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This week in The Space Review… The big testOn Saturday, SpaceX plans to launch a Dragon spacecraft on a test flight to the International Space Station. Jeff Foust examines how this flight is perceived not just as a test of the company’s system to transport cargo to and from the ISS, but also in some quarters as a test of the viability of commercial crew. Why ISS can advance Mars explorationTo some, the International Space Station can seem like a distraction towards their preferred long-term goal of human missions to Mars. Chris Carberry argues that, if properly used, the ISS can help further the technology and other approaches needed for such missions. The evolution of near Earth objects risk perceptionAs our understanding of near Earth objects (NEOs) have changed, so has our perception of the risks associated with them. Luis Fernández Carril explores this history of NEOs, from omens to potential sources of wealth. Review: The Quantum UniverseQuantum physics is essential to our understanding of how the universe works, yet understanding quantum physics itself can be a challenge for many. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers a readable yet rigorous introduction to the topic and its relevance to physics and astronomy. Previous articles:The Triway into Space DeclarationSpace advocates often argue whether future exploration and commercialization efforts should focus on the Moon, Mars, or asteroids. Peter Kokh and Al Anzaldua explain why advocates for all three destinations should join forces to ensure appropriate funding for technologies that can be used to realize everyone’s goals. EnhancedView’s cloudy futureLate last week GeoEye announced an offer to acquire its chief rival in the commercial remote sensing market, DigitalGlobe, a proposal that was quickly rebuffed by DigitalGlobe. Jeff Foust reports that while there may not be a merger or acquisition involving those companies now, proposed cuts in the government’s EnhancedView program could lead to major changes in the industry in the near future. Space merchants and planetary miningAlthough Planetary Resources got plenty of attention last month with its long-term plans to mine asteroids for water and other resources, it’s not the only company with an interest in mining solar system bodies. Ayodele Faiyetole discusses the potential benefits of this emerging commercial interest in extraterrestrial resource extraction. Reviews: short space ebooksThe growing adoption of electronic books, or ebooks, has created a new market niche of books bigger than a conventional magazine article but smaller than a typical printed book. Jeff Foust reviews a couple space-related samples of these small, inexpensive ebooks. Planetary Resources believes asteroid mining has come of ageLong relegated to science fiction and the dreams of space enthusiasts, the concept of asteroid mining took a big step forward last week when startup company Planetary Resources announced its intent to extract water ice and other resources from near Earth asteroids. Jeff Foust reports on the company’s plans and the obstacles it faces. A space joint stock companySome space-based applications can be very expensive, but also hold the prospect of being very lucrative. Trevor Brown describes how a joint stock company involving various companies and even the government can develop a profitable infrastructure of solar power satellites and other products potentially worth trillions. Photo Gallery: Discovery arrives in WashingtonA collection of images from the arrival earlier this month of the shuttle Discovery in Washington and its transfer to the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center. Review: The Final Journey of the Saturn VThe recent moves of the shuttles Discovery to Washington and Enterprise to New York are are part of a more complex, and even controversial, transition process than what the remaining Saturn V rockets went through in the early 70s, when they were simply put on display outdoors, exposed to the elements. Jeff Foust reviews a book that looks at the effort to restore one of those old rockets to its former glory. A shuttle’s transfer in an agency’s era of transitionLast week NASA formally delivered the space shuttle Discovery to the Smithsonian, flying the orbiter to Washington to take the place of Enterprise. Jeff Foust reviews the events of that transfer, and how it stirred up some old feelings and concerns about the future of the space program. Pictures at an exhibitionWhat was it like to see the shuttle Discovery arrive in Washington? Dwayne Day offers a first-hand, photographic account of the shuttle’s arrival and welcoming ceremony. Does Star Trek make space travel look too easy?A recent comment by a space expert suggested that the Star Trek television shows and movies had made space travel look perhaps too simple. Andre Bormanis argues that this is an issue not about complexity but rather communications. Hacking spaceSpaceflight has long been seen as the exclusive realm of governments and large companies, but that perception may be changing. Jeff Foust reports on technical and financial innovations that are allowing small groups, even volunteers, make progress on rockets and related projects. The coming golden ageHas the golden age of space exploration already passed us by? Eric Hedman looks at a little-known chapter in American history as evidence that the golden age is yet to come. Working towards a space code of conductThe concept of a "code of conduct" for space operations has generated some debate in recent months. Thomas Taverney discusses what attributes a code should and should not have in order to protect national security and permit safe space operations. A new “Great Enterprise” for space settlementSpace settlement remains a long-term goal for some space advocates, but many hurdles remain to realizing that dream. Jeff Foust reports on a new initiative by the Space Studies Institute to address one of the key unknowns. Theft, the sincerest form of flatteryAs NASA’s shuttles start to make their way to their retirement homes this week, some remember the short-lived Soviet shuttle that appeared to be a copy of NASA's vehicle. Dwayne Day examines a report that offers new insights into how the Soviets acquired shuttle technology. Launching 64 times per dayGreater utilization of space will require much higher launch rates than seen today. Ronald Menich examines the economics of a notional system that would launch nearly as many times in a single day as take place worldwide in a year. Review: Imagining Outer SpaceSpaceflight has has a significant influence on modern society, which in turn has also influenced spaceflight. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines that mutual relationship from a European perspective. I, RobotWhen people think of the term “robot”, their mental picture may be far different from the spacecraft roving on the surface of Mars or exploring elsewhere in the solar system. Dan Lester argues that “robot” can mean something else entirely: telepresence devices that humans can control to more effectively and affordably explore other worlds. Patience, perseverance, and other lessons for spaceportsDespite the delays and other challenges facing the commercial spaceflight industry, more states and other entities are proposing to develop commercial spaceports in the US and elsewhere. Jeff Foust discusses what those spaceport developers should be prepared for based on the experience of those who have, or are still trying, to build their own. Shattered glassDid the US Air Force really learn about debris from a fallen spysat from a English farmer in a pub? Dwayne Day revisits an old tale thanks to newly-declassified information and finds a different story. Staking a claim on the MoonConventional wisdom indicates that it’s not possible for private entities to claim property on the Moon or other celestial bodies under current treaties. Jeff Foust reports on one proposal that claims to have found a loophole that makes private property rights feasible on other worlds. Review: A Universe from NothingMost agree that the universe was born in the Big Bang, but why was there a Big Bang? Jeff Foust reviews a book that attempts to offer a scientific, rather than philosophical or religious, explanation for why the universe sprang from “nothing”. Seeking direction for space explorationNASA has long-term goals for its human space exploration program, including missions to Mars in the 2030s, and is working on some of the key elements needed to achieve those goals. Yet, as Jeff Foust reports, some are losing sleep over a lack of clear direction and detail on where to go and how to carry out those plans. Ushering in the final frontierThe month of April includes a number of major anniversaries in the history of spaceflight, several of which fall on the same day, April 12. Ayodele Faiyetole describes why those coinciding anniversaries, and the changing nature of human spaceflight, provides an opportunity to educate and celebrate. To infinity and the MallThe latest addition to the National Air and Space Museum is a toy, albeit a toy that spent more than a year in space. Jeff Foust looks at the inclusion of a Buzz Lightyear figure into the museum’s collection and why it may be more than just recognition of the toy’s role in an educational project. Review: Space Junk 3DOrbital debris, aka space junk, is a serious and growing problem, but it can also be a difficult one for the public to visualize. Jeff Foust reviews a new short film that takes advantage of a big, three-dimensional screen to try and better communicate the threat posed by debris. Why we fall for the hype: contextualizing our thought on space warfareWhy do visions of space-based weapons remain compelling to some despite their huge technical and fiscal obstacles? Nader Elhefnawy examines the influence of science fiction and its interplay with political and popular thought. Fighting for MarsNASA’s 2013 budget proposal cuts planetary science funding by 20 percent and ends its participation in a series of joint Mars missions with Europe. Jeff Foust reports on the reaction to the cuts by Congress and the planetary science community, including how some are planning to fight back. Brazil in spaceBrazil has had a series of on-again, off-again efforts to develop a space launch capability. Dwayne Day analyzes a recently declassified CIA report that examined the state of Brazil’s efforts 30 years ago and compares it to the nation’s actual efforts. Review: The Life of Super-EarthsThe explosion of exoplanet discoveries has resulted in a new class of planet: “super-Earths” that are heavier than the Earth but smaller than gas giants. Jeff Foust reviews a book where a leading exoplanet scientist argues that such worlds may be more hospitable to life than Earth-sized planets. Suborbital gets seriousFor some time, commercial suborbital spaceflight has been associated most closely with space tourism. Now, Jeff Foust finds, as interest grows in using these vehicles for research, scientists and vehicle developers alike are trying to emphasize those applications over tourism. The Moon Treaty: it isn’t dead yetMany consider the Moon Treaty to be dead since major spacefaring countries like the US have not acceded to it. Michael Listner points out several recent development that suggest the controversial treaty may still have some life to it. Towards a European multitask space vehicleWhat is the next step in European space transportation vehicles beyond the ATV? Paul de Brem reports on a new concept under study by the French space agency that could do far more than ferry cargo to the ISS. Bringing space exhibits down to earthSpace museums are typically thought of as large facilities associated with the Smithsonian or NASA centers. Jeff Foust examines how smaller facilities, including one located in a suburban storefront, can help make space more accessible to the general public. Commercial crew in the spotlightNASA’s proposal to spend over $800 million in 2013 on its commercial crew program has raised concerns in Congress, including in two hearings last week. Jeff Foust reports on those congressional concerns and the responses from NASA and industry. The sounds of distant thunder: American intelligence collection on the Soviet space shuttle programAs the Soviet Union started development of its version of the Space Shuttle, the Buran, what did American intelligence agencies know about it? Dwayne Day reviews available records to track their efforts and identify missteps they made along the way. Competition and the future of the EELV program (part 2)Rising costs of EELV-class launches threaten to hinder NASA’s ability to support a range of science missions. Stewart Money examines how the government got into this situation and a potential way out. Reopening the Window of OpportunityNewt Gingrich was briefly in the news about space last week, making a campaign stop in Huntsville, Alabama. Jeff Foust traces back some Gingrich’s space policy comments to a book he wrote nearly three decades earlier that offered a optimistic, if ultimately unrealistic, look at America’s potential future in space. Space
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