Space program broadcaster calls Dragon spacecraft 'natural follow on to Apollo'

Retired space program broadcast coverage veteran Jim Slade called the new Dragon spacecraft launch of American astronauts "a natural follow on to Apollo."

Slade told the National Press Club Broadcast/Podcast Team members Thursday that the SpaceX manned launch to the International Space Station, the first one ever by a private company, was "an achievement, a new tool in an ongoing program."

"The spacecraft is designed to carry up to seven astronauts to the space station," he said. "A version of it can be used as a cargo craft. In both cases, it can -- and has been -- used automatically to get itself to the station and to dock there, untouched by human hands. It’s bigger than Apollo and much more capable."

Eventually, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wants to fly astronauts to the moon, Slade said.

"It is equipped with landing gear for touchdown on a hard surface," he said. "It is a natural follow on to Apollo."

Slade, who retired in 2004, does occasional side gigs including sitting in last week on the Voice of America's TV coverage aimed at Russia of the launch of the Dragon spacecraft. As part of the telecast, he said he was asked to answer questions from viewers in Russia.

His name is included on a list of famous space program broadcasters posted on a wall in the Kennedy Space Center. He worked for Westinghouse radio, WMAL in Washington, Mutual Radio and ABC radio and television.

The Club's Broadcast/Podcast Team has met regularly each month via conference call or Zoom session when in-person activities at the Club have been limited. 

The next one-hour meeting is at noon on Thursday, July 9. To be included on the invitation or to join the team, contact chairman Mark Hamrick at [email protected].