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December 2021:Dark side of the Moon: the lost Surveyor missionsThe Surveyor program sent a series of landers to the Moon as a precursor to the Apollo missions. Dwayne Day examines the history of what was originally a far more ambitious program that included many more landers, some with rovers, that were proposed but never flown. For JWST, the launch is only the beginning of the dramaAfter decades of development and years of delays, the James Webb Space Telescope is finally scheduled to launch this week. Jeff Foust reports that, for all the tension around the launch itself, the liftoff will will mark only the start of the high-stakes effort to get the telescope deployed and commissioned. Growing the global space community: onboarding spacefaring nationsMore countries are interested in developing launch vehicles or hosting launches by vehicles developed elsewhere. Cody Knipfer discusses why this interest calls for efforts by leading nations, like the US, to help streamline that process to ensure safety while avoiding burdensome regulations. Review: 50 Years of Solar System ExplorationNASA missions to explore the solar system depend not just on technology but also policy. Jeff Foust reviews a collection of papers from a conference several years ago that examined how people, politics, and policies shaped how science gets done, or sometimes doesn’t get done. Private human spaceflight become more regular, but not routineAnother Blue Origin New Shepard vehicle flew a suborbital mission Saturday, a day after the FAA said it was shutting down its program to award commercial astronaut wings. Jeff Foust reports this is a sign commercial human spaceflight is becoming more common, at long last, but is still far from routine. Private space stations are coming. Will they be better than their predecessors?Several ventures are now working on commercial space station proposals that could be ready to enter service by late this decade. Justin St. P. Walsh and Alice Gorman wonder if such ventures have learned the lessons from government space stations. Who was missing at COP26 and why it’s a problemLast month’s COP26 climate conference in Scotland attracted thousands of participants, but notably absent were representatives of the aerospace and defense industry. Layla Martin discusses why the industry needs to pay more attention to climate change. Review: The Apollo MurdersFormer astronaut Chris Hadfield has written books about his spaceflight experiences, but is now turning to fiction. Jeff Foust reviews Hadfield’s novel that makes use of his space and aviation expertise to write a thriller set in the Apollo program. A Biden space policy takes shapeThe National Space Council met for the first time last week in the Biden Administration. Jeff Foust reports on how the meeting, and a policy document released that day, show an emphasis on continuity, with some added attention in certain areas. How to clarify human futures beyond EarthOne of the major questions regarding the ability of humans to live in space for extended periods is whether partial gravity levels, such as those on the Moon and Mars, are sufficient to keep people healthy. Joe Carroll examines the issue and how a concept for a rotating spacecraft could answer those questions. A new era of planetary exploration: what we discovered on the far side of the MoonEven though spacecraft have studied the Moon for more than 60 years, new technologies and instruments can provide new insights. Iraklis Giannakis discusses how ground-penetrating radar has helped scientists understand what’s going on below the surface of the Moon. Space at Expo 2020Expo 2020 Dubai, the latest version of a world’s fair, is underway after a one-year delay. Jeff Foust tours the expo to look for space-related exhibits, from small moon rocks to a full-sized replica booster. November 2021:A new approach to flagship space telescopesThe long-awaited astrophysics decadal survey, with its recommendations for future space-based observatories, was finally released in early November. Jeff Foust reports on how the decadal, rather than recommending a single large mission, offered a new approach for doing a series of such missions in the next few decades. How America wins the futureThe National Space Council meets this week for the first time in the Biden Administration. Frank Slazer argues the meeting is a prime opportunity for the White House to demonstrate its commitment to securing American leadership in space. Space law hasn’t been changed since 1967, but the UN aims to update laws and keep space peacefulRussia’s antisatellite test comes as the United Nations considers a proposal for studying norms of behavior for space activities. Michelle Hanlon and Greg Autry explain how that UN effort is a major step forward in addressing the limitations of existing international space law. Review: To Boldly GoScience fiction has long been an inspiration for those pursuing work in space fields, but what other lessons can the genre offer? Jeff Foust reviews a collection of essays that mines space-related science fiction for insights on leadership and strategy. After another ASAT test, will governments finally take action?Last week, Russia tested a direct-ascent antisatellite weapon, destroying a defunct Russian satellite and creating potentially thousands of new pieces of debris. Jeff Foust reports on the test and reaction, and whether it will lead to efforts to prohibit such tests and preserve the orbital environment. Tracking unknown satellitesNot all satellite catalogs are created equal, with some containing objects that are missing in others. Charles Phillips and Mykola Kulichenko discuss one effort to track down objects and link them to specific satellites. Risk, teamwork, and opportunity: the tale of a Soyuz abortThree years ago, an astronaut and a cosmonaut survived the first abort of a Soyuz spacecraft in decades. Jeff Foust recounts a session of a conference last month where Nick Hague and Alexey Ovchinin discussed the experience and the lessons learned from it. Review: The Greatest AdventureCramming six decades of human spaceflight into a single book is a challenge, but one the some authors are willing to take on. Jeff Foust reviews one such book, which appears to focus more on the early years of human spaceflight than more recent achievements. Resetting ArtemisThe conclusion of a legal dispute involving the development of a human lunar landing system allows NASA to move forward with that aspect of the Artemis program, but with delays. Jeff Foust reports on the latest changes to the schedule for returning humans to the Moon, and whether that schedule can hold up. Musk versus Bezos: a real rivalry or a fake feud?The rivalry between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in space is often considered one of the key competitions in the modern space industry. Ben Little ponders if that feud is genuine or if it’s played up to mask the fact their ventures are more complementary. An assessment of EU decarbonization options including astroelectricityThe European Union is seeking to “decarbonize” its energy supplies by the middle of the century. Mike Snead examines the role that space-based solar power could play to do so compared to alternative energy sources. Review: Bright Galaxies, Dark Matter, and BeyondResearch over decades by astronomer Vera Rubin provided strong evidence for the existence of dark matter, winning her awards and making her the namesake of an observatory under construction in Chile. Jeff foust reviews a new biography of Rubin that puts her life and research into context. Boldly insure where no one has goneInsurance is a critical, if often overlooked, part of the space industry. A group of insurance executives raises issues that growing space activities pose for insurers. For private space travelers, questions of vistas and titlesCan a suborbital spaceflight provide the same change in perspective as an orbital flight? And, do private space travelers get to be called astronauts? Jeff Foust reports on how those issues are being considered as private human spaceflight takes off. Witch-hunts, power, and privilege from Salem to the starsHow does the fear and power asymmetry that contributed to the infamous Salem witch trials manifest itself in the modern-day aerospace industry? Layla Martin presents similarities between the events at Salem and modern space culture. Review: HoldoutWhat would prompt a NASA astronaut to disobey orders and, in effect, mutiny in orbit? Jeff Foust reviews a novel by a veteran space writer that contemplates such a scenario. The commercial space station raceNASA’s plans to retire the International Space Station by 2030 depend on companies developing commercial space stations to succeed it. Jeff Foust reports on recent developments in that effort, including new concepts announced late last month by two industry teams. Will SpaceX follow Tesla to a $1 trillion market capitalization?Tesla, the electric vehicle company run by Elon Musk, recently passed a market cap of $1 trillion. Sam Dinkin examines what it would take for SpaceX to pass that threshold. How a small, distant space telescope can solve astrophysical mysteries big ones can’tThe long-awaited Astro2020 decadal survey of astrophysics will be released this week, offering its recommendations for the next large space telescope NASA should develop. Michael Zemcov makes the case for NASA to also consider much smaller telescopes that, placed far from Earth, can do things large telescopes can’t.
Strategic geographical points in outer spaceGeography plays a key role in military strategy, something which extends to space. Matthew Jenkins examines how concepts like lines of communication and choke points apply to spaceports, orbits, and Lagrange points. October 2021:Engineering the arts for space: developing the concept of “mission laureates”There has long been a link between the arts and NASA missions. Christopher Cokinos describes how those links can be strengthened by a new concept to involve all kinds of creative people into those missions. The battle for Boca ChicaAn environmental review of SpaceX’s proposed Starship launch plans from Boca Chica, Texas, has created sharp differences of opinion. Jeff Foust reports on public feedback from those strongly in favor of the company’s launch plans and those with equally strong objections. Is outer space a de jure common-pool resource?Two of the more controversial elements of the Artemis Accords involve safety zones and rights to use extracted resources. Dennis O’Brien argues, that, as current written, those provisions could run afoul of space law. How space tourism could affect older peopleThe two oldest people to fly to space both did so this year as space tourism opens up new opportunities for a wider range of people. Nick Caplan and Christopher Newman discuss some of the issues associated with the elderly going to space on even brief suborbital flights. Review: Back to EarthMany space travelers have experienced the Overview Effect that changes their perspective of the Earth. Jeff Foust reviews a book where a former astronaut explains how people can change their views about the Earth without leaving the planet. The Artemis Accords after one year of international progressOne year ago, the United States and seven other countries signed the Artemis Accords, outlining principles for space exploration. Paul Stimers and Audrey Jammes review the progress since then getting more countries to sign the Accords and explore the document’s long-term prospects. The normalization of space tourismBlue Origin’s latest suborbital spaceflight, with Star Trek’s William Shatner and three others on board, was the fifth mission with private astronauts in three months. Jeff Foust reports that space tourism is starting to shift from exceptional even in the space community to something a little more normal. Black ugliness and the covering of blue: William Shatner’s suborbital flight to “death”When William Shatner returned from his brief suborbital spaceflight, he described the experience in a way few others have. Deana Weibel discusses how his comments differ from what we’ve come to expect from professional astronauts. The Indian Space Association seeks to broaden commercial interestsLast week, Indian government and business leaders announced the formation of a new space industry group. Ajey Lele examines how it can support India’s push to commercialize the field. Grimes and space communesWhen Elon Musk talks about human settlement of Mars, people take him seriously. Layla Martin wonders why we shouldn’t take his former partner seriously when she offers her own vision of space. Aerostat: a Russian long-range anti-ballistic missile system with possible counterspace capabilitiesRussia has been working for several years on an anti-ballistic missile system called Aerostat. Bart Hendrickx examines that effort and how it could also be used as an antisatellite weapon. Lollipops and ASATsAntisatellite weapons were a concern for the US as far back as the early years of the Space Age. Dwayne Day explores what declassified documents have revealed about American efforts to track Soviet radars and other capabilities linked to ASATs. The UK looks for its place in spaceThe British government released a new national space strategy last month that established a series of goals and objectives for the country’s space sector. Jeff Foust reports on that strategy and some of the issues facing Britain as it seeks to bolster its space industry. Review: AsteroidsAsteroids are back in the news with the upcoming launch of NASA’s Lucy mission to visit several Trojan asteroids preceding and following Jupiter in its orbit around the Sun. Thomas Simmons reviews a book that offers a historical context to the study of minor planets. Five big questions about the International Space Station becoming a movie setOn Tuesday, a Soyuz spacecraft will launch a professional cosmonaut to the International Space Station along with a director and an actress, who will film scenes for a movie. Alice Gorman examines some of the issues raised by this novel use of the station. Resilience and space situational awareness: an interview with NASA astronaut Mike HopkinsThe Inspiration4 mission was the second flight of the Crew Dragon spacecraft called Resilience, which first flew NASA’s Crew-1 mission. Jeff Foust interviews NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins, the commander of that mission, about his experiences and future plans. Inspiration4 sent four people with minimal training to orbit and brought space tourism closer to realityWhile Inspiration4 may have been a one-off mission, it may serve as a precursor for more private orbital human missions. Wendy Whitman Cobb explains how that mission, perhaps more than suborbital spaceflight, may be the future of space tourism. Review: Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to SpaceA documentary crew followed the Inspiration4 crew as they prepared for their orbital human spaceflight last month. Jeff Foust reviews the five-part documentary results that offers behind-the-scenes accounts of the mission but a lack of details about other aspects of the mission as well. September 2021:Two directorate heads are better than oneLast week NASA shook up the management of its human spaceflight programs, splitting its exploration development efforts from its operations of the ISS and commercial successors. Jeff Foust reports on the reasons for the restructuring and both the distinct and shared problems the two new organizations face. Criticism of space cowboys isn’t enoughSome voices inside and outside the space community have questioned the “space cowboy” billionaires that are playing a growing role in the industry. Blake Horn argues such criticism is only a start. Covid and MarsFor many over the last year and a half, sending humans to Mars seems like a distant dream compared to the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Frank Stratford explains why he believes the pandemic has given a new impetus for human expeditions to Mars. Review: Diary of an Apprentice AstronautVeteran ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti will go to the International Space Station next year and serve as its commander. Jeff Foust reviews a book where she describes her experience becoming an astronaut and training for her first ISS mission several years ago. An inspiration for private human spaceflightLast week’s Inspiration4 flight, a brief private orbital spaceflight, always looked like a one-off mission, at best. Jeff Foust reports that the success of the mission may show it’s a model for more frequent commercial orbital human missions. What is the future of the International Space Station?NASA is moving ahead with plans to extend the life of the ISS through the end of the decade while supporting development of commercial stations that will serve as successors. Roger Handberg argues the station’s long-term future, and ultimate demise, still remains uncertain. Astrofeminism as a theory of change: save our planet, not escape from itIf “space cowboys” of the billionaire space race are the problem, what is the solution? Layla Martin explains how a change in mindset and incorporation of a broader range of people is essential for a more sustainable future in space. Review: The WonderfulMuch of the focus on the International Space Station has been on the station itself, its research, and its political issues. Jeff Foust reviews a new documentary that devotes its attention instead on the experiences of the astronauts and cosmonauts who have flown there. The great space company saleSeveral space startups have gone public this year thanks to mergers with SPACs. Jeff Foust reports this may trigger a new round of acquisitions as those companies look to acquire suppliers and other firms that can help them grow. Paradigmatic shifts in space? Space policies of China and India: priorities, long-term focuses, and differencesChina and India are two rising space powers, each taking distinct approaches to developing their space capabilities. Namrata Goswami examines the similarities and differences in the two countries’ approaches to long-term space development. The problem with space cowboysThe race between billionaires to go to space captured headlines and public interest, but also criticism. Layla Martin argues that while competition in general is good, this particular space race wasn’t helpful for the space community. Thor the lifesaver?Some space advocates have pushed for development of space-based solar power as a solution to Earth’s energy and climate problems. Ajay Kothari makes the case for an alternative technology that could also have space applications. Review: AsteroidsAsteroids have long been a topic of scientific interest, as well as for planetary defense. Jeff Foust reviews a book that covers both those issues as well as the long desired, but still unrealized, dreams of harvesting resources from them. Small launch vehicles face their biggest testIn less than a week two startups developing small launch vehicles, Astra and Firefly, suffered launch failures. Jeff Foust reports on the setbacks those companies suffered and what it says about the challenges of creating new rockets. The making of an Enterprise: How NASA, the Smithsonian, and the aerospace industry helped create Star TrekFifty-five years ago this week, the first episode of Star Trek aired on NBC. Glen Swanson examines the close ties the show had with both NASA and the Smithsonian while the show was on the air and beyond. Wizards redux: revisiting the P-11 signals intelligence satellitesThis month marks the 60th anniversary of the formation of the National Reconnaissance Office. Dwayne Day describes how he hopes the anniversary will bring with it the declassification of more documents about a signals intelligence satellite program. The privatized frontier: the ethical implications and role of private companies in space explorationA shift to private spaceflight has worried some, who think companies will be more reckless than government agencies. Maanas Sharma discusses how those risks can be mitigated