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This week in The Space Review… Ike’s gambit: The development and operations of the KH-7 and KH-8 spy satellitesWhile there are considerable details now available about one of the earliest US spy satellite programs, CORONA, far less is known about another early program, GAMBIT. In the first of a two-part article, Dwayne Day discusses the origins and development of GAMBIT. The problems with “The Future of Human Spaceflight”Last month an MIT group released a report with its recommendations for the future of NASA’s human spaceflight efforts. James Oberg points out some flaws he finds in their reasoning. COTS: the next generationAs NASA’s initial efforts to stimulate development of commercial ISS resupply services result in contracts, what should be the next step for the space agency in stimulating commercial services? Taylor Dinerman examines the possibilities and the obstacles. Review: A History of the Kennedy Space CenterThe Kennedy Space Center has been at the heart of America’s space program for a half-century. Dwayne Day reviews a book that examines the history of the space center and its impact on both the space program and the state. Previous articles:Staying the course in a sea of changeWith a new administration about to take power in Washington, many in the space industry wonder what this means for NASA’s exploration plans. Jeff Foust reports that, despite criticism of some aspects of Constellation, NASA’s exploration leaders are confident about their efforts. Apollo, day by dayStill looking for a holiday gift? Dwayne Day offers a recommendation for anyone interested in space history in the form a unique calendar. The Silicon Valley of NewSpaceMojave Air and Space Port has become a center of activity for the NewSpace industry in recent years, to the point where many liken it to a space version of Silicon Valley. Jeff Foust looks at the parallels between Mojave and the Valley and what sets the desert airport apart. Robert Zubrin loves NASAMars Society founder Robert Zubrin may not be the biggest fan of NASA, but in his latest book he assumes the agency will still be around a century from now. Taylor Dinerman offers other insights for future Martian settlers from that book. Reinventing failureProblems with some space programs have less to do with cutting-edge technology than people and management issues. Wayne Eleazer offers a historical example of the problems that well-intentioned but poorly-executed government reform can cause. The perils of talking spacecraftNASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft triggered an unusually strong emotional reaction when its mission ended last month, in large part because of the connection the spacecraft made with the public through the Internet. Jeff Foust examines the implications of these connections, particularly for human space exploration. Klaatu barada stinkoThe producers of the remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still, as a publicity stunt, transmitted the film last week towards the nearby star Alpha Centauri. James Oberg explains why, if there’s anyone there, they have no chance of actually watching the film. Death of a monsterWhen rockets fail, they often do so in the most spectacular of ways. Dwayne Day recounts one such particularly dramatic failure from the mid-1980s. A solid but flawed reportA new report warns of the dangers of the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Taylor Dinerman notes that the real danger is not with the weapons themselves, but the missiles that are also developed to deliver them—missiles that can also serve as space launch systems. Griffin’s commercialization legacyWhen Mike Griffin became NASA administrator in 2005, many in the space industry expected him to focus in particular on commercialization of some of the agency’s activities. Jeff Foust reports on a recent speech where Griffin examined what the agency has done to promote commercial space efforts during his tenure. Technical ego: India and Germany in spaceIndian and Germany are two countries that would not seem to have much in common when it comes to space ventures. Dwayne Day describes how the space efforts in these two countries do share some common characteristics. Alan Stern and the nature of the space industryLast week’s decision by NASA to delay the launch of the Mars Science Laboratory mission two years is the latest cost and schedule problem to strike a major aerospace program. Taylor Dinerman argues that the root cause of such problems is a lack of talented technical leadership. Beware of Bolsheviks!What makes for effective propaganda? Dwayne Day explains that it’s probably not one particular, mysterious pamphlet produced by an aerospace company during the height of the Space Race. The critical role of advanced technology investments in preventing spaceflight program cost overrunsOne of NASA’s major problems has been significant cost overruns on many programs, an issue that has recently been described as a “cancer” on the agency. John Mankins explains how this cancer can be prevented through more investment in advanced technology research and development. The future of Canada in spaceNASA isn’t the only space agency anticipating change: Canada has a new president of its space agency and a new cabinet minister. Seven young Canadian space advocates argue that now is the time to revisit the role Canada should have in global space exploration. ESA: the odd man outA new European space policy calls for a greater military role for civilian space entities like ESA. Taylor Dinerman states that this puts Europe at odds with nations that seek to differentiate civil and military space activities. The uphill battle for export control