clark has nicknamed Marsha White. More importantly, the Emporium will offer tickets for suborbital flight—near-space sightseeing flights set to begin by 2015—for the hefty fee of $100,000 to $200,000 a person.

The facility also provides a

a library for Space Society members and a space-travel supply shop and will host Space Society workshops, meetings and events.

Sounds like a great place for space enthusiasts to hang out.

I don't see an website specifically for the Emporium but there is this brief item on the SDSpace site: Grand Opening - Space Travelers Emporium -San Diego Space Society

Some links to space related groups in South Africa:
/-- South African Space Groups Taking Shape - 62 Mile Club - July.9.10
/-- Foundation for Space Development - South Africa
/-- African Space Institute - ASI - A non-profit for the advancement of space in Africa - South Africa

A message from the Coalition for Space Exploration:

Presenting the Explore Our Space contest! To celebrate the launch of the Coalition for Space Exploration’s new website, we’ve created a fun and interactive way for site visitors to win some exciting prizes, including a chance to watch one of the final space shuttle launches from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. While “Exploring Our Space” visitors will experience the new dynamic features we’ve added to the site designed to increase the public’s knowledge about space exploration.

We're posing five questions to complete in order to be entered to win the prizes. The answers to these questions are found on the Web site.

The contest runs throughout the month of July, and we will draw for winners on Aug. 2. Each winner will be notified immediately by e-mail.

The grand prize is four tickets to view the STS-133 launch, the last mission of shuttle Discovery, which is currently scheduled for Nov. 1, 2010. The tickets include entry to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and access to the closest public viewing area to the launch pad. The tickets do not include travel or expenses related to traveling to Florida to view the launch.

We will also be giving away 10 pairs of IMAX movie tickets, redeemable at an IMAX Theater of the winner’s choice.

In addition, everyone who answers the questions can download an Exploration Digital Prize Package, which includes cool space-themed icons and wallpaper to customize their computer background.

Please stop by the Coalition Web site at http://www.spacecoalition.com to check it out and help us Explore Our Space.

Here' s a report on a celebration of the first anniversary of the founding of The Space Tweep Society. The event took place in Cocoa Beach after the launch of the Shuttle Atlantis: Space Tweep Society 1st Anniversary Twelebration - Spacepirations - June.4.10.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, April 19, 2010: 2-3:30 PM PDT We welcome back Marc Millis. Marc Millis is a leading international authority on the search for breakthrough spaceflight propulsion - the kind of propulsion breakthroughs that would make interstellar voyages practical.

2. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 7-8:30 PM PDT: OPEN LINES. Call in and let us hear what is on your mind.

3. Thursday, March April 22, 2010, 9:30-10:30 AM PDT: We welcome back Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX. Your phone calls are welcome but please be succinct to allow for as many callers as possible.

4. Friday, April 23, 2010: 9:30-11:30 AM PDT: We welcome Dr. Clay Moltz to the program. Dr. Clay Moltz is an associate professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School, where he also holds a joint appointment in the Space Systems Academic Group.

5. Sunday,April 25, 2010. 12-1:30 PM PDT: We welcome back Dr. Jeff Bell from Hawaii. Dr. Bell is a scientist, writer, and frequent contributor to SpaceDaily.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, April 12, 2010, 2-3:30 PM PDT: We welcome back Veronica Ann Zabala-Aliberto to discuss the upcoming ISDC, provide us with a report on Space Access Society and more.

2. Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7- 8:30 PM PDT: This show is in honor of Apollo 13. Our guests will be Gary Moir and Don Harvey.

3. Friday, April 16, 2010, 9:30-11:30 AM PDT: We welcome back noted author Dr. Philip Harris to the show. We will be discussing the recommendation for a White House Conference on Space, space development, and space policy. For more information, visit www.drphilipharris.com.

4. Sunday, April 18, 12-1:30 PM PDT. We welcome back Mark Whittington, journalist, author. Mark will provide us with different perspectives on U.S. space policy.

Go to AMSAT News for the latest headlines about developments in amateur and student satellites and for updates about amateur radio on the ISS :

1. Monday, April 5, 2010, 2-3:30 PM PDT: We welcome back Eric Lerner of Focus Fusion. We look forward to his updates, fusion progress reports, and more.

2. CLASSROOM : Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 7- 8:30 PM PDT: The Space Show Classroom subject focuses on commercial and New Space rockets and launchers. Dr. Jeff Foust of Futron and The Space Review is our guest panelist. Co-hosts are Dr. Jim Logan and Dr. John Jurist.

