Dr. Doug Plata: President & Founder The Space Development Network

Dr. Doug Plata is a physician and public health specialist with a background in biophysics. He is interested in space exploration and is developing a cost-effective transportation method to the Moon using lunar polar ice for propellant. He founded the Space Development Network and created a proposed, fully inflatable base for the initial permanent crew on the Moon and Mars called the InstaBase. He is also organising the Space Fair, a space-themed science fair event aimed at promoting space development concepts and recruiting members for the Space Development Network. Dr. Plata's Plan for Sustainable Space Development covers various aspects of space development, including in-space transportation, infrastructure, habitats, and settlement motivations. In this episode, Ben and Doug discuss why an Instabase  accommodate couples, young peoples interest in the cosmos and the full scale Instabase habitat that is going to be available for people visit Starship's first orbital launch (hopefully) in April 2023 in Boca Chica, Texas. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor: Dockside Vaults: www.docksidevaults.com We are proud to have Dockside Vaults as a sponsor for our podcast. Their support will enable us to continue bringing you insightful conversations with leading experts in the space industry. We share their commitment to promoting the space industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events. If you're looking for a stunning venue for your next event, be sure to check out Dockside Vaults. Thank you, Dockside Vaults, for your support! OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:00 Welcome back after a few weeks off (and please review) 00:46 Dr Doug Plata 01:30 What is Instabase? 03:35 Why in couples? Selection process? 07:22 Instabase location http://developspace.info/display/  09:53 Levels of development 11:40 Scale mock up in Boca Chica, Texas! 13:40 Inflatable habitats  17:24 Space Development Network 20:00 Rocket ranch 21:00 Young peoples interest in space and the space industry changing 26:00 The Moon Mars Analogue Base 32:05 Doug’s journey to Space (everyone loves an origin story) 36:23 Virtual tours Follow Dr Doug Plata The Space Development Network: http://developspace.info/ Visit the Instabase model: http://developspace.info/display/  Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! (NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/