March 17, 2007: Space Ventures and the Paranormal - Robert Bigelow

Art Bell welcomes billionaire entrepreneur Robert Bigelow of Bigelow Aerospace for an in-depth look at the private space industry. Bigelow, who launched the Genesis 1 spacecraft in July 2006, reveals that Genesis 2 is scheduled to launch from Russia the week of April 19th. Art shares exclusive photographs from his personal tour of the Bigelow Aerospace facility in Las Vegas, showcasing the expandable habitat modules originally developed by NASA.

Bigelow explains that his inflatable modules provide three times the interior volume of any module on the International Space Station while offering superior protection against micrometeorite impacts. He describes the complex political landscape surrounding private spaceflight, citing ITAR regulations and congressional interference as greater obstacles than technology or funding. The ultimate goal is an occupiable module called Sundancer, targeted for launch around 2010, with a commercial space station to follow.

The conversation turns to Bigelow's well-known interest in the paranormal, including his funding of research into UFO phenomena through the National Institute for Discovery Science. Art and Bigelow discuss who owns space under the 1967 Moon Treaty and the geopolitical implications of China's growing space ambitions.