http://www.thespacereview.com/ Articles, essays, and commentary about all facets of space exploration en-us Copyright 2003-2008 Jeff Foust Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss jeff@thespacereview.com jeff@thespacereview.com http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1121/1 With budgets likely to be constrained in the years and decades to come, how can NASA carry out the Vision for Space Exploration and other efforts? Charles Miller and Jeff Foust argue that the key is the development of cheap, reliable access to space. info@thespacereview.com (Charles Miller and Jeff Foust) Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1120/1 In an era of online publications (like this one), are magazines an anachronism? Dwayne Day examines the strengths and weaknesses of space magazines as an introduction to a review of a number of these publications. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1119/1 Dwayne Day provides brief reviews of major space-related magazines currently published in the United States and elsewhere. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1118/1 Suborbital point-to-point spaceflight would seem to be a logical step between the current generation of suborbital vehicles under development and orbital RLVs. David Hoerr cautions that such vehicles face considerable technological obstacles to their development. info@thespacereview.com (David Hoerr) Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1117/1 The UK is considering a revision to a national space policy that currently doesn't support human spaceflight. Jeff Foust reports on comments made by two prominent British scientists on opposite sides of the issue. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1116/1 As Congress gears up to reauthorize NASA, there is a natural debate about the future and long-term goals for the space agency. Greg Zsidisin worries that we could be in danger of repeating the same mistakes made over three decades ago. info@thespacereview.com (Greg Zsidisin) Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1115/1 In the 1960s the US Navy developed the POPPY series of satellites designed to identify the location of Soviet radars and naval vessels. Dwayne Day examines the history of this satellite program, including new information on the role these satellites played in the Cold War. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1114/1 While NASA has all but abandoned efforts to develop reusable launch vehicle technology, RLV efforts continue elsewhere in government and the private sector. Taylor Dinerman explores the status of those efforts, including some surprising new developments from a large aerospace company. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1113/1 The intercept of USA 193 earlier this year required the cooperation of multiple agencies and the combination of data from various sources. Wayne Eleazer compares that to an earlier effort to create a "Space Test Range" during the SDI era. info@thespacereview.com (Robert Eleazer) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1112/1 If you can't get a chance to fly on the space shuttle in its final years, what's the best way to experience what a shuttle launch is like? Jeff Foust reviews a highly-detailed simulator of a shuttle launch at the Kennedy Space Center's visitor center. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1111/1 What do NASA's former leaders think about the agency's plans to return to the Moon? Jeff Foust reports on what three former administrators recently said about that, as well as the best and worst decisions they made when they led the space agency. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1110/1 While Canada blocked the sale of MDA's space business to a US company earlier this month, SSTL agreed to be acquired by EADS Astrium. Taylor Dinerman examines both deals and their strategic implications for Canada and the UK. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1109/1 As the presidential campaign grinds on, the various space advocacy and industry groups are determining what stand, if any, they should take on the candidates' space positions. Greg Zsidisin concludes his analysis of the topic with a review of those groups' positions and why the issue is so important. info@thespacereview.com (Greg Zsidisin) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1108/1 A subgenre of science fiction tries to tell stories about the near future of spaceflight. Dwayne Day reviews one such anime series and finds that what it offers in attention to detail it lacks in plot and character. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1107/1 In the early years of the Space Age, NASA pursued efforts to develop nuclear-powered rockets that held the promise of opening up the solar system. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examined the technology and policy issues associated with that ultimately failed effort. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1106/1 Even as space advocates seek to increase NASA's budget, the agency itself and the Bush Administration have claimed that budgets that keep pace with inflation are sufficient for NASA to implement the Vision for Space Exploration. However, as Charles Miller and Jeff Foust argue, even that modest budgetary goal may be impossible to maintain given the fiscal pressures the nation will be facing in the years to come. info@thespacereview.com (Charles Miller and Jeff Foust) Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1105/1 While presidential candidate Barack Obama has proposed delaying NASA's Constellation program to pay for an early education initiative, the response from the pro-space community has been surprisingly muted. Greg Zsidisin examines why, given the nature of such organizations, that may be the case. info@thespacereview.com (Greg Zsidisin) Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1104/1 PBS recently aired a Nova episode about military space station projects in the US and USSR during the Cold War. Dwayne Day identifies several errors in the program's discussion of the Air Force's MOL project. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1103/1 Although point-to-point suborbital spaceflight holds great promise for opening new markets, there's little private-sector interest in funding the development of such vehicles today. Taylor Dinerman explains how the military could jumpstart this sector in much the same way it did the air cargo business decades ago. