The Space Show Presents Bob Zimmerman with news and updates.

The Space Show Presents Bob Zimmerman, Tuesday, 9-22-26 Summary The Tuesday Space Show featured Bob Zimmerman discussing the current state and future of the launch industry, addressing concerns about SpaceX’s phase-out of Falcon 9 launches from Florida and the impact on launch capabilities. Zimmerman argued that these concerns were overblown, pointing to a wave of new rockets coming online from companies like Rocket Lab, Blue Origin, and Stoke Space, along with existing operational rockets from SpaceX, Arianespace, and others. He explained that SpaceX’s decision to focus on Vandenberg launches and end transport missions was actually clearing the field to allow competition to thrive, noting that by early 2027 there could be 14 operational rockets, with many new companies planning launches in the next year. The discussion also covered spaceports, with Zimmerman explaining that successful spaceports typically require long-term leases to specific companies rather than trying to accommodate multiple operators, and touched on SpaceX’s significant revenue from Starlink ($14 billion annually) and data center operations, which Joseph noted was more profitable than traditional launch services. Detailed Summary: Bob pointed us to his recent essays on the launch industry and spaceports, criticizing panic over SpaceX phasing out Falcon 9 and questioning NASA’s recent decision to give more launches to Dragon rather than Boeing. The group had technical difficulties with John’s video connection throughout the meeting, with John moving to different locations to improve the setup. David announced upcoming guests including Joe discussing orbital data centers on Hotel Mars and potentially Dr. Stephen Benner on Friday, with Sunday planned for open lines. Our guest continued his discussion his recent essays about the space industry, particularly addressing the panic caused by SpaceX’s decision to stop Starlink Falcon 9 launches from Florida and no longer take orders for future transport missions. He explained that while this created concern about launch capabilities, there are actually multiple rockets in development and becoming operational, with 10 currently operational and many more expected to launch in the coming years. Bob expressed optimism about Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket under new CEO David Limp, predicting it could launch before the end of the year, and outlined a significant pipeline of new rockets from various companies expected to become operational by 2027. Bob continued to point out and talk about the current state of the rocket industry, explaining that while there is anxiety due to the temporary absence of rockets, the situation is expected to improve within two years. He analyzed Elon Musk’s decision to shut down Falcon 9 in Florida for Starlink, noting that it was driven by ideological idealism and a desire to enable competition in the industry. Bob also examined the success factors of spaceports, concluding that the U.S. model of leasing pads to companies works best, and he addressed David’s question about the market for small rockets by explaining that companies like Rocket Lab demonstrate viable demand for smaller payload launches. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe