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December 2022:Apollo 21: Upgrading the Lunar Module for advanced missionsThe Apollo 17 mission ended exactly 50 years ago, concluding the first era of human lunar exploration. Dwayne Day and Glen Swanson discuss what could have followed had NASA adopted proposals from Grumman for advanced versions of its Lunar Module for additional missions. The secret payloads of Russia’s Glonass navigation satellitesRussia’s Glonass satellites do more than provide navigation services. Bart Hendrickx explores what’s known about additional payloads carried on those satellites, from detecting nuclear explosions to performing naval signals intelligence. Starship, Twitter, and MuskAs SpaceX makes slow progress on development of Starship, its CEO and founder is distracted by his acquisition of Twitter. Jeff Foust reports on concerns some have that Musk’s focus on Twitter, and the controversies that have ensued there, have taken his focus away from a goal of making humanity multiplanetary. Satellite bombs, gliders, or ICBMs? Krafft Ehricke and early thinking on long-range strategic weaponsJust before the dawn of the Space Age, German-born engineer Krafft Ehricke was working for American aerospace company Convair, examining future concepts for strategic weapons. Hans Dolfing examines a recently unearthed paper from Ehricke’s archives where he examined the tradeoff of missiles, satellites, and alternatives. All’s well that finally begins wellThe Artemis 1 mission concluded Sunday with a successful splashdown of the Orion spacecraft in the Pacific. Jeff Foust reports on Orion’s return and what it means for the Artemis program and NASA going forward. Launching with cost-plus, landing with fixed-price: the financial underpinnings of a lunar returnThe key elements of the Artemis program, the SLS and Orion, were developed under traditional cost-plus contracts. Tarak Makecha argues that NASA needs to shift to fixed-price contracts to keep Artemis sustainable in the long term. The first photograph of the entire globe: 50 years on, Blue Marble still inspiresThe 50th anniversary of Apollo 17 this month also marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic images ever taken of the Earth. Chari Larsson examines the lasting impact of the “Blue Marble” image. Review: Before The Big BangAstronomers continue to probe the early universe, seeking to better understand the Big Bang. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a cosmologist that explains how a concept called the multiverse may explain why our universe appears to beat the cosmological odds. Analyzing the deployment of BlueWalker 3While astronomers have been concerned about megaconstellations like Starlink for a few years, a new satellite has raised new worries. Brad Young discusses measurements of the brightness of one satellite with a large array, a precursor to a constellation that could further interfere with astronomy. Evaluating America’s green energy options including astroelectricity (part 4)In the conclusion of his four-part series, Mike Snead examines whether it is feasible for space-based solar power to provide the green energy the United States will need by the end of the century. Europe selects new astronauts as it weighs its human spaceflight futureAs part of its ministerial council meeting last month, the European Space Agency announced a new class of astronauts. Jeff Foust reports on the selection, which comes as the agency considers new missions for them and even developing its own human spaceflight systems. The growing importance of small satellites in modern warfare: what are the options for small countries?Small satellites are playing a growing role in both government and commercial space activities. Donatas Palavenis examines their increasing capabilities and options for smaller countries to take advantage of them. November 2022:For ESA, a good enough budgetMinisters from the European Space Agency’s member states met in Paris last week to decide what programs would be funded, and by how much, over the next three years. Jeff Foust reports that while ESA didn’t get everything it asked for, agency leaders seemed satisfied with the funding they got given other challenges facing Europe. Evaluating America’s green energy options including astroelectricity (part 3)In the third part of his review of space-based solar power and alternative energy sources, Mike Snead examines whether wind and terrestrial solar power can meet future US green energy needs. Assembly lines in space: Enabling construction of rotating space settlementsSpace advocates have long dreamed of living in giant rotating habitats, but just how would you build one? John Strickland offers one proposal that brings the concept of the assembly line to microgravity. Review: Back to the MoonThe ongoing Artemis 1 mission is the latest small step towards returning humans to the Moon. Jeff Foust reviews a book that takes several giant leaps ahead to what might be possible once humans establish a presence on the Moon and use it to advance astrophysics. SLS showed up, at lastAfter years of delays, the Space Launch System finally lifted off for the first time, sending an uncrewed Orion spacecraft to the Moon. Jeff Foust reports on the last-minute challenges leading up to the launch and the focus now on testing Orion. Lessons from a university’s first cubesatUniversities continue to take their first steps into space by developing cubesats. Fergus Downey discusses the lessons learned from his university’s first cubesat mission, which came to an end last month. Evaluating America’s green energy options including astroelectricity (part 2)In the second part of his examination of the potential role for space solar power to meet future green energy needs, Mike Snead examines how much energy green options need to provide and whether