while taking advantage of the capabilities of the private sector. Review: The Red PlanetThe planet Mars is the subject of more intense study than ever before by spacecraft in orbit and on its surface, but those missions have asked as many questions as they’ve answered. Jeff Foust reviews a new book that examines what we know, and don’t know, about the formation and evolution of Mars. August 2021:The little satellite that could (part 2): from Triana to DSCOVR to orbitNASA’s Triana spacecraft, aka “Goresat,” seemed doomed to spend the rest of its days in storage. Dwayne Day recounts how the spacecraft finally made it to space with a new name and a revised mission. Cooperation, competition, conferences, and COVIDThe leaders of NASA and several other space agencies gathered in Colorado last week to discuss cooperation on various issues. Jeff Foust reports on what NASA’s Bill Nelson and others had to say about the future of the International Space Station and a perceived space race with China. “Starship to orbit” ought to be a tipping point for policy makersSpaceX is making rapid progress on the first Starship/Super Heavy vehicle able to go to orbit. Doug Plata argues that should be a wakeup call for the White House, NASA, and Congress as they plan sending humans to the Moon and Mars. The billionaires compete and the US wins the 21st century space raceThe competition this summer between Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson to be the first to go to space attracted plenty of attention, but also criticism. Eytan Tepper discusses how it’s a sign that the United States is leading a new, commercially oriented space race. Review: European-Russian Space CooperationCooperation between European nations and Russia/the former Soviet Union in space dates back more than half a century. Gurbir Singh reviews a new book that provides a thorough history of those cooperative efforts. Starliner sidelinedNASA and Boeing announced last week that a test flight of the company’s CST-100 Starliner commercial crew vehicle will be delayed, perhaps to next year, because of valve problems in the spacecraft’s propulsion system. Jeff Foust reports on this latest setback for a program that has already suffered significant delays. Space exploration and development is essential to fighting climate changeThe Biden Administration has made climate change a priority, an issue highlighted by the latest international assessment of the topic. Alex Gilbert argues that the National Space Council should take steps to leverage space capabilities to address the issue, from Earth science to space-based solar power. ISRO’s cryogenic conundrumAn Indian GSLV launch failed last week when the engine in its cryogenic upper stage did not ignite. Ajey Lele examines the long-running problems India has suffered trying to develop a more powerful launch vehicle. The little satellite that couldIn 1998, Vice President Al Gore proposed a satellite that would provide continuous images of the Earth. Dwayne Day, in the first of a two-part article, looks at the early history of a satellite then known as Triana. Is it time to create the designation of non-governmental astronaut?Determining if space tourists, like people who fly on New Shepard and SpaceShipTwo, are “astronauts” has legal implications. Michael Listner proposes that it may be time to create an explicit category of “non-governmental astronaut” in US law. Review: The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human ExplorationThe lunar regolith, both abrasive and adhesive, poses a significant challenge to future robotic and human expeditions there. Jeff Foust reviews a book that outlines our state of knowledge, or ignorance, about the hazards posed by lunar dust. Little Wizards: Signals intelligence satellites during the Cold WarThrough much of the Cold War, the US launched a series of small satellites to monitor electronic signals from the Soviet Union. Dwayne Day examines what we know about these spacecraft thanks to recent declassifications. Relaunching a lunar lander programOn Friday, the GAO announced it denied protests filed by two companies regarding NASA’s decision to award a single lunar lander contract in April to SpaceX. Jeff Foust reports on the dismissed protests and the prospects that one of those companies might yet get a lander contract. Six things to think about (besides the price) for prospective space touristsBlue Origin and Virgin Galactic are entering commercial service for their suborbital space tourism vehicles as new orbital space tourism options emerge. Steven Freeland says prospective space tourists should consider several factors when deciding whether to fly. Review: America’s New Destiny in SpaceThe recent suborbital flights of Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson stimulated a new round of commentary about the benefits and drawbacks of private spaceflight. Jeff Foust reviews a book that, while predating these latest developments, fits right in on the benefit side of the argument. July 2021:Will suborbital space tourism