3. Friday, April 9, 2010, 9:30-11:30 AM PDT: We welcome Marcia Smith of SpacePolicyOnline (www.spacepolicyonline.com). Ms. Smith is one of the most respected space policy experts in Washington and she is a true expert on Congress. This is definitely a program you want to hear!

4. NOTE DAY AND TIME CHANGE: SATURDAY, April 10, 9:30-11 AM PDT. We welcome back Dr. Alan Stern and Dr. John Pojman to discuss the Suborbital Research Group (SARG).

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, March 29, 2010, 2-3:30 PM PDT: We welcome back Robert Zimmerman for space news updates, policy updates, and more.

2. CLASSROOM AND SPECIAL TIME: : Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 8- 9:30 PM PDT: The Space Show Classroom subject is New Space, what it is, its capabilities, its possibilities. Our guest panelist is Paul Breed of Unreasonable Rockets. This program is co-hosted with Dr. John Jurist, Dr. Jim Logan, and myself.

3. Friday, April 2, 2010, 9:30-11:30 AM PDT: We welcome Dr. David Goldberg, co-author of A User's Guide to the Universe: Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty. Dr. Goldberg is a physics professor at Drexel University.

4. Sunday, April 4, 12-1:30 PM PDT. We welcome Chris Radcliff of SpaceUP Space Exploration. Check them out at http://spaceup.org/agenda.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, March 22, 2010, 2-3:30 PM PDT: We welcome Eduardo Jezierski to the show to discuss his work at InSTEDD in building technologies for health, development, and crisis response. He has much to say about working with engineers to accelerate the cycle of invention and deployment.

2. Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 7-8:30 PM PDT: The Space Show welcomes Steve Landeene, Executive Director of Spaceport America.

3. Friday, March 26, 2010, 9:30-11:30 AM PDT: We welcome back Dr. Paul Dear from the UK regarding N-Prize updates and more.

4. Sunday, March 28, 12-1:30 PM PDT. We wlecome Mark Bray, NASA contractor at MSFC with 16 years of experience in the manned space flight programs at NASA.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, March 15, 2010: 2-3:30 PM PDT We welcome Henry Vanderbilt to update us about the coming Space Access conference. For details, visit www.space-access.org.

2. Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 7-8:30 PM PDT: We welcome Michael Heartsong of Promethean Enterprises regarding mining on the Moon and in space. Check out www.miningthesky.com/brochure.html.

3. Wednesday, March 17, 2010: This is the last of the archived recorded Responsive Space 8 interviews. Here we feature Col. (RES), Yoram Ilan-Lipovsky from Israel. He started the Israeli space program in the Israeli Air Force. This is an unusual but important interview as it addresses space from both a national security as well as commercial perspective. While it specifically addresses Israel, it is also applicable to the U.S. and other nations. When you see the program on the website, its ready for play and podcasting.

4. Friday, March 19, 2010: 9:30-11:30 AM PDT: We welcome Peter K. Homer to the show. He is the developer of pressure capable gloves and suits for private spaceflight, industrial and medical uses) Peter is an aerospace engineer with degrees from Stanford University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His company is Flagsuit LLC.

5. Sunday, March 21, 2010. 12-1:30 PM PDT: We welcome back Dr. Paul Spudis to discuss the Administration's proposed space policy.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, March 8, 2010, 2-3:30 PM PST: As I am headed to Los Angeles for the Responsive Space Conference, this program is a replay from Thursday, March 4 with Dr. Erik Seedhouse regarding his new book, The New Space Race. When you see the program archived on the website, its ready for your playing and podcasting.

2. Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 7-8:30 PM PST: The Space Show is live at the Responsive Space Conference at the Westin Hotel, Los Angeles. There will be a live audience, any topic goes though usually we talk about responsive space issues for a large part of the show. Email and chat will be available. We will not have access to the toll free line.

3. Friday, March 12, 2010, 9:30-11:30 AM PST: This program will consist of taped interviews from The Responsive Space conference. When you see the program on the website, its ready for play and podcasting.

4. Sunday, Sunday, March 14, 12-1:30 PM PDT. Daylight savings time is back. We welcome the return of Bruno Stanek of Switzerland to The Space Show to discuss our space policy and more with a perspective from Europe. Check the website newsletter for Mr. Stankek's full and current bio.

The We Want Our Future (WeWantOurFuture.org) is a "grassroots space-based outreach/advocacy initiative run by students, for students". The goal is to "inspire students across the country to dream about their future and recognize the importance of science, technology, engineering and math in making these dreams a reality". This pamphlet describes the initiative.