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1102/1 One thing the space advocacy movement has been missing for some time is an effective political action committee. Jeff Brooks announces the formation of a PAC for space exploration and how his organization will work to raise the profile of space policy in Washington. director@committee4spaceadvocacy.org (Jeff Brooks) Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1101/1 In preparation for an accident that fortunately never came, rescue crews practiced techniques to recover Apollo astronauts. Dwayne Day reveals the small but important role played by a large, ungainly helicopter to support those efforts. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1100/1 Since late last year Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has proposed delaying NASA's Constellation program for five years to help pay for an education initiative. Greg Zsidisin examines what Obama has proposed and what the candidate said to him about it in a recent town hall meeting. info@thespacereview.com (Greg Zsidisin) Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1099/1 If the commercial human spaceflight market emerges as some anticipate, there will soon be demand for a new kind of job: commercial rocket pilot. Jeff Foust reports on how pilots can prepare for such work, and why at least one person things the occupation will be far less glamorous than one might expect. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1098/1 Last week members of Congress wrung their hands over the anticipated job losses at the Kennedy Space Center and elsewhere as the shuttle is retired. Taylor Dinerman argues that the solution is for Congress and the White House to act to provide additional funding to speed up the development of its successor, not to extend the life of the shuttle. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1097/1 Should you challenge people making bizarre statements, or simply ignore them? That's the question Dwayne Day grapples with as he recounts the reaction to an earlier essay about claims of evidence of alien life on the Moon. uplink@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1096/1 The recent passing of Arthur C. Clarke came just before the 40th anniversary of the release of "2001: A Space Odyssey". Jim McDade uses these events as an opportunity for reflection on both that seminal work as well as our own prospects for the future. info@thespacereview.com (Jim McDade) Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1095/1 As Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites continue the development of SpaceShipTwo, other companies are making headway in the commercial suborbital spaceflight market. Jeff Foust reports on recent developments by XCOR Aerospace and other companies, and how the diversity of technical approaches may be received by the market. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1094/1 NASA's science program, already constrained by tight budgets, will soon have to take on the challenge of both a flagship outer planets mission and a Mars sample return mission. Taylor Dinerman questions whether the agency can handle two such major missions at the same time. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1093/1 KE-ASAT was a long-running, but little-known, effort to develop an antisatellite weapon. Dwayne Day reports on a mockup recently found that appears to be associated with the project. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1092/1 To many the ideal low-cost, reusable launch vehicle is a scramjet-powered spaceplane. Mike Snead examines the technical issues and challenges associated with developing such vehicles. info@thespacereview.com (Mike Snead) Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1091 To many, life on other worlds means aliens and flying saucers. Jeff Foust reviews a book that tries to move beyond those perceptions to provide a solid scientific review of astrobiology. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1090/1 Last weekend's failure of a Proton rocket is the latest complication for the commercial launch industry, which has seen manifests fill up and customers complain about schedules and costs. Jeff Foust reports on the differing points of view about whether there are enough -- or even too many -- launch services providers. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1089/1 If there is ultimately warfare in space, it will likely create a large amount of debris. Taylor Dinerman writes that countries that depend on space assets, like the US, need to prepare for this possibility by making their spacecraft harder to intercept and harder to damage. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1088/1 So much attention has been given to implementing the Vision for Space Exploration that there has been little thought as to what will follow it. Jeff Brooks argues that making the case for the economic benefit of the Moon, Mars, and beyond is essential. anaxagoras@sbcglobal.net (Jeff Brooks) Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1087/1 In the conclusion of their debate about the intercept of the USA 193 satellite last month, Yousaf Butt and Andrew Higgins make their final points on the physics of hydrazine and satellite reentry models. info@thespacereview.com (Yousaf Butt and Andrew Higgins) Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1086/1 Current US export control regulations make it difficult for companies, particularly smaller ones, to compete on the international market. Taylor Dinerman makes the case for some degree of reform that will ease the regulatory burden on these companies. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1085/1 While NASA is celebrating the continued successes of its current Mars missions, the future of its robotic Mars exploration efforts is uncertain. Jeff Foust reports on concerns some scientists are expressing about a possible break in the steady stream of landers and orbiters going to the Red Planet. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1084/1 The UK is reconsidering its long-standing opposition to human spaceflight. Michael Huang examines the debate the opposition to any change in British policy. fhprize@gmail.com (Michael Huang) Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1083/1 Yousaf Butt continues the debate on the technical merits of intercepting the USA 193 satellite by reexamining just how likely the hydrazine in the spacecraft's propellant tank would have survived reentry. info@thespacereview.com (Yousaf Butt) Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1082/1 A long-term goal of human spaceflight is to send missions to Mars, but that is an approach fraught with technical challenges. Anthony Young reviews a book that examines in detail the issues associated with human Mars exploration. info@thespacereview.com (Anthony Young) Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1081/1 How real is the threat of an arms race in space, and how effective would measures like treaties be in preventing one? Dwayne Day recounts a recent debate on the subject. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1080/1 In the highly competitive world of business, why should companies work together to help develop a new industry? Paul Eckert explains why various companies and organizations are doing just that to help promote the entrepreneurial space sector. info@thespacereview.com (Paul Eckert) Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1079/1 Last week's Goddard Memorial Symposium provided an opportunity not just to look back at the first 50 years of the Space Age, but to also look ahead to the next 50. Jeff Foust reports on what the administrator of NASA and the president's science advisor hope today will be become the reality of tomorrow. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1078/1 Recent events have renewed the debate on the effectiveness of a treaty banning space weapons. Taylor Dinerman discusses the arguments made in opposition to such a treaty made by a senior State Department official last week. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1077/1 What would have happened to USA 193's fuel tank if the spacecraft has been allowed to reenter naturally? Andrew Higgins argues that, contrary to other claims, the tank would have likely survived reentry intact. info@thespacereview.com (Andrew Higgins) Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1076/1 If antimatter is the mirror image of matter, why is the universe dominated by matter? Jeff Foust reviews a book that takes readers on a journey through modern physics to try and answer that question. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1075/1 The rise of China as a major space power is seen by some in the US as a threat to American prestige, if not national security. Jeff Foust reports that, for some experts, the real concern is the misperceptions that exist in the two countries about each other's projects and intents. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1074/1 In less than a week ESA will launch its first ATV cargo spacecraft to the ISS. Taylor Dinerman compares and contrasts the capabilities and future potential of that vehicle with two similar vehicles being commercially developed in the US. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1073/1 The flurry of media accounts about the intercept of the deorbiting satellite last month featured their share of inaccuracies and misinterpretations of the event. James Oberg attempts to debunk some of the biggest myths and misunderstandings associated with the satellite's destruction. info@thespacereview.com (James Oberg) Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1072/1 Yousaf Butt responds to a previous essay in The Space Review about last month's satellite intercept, arguing that the US should release the analysis it performed on the hazards of the satellite's reentry to justify the effort and expense involved with the intercept. info@thespacereview.com (Yousaf Butt) Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1071/1 Last month dozens of space activists came to Washington to lobby members of Congress to support the NASA budget and related initiatives. Alex Kirk offers an overview of the event and a discussion of the importance of targeted, specific pitches for support. alex@marssociety.org (Alex Kirk) Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1070/1 Germany's war history has meant that its museums feature far less aerospace exhibits than their counterparts in the US and other countries. Dwayne Day provides a pictorial review of one example of this in Berlin. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1069/1 Late last week NASA announced that shuttle program manager Wayne Hale was being reassigned to a new position within the space agency. Dwayne Day looks back at Hale's role in the post-Columbia shuttle program and what implications his departure could have. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1068/1 The biggest challenge in last week's intercept of a spy satellite by a missile may not have been the technology. Instead, Taylor Dinerman argues, it may have been the bureaucracy that had to be overcome within the Defense Department to make the attempt possible. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1067/1 NASA's exploration program faces an uncertain future given the upcoming change in administrations. Alex Howerton looks back to a report completed over 20 years ago for guidance on how the nation should continue its space efforts. ahowerton@american-aerospace.net (Alex Howerton) Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1066/1 Frank Piasecki may not be familiar to space enthusiasts, but he played a cameo role in the early years of the Space Age. Dwayne Day recounts how Piasecki's unusual helicopter ferried the first American in space. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1065/1 Last week's intercept of a failed spy satellite by a US missile has been seen by some as evidence of American plans for space weaponization. Jeff Foust reviews a timely book that critically examines the American policy of "space dominance" and the need for a treaty banning such weapons. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1064/1 Richard Garriott, a famous computer game designer, will be the next commercial passenger to visit the International Space Station this fall. Sam Dinkin interviews Garriott to find out what training has been like so far and what his plans are for the flight and beyond. sam@dinkin.com (Sam Dinkin) Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1063/1 The Pentagon announced last week it would intercept a dead spysat in a decaying orbit with a missile. Dwayne Day recounts what happened when another reconnaissance satellite fell from the sky and embarrassed the US. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1062/1 As the commercial human spaceflight industry emerges, companies will be flying people who do not meet the same rigorous medical guidelines of government astronauts. Jeff Foust reports on the screening and training issues companies in the field are considering as they seek to maintain customer safety while maximizing the number of people who can fly. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1061/1 Conventional wisdom in the space field includes a preference for simple rockets and the development of airplane-like RLVs. Wayne Eleazer calls those concepts into question. info@thespacereview.com (Wayne Eleazer) Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1060/1 For decades people in the space community have argued the various merits of human versus robotic spaceflight. Jeff Foust reviews a new book that reexamines those issues and proposes a new paradigm for space exploration. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1059/1 A symposium and gala in Huntsville last month marked the 50th anniversary of the launch of Explorer 1. Dwayne Day reviews those events with an eye towards the inevitable struggle between history and celebration. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1058/1 Parts of the space community have been buzzing about criticism of NASA's exploration architecture, and the space agency's response to those critiques. Bob Mahoney looks to history to provide a guide to this debate and its significance to the future of the exploration effort. Tether-Shadow@austin.rr.com (Bob Mahoney) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1057/1 A documentary airing this week promises new insights on a cancelled military space station project from the 1960s. Dwayne Day examines what we know -- and have yet to find out -- about the Manned Orbiting Laboratory project. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1056/1 India's space program is evolving from one focused strictly on practical benefits to one that supports exploration and, perhaps, human spaceflight. Jeff Foust reports on Indian officials see the future of their space program, and what effect that will have on relations with the US. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1055/1 The next president will have the opportunity to continue, alter, or terminate NASA's current exploration effort. Taylor Dinerman describes discussion on this topic at a recent forum and its implications for human spaceflight in general. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1054/1 Despite being in place for over two years now, NASA's exploration architecture continues to attract criticism from those who have technical and financial concerns. Jeff Foust reports on how NASA administrator Mike Griffin responded to that criticism with a detailed defense of the effort. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1053/1 Last week, as part of the ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of Explorer 1, the US Space and Rocket Center opened its new Davidson Center, housing a Saturn 5 rocket. Dwayne Day reviews the new facility in a photo essay. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1052/1 Later this week space community leaders will meet in Washington for a two-day forum on space policy issues facing the next president. Mike Snead explains how this is an opportunity to discuss what changes are needed to make the US a "true" spacefaring nation. info@thespacereview.com (Mike Snead) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1051/1 Several years ago, the authors of the book "Rare Earth" argued that "complex" life in the universe was likely very uncommon. Taylor Dinerman argues that recent discoveries, particularly of extrasolar planets, put that hypothesis in question. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1050/1 Will new markets drive the demand for low-cost launch, or will the development of low-cost launch vehicles stimulate the development of new markets? Eric Hedman examines this chicken-and-egg issue within the context of space-based solar power. ehedman@ldcglobal.com (Eric Hedman) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1049/1 Just over a year ago China shook up the space security field by testing an anti-satellite weapon. Mike Moore looks at the impact this test had on military space policy and argues that the US should use the test to see if China is sincere about desiring a treaty banning space weapons. info@thespacereview.com (Mike Moore) Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1048/1 One of the challenges facing Operationally Responsive Space is how low-cost rapidly-launched small satellites can serve the needs of military forces not otherwise served by existing satellites or UAVs. Dwayne Day discusses whether and how ORS can find a niche among the various alternatives. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1047/1 Space tourism operator Virgin Galactic unveiled the new designs for the suborbital SpaceShipTwo vehicle and its carrier aircraft at a gala event in New York last week. Taylor Dinerman examines how the company is trying to balance space commercialization with environmental protection. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1046/1 Earlier this month Canadian company MDA announced it was selling its space business to a US firm, ATK, shocking many Canadians. Chris Gainor laments the implications of this sale for Canada's modest space efforts. info@thespacereview.com (Chris Gainor) Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1045/1 The 1960s were full of grandiose visions of spaceflight, some more grandiose than others. Dwayne Day describes one such proposal from that era, for a gigantic helicopter that would have been used to recover rocket stages. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1044/1 Fifty years ago this week, the US entered the Space Age with the launch of its first satellite. Jeff Foust reviews a new biography of William Pickering, one of the key people behind Explorer 1 and the early history of spacecraft missions to explore the solar system. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1043/1 A new book by a noted space conspiracist argues that a string of NASA Mars mission failures in the 1990s were coverups to hide their secret activities. James Oberg debunks those claims by explaining how the authors misunderstood, inadvertently or deliberately, the technical causes for those failures. info@thespacereview.com (James Oberg) Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1042/1 A recent op-ed suggested that the United States allow China to join the International Space Station project for both practical and political purposes. Dwayne Day examines the benefits and issues of such a proposal. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1041/1 Chinese rocket engineer Tsien Hsue-shen has attracted new attention and scrutiny after being given an award by a major magazine. Dwayne Day follows up on an essay last week about Tsien with new information about what the US government claimed to know about him and his alleged espionage. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1040/1 Recently the New York Times blog Freakonomics surveyed a number of experts to ask then whether human spaceflight was worth the cost, and why. One of those featured, David Livingston, offers the full version of his answer to that question. drspace@thespaceshow.com (David Livingston) Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1039/1 NASA's Galileo spacecraft overcame delays and technical problems to become one of the most successful missions in the history of spaceflight. Taylor Dinerman appraises Galileo through a review the official NASA history of the mission. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1038/1 As NASA looks ahead to developing a new lunar lander as part of the Vision for Space Exploration, it's worthwhile to look back at what was proposed and designed decades ago. Jeff Foust reviews a book that provides a look at the landers, rovers, and other vehicles proposed for lunar exploration. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1037/1 Nobel laureate physicist Steven Weinberg has been vocal in his criticism of NASA's human spaceflight efforts. Sam Dinkin interviews Weinberg to learn more about his opposition to such efforts and what he feels the appropriate uses of space are. sam@dinkin.com (Sam Dinkin) Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1036/1 Monday marks the fourth anniversary of President Bush's speech announcing the Vision for Space Exploration. Jeff Foust examines the political, fiscal, and other issues that make 2008 a critical year for the future of the exploration program. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1035/1 In a surprise move, Aviation Week selected Chinese engineer Tsien Hsue-shen as its person of the year for 2007, despite playing little direct role in the events that transpired last year. Dwayne Day reviews what's known about Tsien, as well as some of the false allegations that have been published about him. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1034/1 Continuing delays with the launch of the next shuttle missions are raising new questions about NASA's ability to retire the shuttle fleet in 2010. Taylor Dinerman argues that this may give supporters of a scientific experiment denied a ride on the shuttle new hope for getting into space. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1033/1 A long-running challenge for many observers has been to identify the missions of classified US launches. Dwayne Day and Roger Guillemette describe how a surprising amount of information about those missions can be found from an unlikely source: their patches. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day and Roger Guillemette) Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1032/1 Just how effective could low-cost, rapidly-deployed small satellites be for the US military? James Wertz responds to a recent article with his arguments about the potential utility and effectiveness of Operationally Responsive Space. jwertz@smad.com (James Wertz) Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1031/1 A new maritime strategy document calls for the creation of a multinational network of sensors and communications to enable better cooperation among the world's navies. Taylor Dinerman examines the role space would play in such a strategy, and the institutional obstacles it faces within the Pentagon. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1030/1 Recent documentaries like "In the Shadow of the Moon" have reminded us just how long it's been since astronauts walked on the Moon. Anthony Young notes that it's also a reminder of their mortality. info@thespacereview.com (Anthony Young) Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1029/1 Even as spacecraft missions revolutionize our understanding of the solar system, books about it remain much the same. Jeff Foust reviews a book that tries to take a somewhat different approach to reviewing our knowledge of the solar system. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1028/1 As 2008 presidential campaign shifts into high gear this week with the Iowa caucuses, those interested in space policy struggle to find out what the major candidates think about NASA and other space topics. Jeff Foust reviews what these candidates have said -- or not said -- about space during the campaign so far. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1027/1 Operationally Responsive Space has attracted considerable attention in military space circles in the last few years, although with less progress to date than its advocates might have hoped. Dwayne Day examines the history and future prospects of ORS. zirconic1@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1026/1 Earlier this month NASA selected a new lunar mission that uses a pair of spacecraft based on the recent XSS-11 technology demonstration mission. Taylor Dinerman argues that this presents an opportunity for military and civil space leaders alike to utilize this spacecraft as a common bus for a wide range of other missions. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1025/1 Space advocates have been fighting an uphill battle for years to increase NASA's share of the federal budget and have more influence in Washington overall. Kathleen Connell describes how several new developments could make NASA and space policy more relevant and influential. info@thespacereview.com (Kathleen Connell) Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1024/1 The latest round of NASA's COTS competition has attracted not just entrepreneurial companies but established space companies as well. Andrew Turner and Gerrit van Ommering of Space Systems/Loral describe their COTS proposal and how it could be used for other space markets. info@thespacereview.com (Andrew Turner and Gerrit van Ommering) Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1023/1 Like the ventures they intend to host, new spaceports have developed more slowly than once anticipated, but that has not stopped others from proposing new spaceports of their own. Jeff Foust reports on efforts in New Mexico and elsewhere to press ahead with their spaceport plans. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1022/1 Just when you thought the Face on Mars proponents had faded away, they're back with more evidence of extraterrestrial civilizations and terrestrial conspiracies. Dwayne Day examines the evidence (or lack thereof) and how such conspiracy theories compare with the study of history. uplink@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1021/1 Can any one book claim to provide the definitive history of the Space Age? How about two? Jeff Foust reviews a two-volume work that claims to offer a detailed history of spaceflight from its origins to the present day and beyond. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1020/1 In a recent presidential debate one candidate essentially took a pass on a question regarding human missions to Mars. Daniel Handlin examines why politicians can take such an attitude to space exploration and what can be done to change that. danielhandlin@gmail.com (Daniel Handlin) Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1019/1 Despite its previously-stated objections, Great Britain went ahead with its fellow EU members and approved the new funding plan for Galileo. Taylor Dinerman argues that this sets the stage for a battle of political loyalties in the UK between the US and the EU. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1018/1 Launch vehicles under development today do not promise the radical reductions in launching payloads to orbit that may be needed to open up new markets. Eric Hedman suggests that what's needed is some creative thinking about how to effectively apply existing and new launch technologies. ehedman@ldcglobal.com (Eric Hedman) Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1017/1 While the public's attention during the Apollo program and beyond has been on the astronauts who flew to the Moon, many thousands more worked out of the limelight to make those missions possible. Jeff Foust reviews a book that profiles a handful of those people. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1016/1 A key obstacle to space-based solar power is the low-cost access to space needed to make any such project economically feasible. Mike Snead argues that the basic technology needed for such "aerospaceplanes" exists today. info@thespacereview.com (Mike Snead) Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1015/1 For all the criticism of their missteps, the CIA did a good job of analyzing the Soviet space program during the Cold War. Dwayne Day examines one historical document that provides an overview of how the agency viewed the Soviet space efforts a decade after the launch of Sputnik. zirconic@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1014/1 Some recent reports have suggested that China and India are looking for ways to cooperate with the US and other nations in human spaceflight, including the ISS. Eric Hedman explores the ways such cooperation, despite various political pitfalls, could be beneficial for all involved. ehedman@ldcglobal.com (Eric Hedman) Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1013/1 When Robert Goddard proposed some of his rocketry concepts, he was derided by many of his fellow Americans. Taylor Dinerman writes how this reaction was typical of an era when many Americans deemed their own art and science inferior to Europe. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1012/1 Congress is considering an appropriations bill for NASA that, in one form, includes a prohibition on work related to the human exploration of Mars. Michael Huang suggests some ways around that measure should it become law. fhprize@gmail.com (Michael Huang) Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1011/1 The concept of "space art" to many is limited to illustrations of distant planets and galaxies. Jeff Foust reviews an exhibition of alternative space art that goes in very different -- if not bizarre -- directions. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1010/1 In the 1960s there were hidden tensions between NASA and the US intelligence community, which both operated in space but with radically different levels of openness. Dwayne Day examines how those tensions played out when NASA drafted a contingency mission plan for its last Apollo lunar mission. zirconic@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1009/1 The latest shuttle mission and more recent work on the ISS have cleared the way for the launch of two key laboratory modules from Europe and Japan. Taylor Dinerman contends that now is the time to examine the long-term future of the station in order to maximize its value for all the partners. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1008/1 Norman Mailer, the legendary author who passed away earlier this month, wrote on a wide range of topics, including the Apollo 11 mission. Elizabeth Howell looks back at Mailer's book on the mission and how his feelings of boredom during this historic mission reflect on NASA and human spaceflight in general. info@thespacereview.com (Elizabeth Howell) Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1007/1 The last several years has seen a surge in new space ventures, but most have found difficulty in attracting funding beyond individual "angel" investors. Rocky Persaud argues that what the industry needs is an incubator-like entity to help these new ventures mature. info@thespacereview.com (Rocky Persaud) Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1006/1 It is hard to find anyone more influential -- or more polarizing -- in the history of spaceflight than Wernher von Braun. Jeff Foust reviews a new book that promises an authoritative biography of the legendary rocket engineer. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1005/1 The challenge for NASA is determining the value it provides to its stakeholders and communicating those values to them. In the conclusion of her two-part article, Mary Lynne Dittmar examines what NASA can do to actively reshape itself to improve the value it offers. info@thespacereview.com (Mary Lynne Dittmar) Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1004/1 RLVs need a large market to be economically viable, while space-based solar power needs low launch costs for its own economic viability. Taylor Dinerman examines how to bridge the gap to enable both RLVs and space solar power. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1003/1 In early 2002 a former NASA official and a pop star both tried to be the next space tourist; both failed. Jeff Foust recounts their sagas based on insights from recent conferences and a new book. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1002/1 What can a Western teach us about space property rights? According to Jonathan Card, it's a reminder that there's a need for the rule of law on any frontier. info@thespacereview.com (Jonathan Card) Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1001/1 The relative success, to date, of the Vision for Space Exploration stands in contrast to the failure of the Space Exploration Initiative. Jeff Foust reviews a book that recounts the history of SEI and the lessons to be learned from its failure. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1000/1 It has become fashionable of late to critique and criticize NASA's communications efforts, especially given the belief by many that NASA has not done a good enough job communicating the importance of space exploration to the general public. In the first of a two-part report, Mary Lynne Dittmar argues that such criticism is focused too much on tactics rather than broader strategic concerns. info@thespacereview.com (Mary Lynne Dittmar) Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/999/1 Recent and upcoming lunar missions, and even announcements of proposed missions, have given the impression to some that there is some kind of new race to the Moon developing. Dwayne Day find the flaws the various explanations given for why these missions are all taking place now. zirconic@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/998/1 Some space advocates have been pressing Congress to drop language in the House version of the NASA budget that would prohibit spending on any project exclusively intended to support human Mars exploration. Chris Carberry explains why what appears to be a minor provision in the overall bill is so critical. info@thespacereview.com (Chris Carberry) Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/997/1 As the only presidential candidate of either party to release a detailed science policy, Hillary Clinton's approach to space policy has come under scrutiny. Taylor Dinerman examines what Clinton said -- and did not say -- and its implications for the agency and its exploration plans. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/996/1 As a new generation of space exploration ramps up, there is a renewed interest in that original generation of space explorers. Ron Wells reviews the lesser-known of two new documentaries about the Apollo astronauts and examines what sets it apart in its examination of the only people to have walked on another world. info@thespacereview.com (Ron Wells) Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:15:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/995/1 Was a CIA official really responsible for formulating the "freedom of space" concept? Dwayne Day revisits a recent article and finds new twists in the historical record. zirconic@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/994/1 While its orbital vehicle program suffered a setback with the loss of its NASA COTS agreement, Rocketplane recently revealed a new design for its XP suborbital spaceplane. Jeff Foust reports on what's different about the new design, and why. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/993/1 Why did Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton release a space policy proposal more than a year before the general election? Eric Hedman argues that NASA and its contributions to the nation will play a bigger role in the upcoming election than they have in the past. ehedman@ldcglobal.com (Eric Hedman) Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/992/1 One key facet of Hillary Clinton's space policy is a renewed focus on Earth science. Taylor Dinerman warns that this approach faces challenges, both in procurement as well as in the sensitive area of climate change. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/991/1 It's been over a month since the 50th anniversary of Sputnik, but there are still plenty of new books out there about the early history of the Space Age. Jeff Foust reviews one book that offers a good, but not necessarily earthshattering, review of the Space Race. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/990/1 Armadillo Aerospace came within seconds of winning part of the Lunar Lander Challenge at the X Prize Cup this weekend, but like last year failed to come away with any prize money. Jeff Foust recaps the trials and tribulations the team encountered during the two-day event in New Mexico. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/989/1 The first satellites launched 50 years ago helped establish the concept of "freedom of space" that allowed spacecraft to orbit over the territory of other nations. Dwayne Day reviews newly-available documents that helps identify the origin of the concept within the US government. zirconic@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/988/1 Last week featured the first meeting in orbit between a female shuttle commander and female station commander. James Oberg looks at this historic moment and examines how it came about much differently than some other female firsts in space. info@thespacereview.com (James Oberg) Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/987/1 A recent conference that examined the first 50 years of the Space Age attracted a wide range of perspectives from the humanities. Taylor Dinerman writes that, while some of these academic views may not sit well with space advocates, they can help supporters sharpen their arguments. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/986/1 Early aviation benefited from a private foundation that endowed research programs that improved the state of the art of key technologies. Pat Bahn makes the case for creating a similar fund to support the emerging commercial suborbital spaceflight industry. info@thespacereview.com (Pat Bahn) Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/985/1 A new study has concluded that space solar power is feasible, but leaves unanswered who should proceed and how. Taylor Dinerman argues that China, with its voracious appetite for energy, can play a role as both a customer and co-developer. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/984/1 Projecting the future of space utilization, including the weaponization of space, is fraught with peril. Nader Elhefnawy looks back at one particularly alarmist prediction and what it means for current concerns about military activities in space. info@thespacereview.com (Nader Elhefnawy) Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/983/1 Space missions have traditionally had to rely on the Earth for all of their supplies, an approach that is not scalable to long-term exploration. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines alternative technologies that could allow future explorers to loosen their ties to Earth. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/982/1 Despite criticism from some quarters, the Outer Space Treaty has worked well for the four decades of its existence. However, Jessica West warns, the treaty faces new challenges as the users of space and their technologies change. info@thespacereview.com (Jessica West) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/981/1 Japanese animation has provided viewers with another glimpse of what humanity's future in space might be like with a series called "Freedom". Dwayne Day take a look at the series, and the aggravations those in the US face just to try and watch it. zirconic@cox.net (Dwayne Day) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/980/1 Yousaf Butt responds to a recent piece on space weaponization, arguing that offensive space weapons do little to protect that country's space assets from attack. info@thespacereview.com (Yousaf Butt) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/979/1 The Strategic Defense Initiative, with its plans to deploy space-based weapons to destroy enemy missiles, remains controversial long after the program, and the Soviet Union, faded away. Taylor Dinerman reviews a book that offers an evenhanded history of SDI. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/978/1 In recent years the inflation model of the Big Bang has emerged as the best explanation of the origin of the universe, but it is hardly the only one. Jeff Foust reviews a book by two prominent cosmologists who propose an alternative model to explain the Big Bang. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:30:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/977/1 Proponents of human space exploration often struggle to develop compelling rationales for such missions. Frank Stratford explains how the best reason for human spaceflight may be to unlock the vast untapped potential of humanity. info@thespacereview.com (Frank Stratford) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/976/1 Some media accounts credit -- or blame -- the United States for perceived plans to put weapons in space. Jim Oberg uses a recent article as the latest evidence that space weaponization efforts by the former Soviet Union are often overlooked. info@thespacereview.com (James Oberg) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/975/1 So just how heavy is the regulatory burden for commercial launch companies? Joe Latrell takes issue with a recent article that suggested that such companies have few regulatory issues to deal with. info@thespacereview.com (Joe Latrell) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/974/1 As European officials try to develop a new financing package for the Galileo satellite navigation system, the debate continues over the true purpose of the project. Taylor Dinerman argues that political visions are blinding some European officials to more practical alternatives. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/973/1 The 50th anniversary of Sputnik has provided a major opportunity for publishers to release books about the historical event. Jeff Foust reviews one book that looks at the origins of the Space Age with a more geopolitical focus. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/972/1 The 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik is a natural occasion to take measure of what we have -- and have not -- accomplished in space. Jeff Foust describes how this is a more appropriate time to start looking ahead. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/971/1 The launch of Sputnik was the first time a rocket had deliberately flown a trajectory intended to place something in orbit. Jim Oberg describes how, to the people witnessing the launch, that flight actually looked frightening. info@thespacereview.com (James Oberg) Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/970/1 Sputnik opened up a whole new environment for the military to exploit, but one that has been used to support combat rather than as a battlefield itself. Dwayne Day explains why the slowing pace of military space developments makes it unlikely we'll see revolutionary changes in the military's use of space over the next half-century. zirconic@earthlink.net (Dwayne A. Day) Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/969/1 Sputnik was one of the most famous products of one of the worst totaltarian regimes to exist in human history. Taylor Dinerman examines why the Soviet Union, like Nazi Germany before it, was drawn to rocketry. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/968/1 Journeys to the Moon were on the minds of aerospace experts and the public alike in the years prior to the launch of Sputnik. Ken Murphy reviews two 1950s-era books that took very different approaches to how humans might go to the Moon. info@thespacereview.com (Ken Murphy) Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/967/1 Spaceflight is an expensive, high-tech endeavor that suffers from too much government regulation, right? A lot of people might agree with that sentiment, but Wayne Eleazer busts some enduring myths. info@thespacereview.com (Wayne Eleazer) Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:45:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/966/1 Galileo has gone from the one serious competitor to the American GPS satellite navigation system to one battling for its survival. Timothy Barnes reviews the history of the European program and problems it has encountered along the way. info@thespacereview.com (Timothy Barnes) Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:45:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/965/1 As the Outer Space Treaty turns 40, some people have criticized it as a relic from the Cold War. Taylor Dinerman explains how the treaty, like other international accords, don't reflect the state of space today. info@thespacereview.com (Taylor Dinerman) Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:45:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/964/1 A former Titan missile complex in Washington state is up for sale on eBay, prompting some creative thinking about how it could be put to use. Dwayne Day describes his preliminary plans for world domination. zirconic@earthlink.net (Dwayne A. Day) Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:45:00 GMT http://www.thespacereview.com/article/963/1 Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik and the beginning of the Space Age, and a number of books have been recently published on the topic. Jeff Foust reviews one book that looks at how people both famous and obscure played a role in the first year of a new era. jeff@thespacereview.com (Jeff Foust) Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:45:00 GMT