take a suborbital trajectory?With Blue Origin’s first crewed New Shepard flight last week, there are now two companies ready to start flying people on commercial suborbital flights. Jeff Foust reports on the launch and what it means for space tourism and the broader industry. John Glenn’s fan mail and the ambitions of the girls who wrote to himJohn Glenn, who would have turned 100 this month, attracted volumes of fan mail after his first spaceflight in 1962. Roshanna P. Sylvester examines what the letters say about the people, especially young women, who wrote him, and the society of that era. The case for suborbital scholarshipsSuborbital space tourism may be taking off, but it has a perception problem that it, and by extension commercial space, is only for the very rich. A.J. Mackenzie offers a proposal to make space tourism a little more diverse. Review: The Burning BlueMany books have been written about the Challenger disaster in the last 35 years. Jeff Foust reviews a new book that promises the “untold” story of what happened. Flattops from space: the once (and future?) meme of photographing aircraft carriers from orbitAircraft carriers, given their size and distinctive shape, stand out in satellite imagery. Dwayne Day explores the long history of taking images of carriers from space, from spysats in the Cold War to commercial imagery of Chinese, Indian, and other carriers. Astronomy flagships, past and futureAstronomers are awaiting the final report of the astrophysics decadal survey, which will make recommendations on future large missions to pursue. Jeff Foust reports that as NASA waits for the report, it’s busy getting past recommendations launched or recovered from technical and policy problems. Assessing and celebrating the global impact of the “First Lady Astronaut Trainees”On Tuesday, Wally Funk, one of the women who passed astronaut medical exams more than 60 years ago, will finally go to space on New Shepard. James Oberg says the impact of the so-called “Mercury 13” goes beyond a long-awaited spaceflight. Review: Leadership Moments from NASANASA has provided many examples of good leadership, and bad, over the years. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a former astronaut and a space journalist who try to distill insights about leadership in general from the agency’s experiences. The suborbital spaceflight race isn’t overFor many people, Richard Branson’s successful flight on SpaceShipTwo Sunday marked the end of a billionaire space race with Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos. Jeff Foust reports that the real competition between the companies, and the race to win customers, is just beginning. China is using mythology and sci-fi to sell its space program to the worldChina shares few details about its space missions, often waiting until after launches or other events happen to announce them. Molly Silk explains how China is marketing its space ambitions using both an imagined past and imagined potential futures. When it comes to spacewalks, size mattersThe spacesuits NASA uses for spacewalks date back decades and are long past their design life. Steven Moore explains that means, in some cases, a key factor in selecting astronauts for spacewalks is whether they fit in the remaining suits. Review: Across the Airless WildsFifty years ago this month, the Apollo 15 mission landed on the Moon with the first of three lunar rovers used by astronauts. Jeff Foust reviews a book that recounts the long history of development of that rover, which was a game-changer for both astronauts and scientists. Ingenuity, InSight, and Ice MapperRovers seem to get all the attention on Mars, but there are other current and planned missions to the Red Planet. Jeff Foust updates progress on a helicopter that continues to push the limits of flight, a lander with fading power, and a future orbiter mission working on a tight budget. Flights to Mars, real and LEGOIn the late 1960s, Boeing developed a concept for a nuclear-powered crewed Mars spacecraft. More than a half-century later, Dwayne Day describes, that concept continues to stimulate imaginations, including of one designer who created models of it using LEGOs. The nanosatellite gold rush demands new routes to spaceSmallsats offer new, cost-effective approaches to flying advanced technologies—if you can launch them. Steve Heller argues that continued innovation in smallsats requires innovation in getting the satellites to space. Did ancient astronomers set a message in stone for us?An ancient stone pillar in a temple in Turkey may tell the story of a long-ago impact, some researchers suggest. Sam Dinkin notes the pillar may have been a message of a very different kind as well. Reviews: Examining the life of John GlennJohn Glenn is one of the most famous American astronauts, but what was the man like behind the mythology constructed around him? Jeff Foust reviews two books, one a general biography of Glenn and the other that focuses on his astronaut career. Home |
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