The program works as follows:

1. Instructors or group leaders read to the students an introduction letter written by former NASA astronaut Joe Tanner
2. Students watch a short, inspirational video highlighting the benefits of exploration on land, in the air, at sea and in space.
3. Students are asked to imagine their future careers where science, technology, engineering and math are important.
4. Students create a postcard drawing that depict their dreams for the future (especially with respect to space)
5. On the back of the postcard the students write a short explanation of why that future is so important and inspiring.
6. The drawings are sent to the WWOF project office. Collectively these impressions will be used as a symbol promoting continued space exploration. As a whole, the postcards will represent a message from youth across the country that they want a future with robust space exploration.

See WeWantOurFuture.org for more details.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, March 1, 2010: 2-3:30 PM PST We welcome Cynda Collins Arsenault, the co- founder of the Secure World Foundation to the program (see secureworldfoundation.org).

2. Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 7-8:30 PM PST: Howard Bloom returns to comment on the new NASA space policy program.

3. Thursday, March 4, 2010: 9:30-11AM PST:, We welcome back Dr. Eric Seedhouse regarding his new book, The New Space Race.This program will archive for Monday March 8th and replay at that time as I will be at Responsive Space in Los Angeles. You can purchase this book from www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/books.

4. Friday, March 5, 2010: 9:30-11:30 AM PST: There is no show today as I am taking a personal day.

A new Mars activist organization is formed:

Announcing the formation of Explore Mars, Inc.
Thu, 25 Feb 2010

BOSTON, Mass., Feb. 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- We are pleased to announce the formation of Explore Mars, Inc. (exploremars.org). Explore Mars is a project oriented group that was created to promote science and technology innovation and education with a use for Mars Exploration. Through a series of technology innovation awards, scientific symposiums and workshops, Mars analog work, technology demonstrations, and other programs, we provide a platform for scientists and "citizen scientists" to engage in meaningful space exploration research and development in the private sector.

In the first half of 2010, Explore Mars will launch a series of technology development challenges relating to Mars exploration, with prizes ranging from $10,000 - $100,000. There has been a common misconception that any sort of Mars prize would require billions of dollars to launch. In reality, there are an enormous number of technologies and processes that need to be developed before we send humans to Mars. Many of these technologies can be developed now and for less than $100,000. Teaming with Aerojet Corporation and others, the first of these challenges will focus on in situ resource utilization - technologies that will allows us to "live off the land" on other planets.

The new focus on private sector investment in space creates a unique opportunity for Explore Mars. "Not only do we plan to promote the humans to Mars cause," said Explore Mars Executive Director, Chris Carberry, "but with the right mix of prizes, programming, and projects, we can make a significant contribution in advancing the cause of sending humans to Mars."

In addition, collaborating with Aerojet and NASA's Spaceward Bound, we will be creating the Mars Education Challenge that will challenge educators to design new and innovative Mars curriculum. We hope this curricula will inspire more students to become interested in space exploration.

According to Explore Mars President, Artemis Westenberg, "Inspiring young people is a wonderful way of creating your own best future. Teaching them about all space exploration has to offer them will bring about innovation useful to Earth and Mars." Explore Mars will also be running a series of scientific and engineering workshops and symposiums, with a Mars agriculture workshop tentatively scheduled to take place in the spring of 2011.

Explore Mars plans to announce details of at least two prizes in the first half of 2010. The Explore Mars team includes individuals such as Apollo 11 Astronaut, Buzz Aldrin; NASA Planetary scientist, Dr. Chris McKay; Space historian, Andy Chaikin; former Biosphere 2 director of science and research, Bruno D.V. Marino; and many others. Explore Mars will provide additional details on these programs in the near future as it ambitiously starts moving ahead on these exciting new endeavors.

For more information regarding the Explore Mars organization, please visit: www.exploremars.org.

I got this message today from David Livingston about a special program added to the schedule for The Space Show:

Thursday, February 25, 2010, 2:30-4 PM PST Special Show: We welcome back Greg Meholic with Dr. Mario Pinheiro on the fluid like nature of spacetime, gravity, inertia, and everything. Our two guests will be with us live from the SPESIF Conference.