reformA new administration and a new Congress are raising hopes in the space industry that long-awaited export control reform may be in the offing. Jeff Foust reports that some are more skeptical about the prospects for major changes. Imagine reconnecting NASANASA continues to do great things, but hasn’t captured public imagination in the same way it did decades ago. Alan Stern argues that the agency needs to combine its exploration efforts with new initiatives in Earth sciences, aeronautics, and commercialization to become more interesting and relevant. The unforgettable fireA fire earlier this month in California threatened a couple artifacts from the Apollo program. Dwayne Day describes the fiery intersection of aerospace history and the entertainment industry. Lessons from the 2008 Space VidVision ContestEarlier this year several organizations partnered to sponsor a contest for videos about the future of American human spaceflight. Greg Zsidisin discusses the results of, and lessons learned from, the contest, and shows the winning videos. Space solar power and the Khyber PassSpace solar power has attracted the interest of parts of the US military, who see it as a way to get energy to remote bases. Taylor Dinerman describes how the same technology can similarly help poor landlocked countries who are dependent on other nations for access to energy supplies. Review: Saturn I/IBWhile the Saturn 5 is one of the most famous rockets ever developed, its smaller sibling is often overlooked. Jeff Foust reviews a book that, at least from a technical perspective, tries to give this rocket its fair share of attention. India on the ISS: it starts with a rackThe recent success of India’s first lunar mission has catapulted the country into the ranks of the elite spacefaring nations. Taylor Dinerman sees this as an opportunity to include them on the ISS project as a way of injecting new ideas and resources for the endeavor. New alternatives to the VisionWhile President-Elect Obama stated during the campaign his support for the key goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, many people are offering the incoming administration advice on new approaches. Jeff Foust reports on two new reports that offer alternatives that would slow down the push to send humans back to the Moon. A Russian resurgence? (part two)Does the rebounding Russian economy mean that the country will take a bigger role in space projects? Nader Elhefnawy looks at just how strong the Russian economy is and will become in the near future, and how that may translate to increased space activities. Review: Space EnterpriseSpace exploration is more than about launch vehicles and spacecraft; it also includes the broader implications to society of a spacefaring civilization. Jeff Foust reviews a book that tries to tackle this wide-ranging and weighty topic. The transition from politics to policyChange was a major theme of the 2008 presidential campaign, and President-Elect Barack Obama will presumably be bringing some change to space policy as his administration takes office. Jeff Foust examines some elements of the Obama campaign’s space policy that themselves could use a bit of change as they’re implemented. The Flying Spaghetti Monster: The American military space program in perpetual crisisIt sounds like a broken record: once again, major US military space programs are facing cost overruns and delays. Dwayne Day reviews the problems with milspace efforts and what causes are at their roots. Will Oberstar kill the NewSpace industry?A change in administrations means a change in the leaders of most Cabinet-level agencies. Taylor Dinerman warns that one potential candidate to become the next transportation secretary could have ominous implications for the nascent space tourism industry. A Russian resurgence? (part one)Russia is bouncing back, both politically and economically, from the post-Soviet collapse of the 1990s, as was vividly demonstrated this summer with its invasion of Georgia. In the first of a two-part article, Nader Elhefnawy examines what this resurgence means for Russia’s space program. Review: Around the World in 84 DaysLong before the ISS and the Shuttle-Mir program, NASA got its first experience with long-duration spaceflight with Skylab. Jeff Foust reviews the authorized biography of the commander of the final and longest mission to America’s first space station. Authorizing and stimulating NASAThe current economic crisis has led to calls for a new stimulus package to revive the American economy. Taylor Dinerman explains why it’s important that a little bit of any such initiative include some additional funding for NASA. Time for a new VisionWhomever is elected president this week will face some tough choices upon taking office, including their approach to space. Eric Hedman argues for the need to refine NASA’s current exploration vision to be more effective and sustainable. Progress and contrast on the commercial space frontierEntrepreneurial “NewSpace” and established “OldSpace” companies don’t interact much, and have differing perspectives on emerging markets and their development. Jeff Foust reports on these contrasting viewpoints as discussed as a recent conference, as well as some NewSpace developments that were discussed at the event. Gallery: 2008 Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge, Day 2A collection images from the second and final day of the 2008 Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge. My ZeroG adventureWhat’s it like to experience weightlessness? Gregory Cecil provides a first-person account from a recent flight on a Zero Gravity Corp. plane. Visit the Archive for additional articles. |
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