Greg Meholic is member of the AIAA Nuclear and Future Flight Propulsion Technical Committee, a regular chair of the Future Flight sessions at the Joint Propulsion Conferences, and has published a number of papers about faster-than-light travel, the construct of space-time, and the grand unified theory. He currently supports space launch vehicle concept development and propulsion system studies for the US Government. During the past seven years, Greg has worked on upper-stage cryogenic rocket engine performance and design assessments for the US government space launch program as well as launch vehicle operational requirements, launch systems and designs, and other advanced propulsion projects. Mr. Meholic was previously employed at General Electric Aircraft Engines where he worked in gas turbine performance and preliminary design, component life analysis, mechanical design and advanced concept development. His work on the pulse detonation engine program there allowed him to develop four patents on PDE valve concepts and applications. Mr. Meholic is also a lecturer at both UCLA and Loyola-Marymount University on Propulsion Systems for both aircraft and spacecraft.

Dr. Mario Pinheiro is with the Department of Physics & Institute of Plasma and Nuclear Fusion Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa, Portugal

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, Feb. 22, 2010: 2-3:30 PM PST We welcome back noted space legal authority, George Robinson to discuss space law and commercial space management plus policy.

2. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, 7-8:30 PM PST: Jim Funaro returns to talk about the upcoming Contact Conference to be held at NASA Ames.

3. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010: 7-8:30 PM PST:, We welcome back Jim Muncy to discuss the Administration's new space policy and budget.

4. Friday, Feb. 26, 2010: 9:30-11:30 AM PST: Dr. Pascal Lee of the Mars Institute returns to discuss Phobos, Mars, Exploring the Moon & Mars using pressurized rovers, SETI and The Drake Equation, plus much more.

5. Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. 12-1:30 PM PST: OPEN LINES. Be sure to call the show.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, Feb. 15, 2010: 2-3:30 PM PST We welcome Dr. Richard Greenberg regarding his book, Unmasking Europa: The Search for Life on Jupiter's Ocean. Dr. Greenberg is a Professor of Planetary Sciences at the University of Arizona's Lunar & Planetary Laboratory.

2. SPACE SHOW CLASSROOM: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2009, 7-8:30 PM PST: This is Lesson 3, Orbital & Flight Dynamics. Along with our co-hosts Drs. Logan and Jurist, we welcome back Dan Adamo, retired NASA Mission Control Flight Dynamics Officer. See presentation material for Lesson 3 on The Space Show Classroom blog which will be uploaded prior to this program. http://spaceshowclassroom.wordpress.com.

3. Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010: 7-8:30 PM PST:, We welcome back Dr. Angie Bukley regarding her new Apogee book, The Farthest Shore: A 21st Century Guide to Space. Her co-author is Dr. Joseph Peloton. Courtesy of Apogee, I have one book to give away to the first caller with a question or comment for Dr. Bukley.

4. Friday, Feb. 19, 2010: 9:30-11:30 AM PST: We welcome back Dr. Jim Vedda regarding his new book, Choice, Not Fate: Shaping a Sustainable Future in the Space Age

5. Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010. 12-1:30 PM PST: We welcome back Matt Allner to discuss his astronaut application process, space education and teaching space in the schools.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, February 8, 2010, 2-3:30 PM PST: We welcome back Bob Zimmerman to discuss the new space policy proposal by our Administration.

2. Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 7-8:30 PM PST: CLASSROOM: This Classroom sessions welcomes guest panelist Paul Breed to discuss the rocket equation. Co-hosts Drs. Logan and Jurist will be with us. Classroom protocols are in effect. You can read the presentation material on the Classroom blog as it will be posted shortly before this program. See http://spaceshowclassroom.wordpress.com/. Remember, comments and questions during the live show use regular Space Show email, chat, and the toll free line.

3. Friday, February 9, 2010, 9:30-11:30 AM PST: Kris Kimel of Kentucky Space is back with us regarding exciting new space programming.

4. Sunday, February 14, 12-1:30 PM PST. Happy Valentine's Day To All! We welcome back Brent Sherwood to discuss the NASA Flexible Path, which he authored.

The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, February 1, 2010, 2-3:30 PM PST: We welcome back Don Beattie to the program regarding his Apogee book, ISScapades: The Crippling of America's Space Program. We will also be discussing the retirement of the Space Shuttle and new civil space policy announcements.

2. Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 7-8:30 PM PST: CLASSROOM: This is the introductory program to The Space Show Classroom series. With me will be co- hosts Dr. Jim Logan and Dr. John Jurist. During this initial show, we will introduce The Space Show Classroom series and the blog for Classroom programs only. Don't miss it!

3. Friday, February 5, 2010, 9:30-11:30 AM PST: There is no show today due to my being at a space conference in Washington, DC.

4. Sunday, February 7, 12-1:30 PM PST. We welcome back Fred Ordway to the show, author of the Apogee book, The Rocket Team.