some terrestrial options are suitable. Review: The Art of the CosmosMany space science books include images of the planets and galaxies that look like works of art. Jeff Foust reviews a book that focuses on celebrating those images as a form of art. A mystery, wrapped in an enigma, surrounding an explosion: US intelligence collection and the 1960 Nedelin disasterA Russian missile exploded on a launch pad at Baikonur in 1960, killing dozens of people, including a key Soviet official. Dwayne Day examines what the CIA was able to piece together from that accident five years later in a recently declassified report. A pivot point for space startupsSpace companies, like other startups, sometimes have to change direction because of issues with technology, markets, or funding. Jeff Foust reports on how two companies have had to make recent changes to keep going. Evaluating America’s green energy options including astroelectricity (part 1)With a transition from fossil fuels inevitable, what alternative sources of energy can meet the nation’s needs? In the first of a series of articles, Mike Snead examines future energy needs and the role space-based solar power can play to fill them. Review: Space CrazeSociety has long had a fascination with spaceflight, both real and fictional. Jeff Foust reviews a book that explores that history, often through the lens of artifacts like toys and collectables. Buccaneers of the high frontier: Program 989 SIGINT satellites from the ABM hunt to the Falklands War to the space shuttleA effort known as Program 989 developed a series of signals intelligence satellites over decades. Dwayne Day reveals new details about that program from declassified documents, from searches for ABM radars in the Soviet Union to aiding the UK in the Falklands War. In the shadows of lunar landersIn Texas, SpaceX is getting closer to the first orbital launch attempt of Starship, a milestone in its plans to develop an Artemis lunar lander for NASA. Jeff Foust reports that neither NASA nor SpaceX will share many details about those efforts, while other companies bidding on a second lander are also keeping quiet. Does the Moon mean Mars is next?For more than half a century, a human return to the Moon has been presented as a logical precursor for human missions to Mars. Roger Handberg, though, argues that even a successful return to the Moon is no guarantee that people will soon be ready to go on to Mars. Review: Good Night OppyThe impending demise of the InSight Mars lander brings up memories of the ends of the Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers. Jeff Foust reviews a new documentary that covers the lives, and eventual deaths, of those twin rovers. October 2022:Russia and Iran expand space cooperationRussia and Iran are gradually expanding cooperation in space, but without drawing much attention to it. Bart Hendrickx examines those cooperative efforts that include both remote sensing and communications satellites. Aiming for the Moon, crashing on Earth: The rise and fall of the 1989 Space Exploration Initiative (part 2)The demise of the Space Exploration Initiative was not the end of discussions about the future of human space exploration in the 1990s. Dwayne Day discusses the various proposals and studies that examine ways to return humans to the Moon without the sticker shock of SEI. The debate about who should regulate new commercial space activitiesThe FCC recently approved a rule reducing the amount of time satellites can remain in orbit after the end of their missions, a move intended to address orbital debris. Jeff Foust reports it also rekindled debates about which agencies should be involved in regulating commercial space activities. ISRO’s LVM3-M2 mission: an expansion of India’s commercial activitiesOneWeb resumed launches of its broadband satellite constellation this month with the launch of 36 satellites on an Indian rocket. Ajey Lele describes how this is a major step forward for India’s efforts to win more commercial launch business. Aiming for the Moon, crashing on Earth: The rise and fall of the 1989 Space Exploration Initiative (part 1)Before Artemis and the Vision for Space Exploration was the Space Exploration Initiative, a proposal by President George H.W. Bush to return humans to the Moon. Dwayne Day examines the development of that proposal and how that planted the seeds for its demise. The space investment crunchSpace startups have enjoyed surging investment in recent years, with many going public. Jeff Foust reports that broader economic problems may make it more difficult for companies to raise money or stay public and could lead to consolidation. Recycling in the ultimate high groundNew technologies and a growing commercial presence in space are reshaping how the US military operates in orbit. Ben Ogden argues that a critical element of those changes will be a greater adoption of in-space servicing of spacecraft. Screens and spaceships: inside the renovated National Air and Space MuseumThe National Air and Space Museum reopened part of its downtown Washington museum earlier this month as part of a multi-year renovation of the popular museum. Jeff Foust pays a visit to see the changes in the space-related galleries, including how some famous artifacts are presented. Who wants to fly around the Moon?Last week SpaceX announced it signed up Dennis Tito, the first space tourist to visit the ISS, along with his wife, for a flight around the Moon on Starship. Jeff Foust reports on what we know, and don’t know, about the trip and its implications for commercial human spaceflight. FOBS, MOBS, and the reality of the Article IV nuclear weapons prohibitionSome US officials have expressed concerns China and Russia may be developing fractional orbital bombardment systems, or FOBS, something last seriously considered decades ago. Michael Listner examines a debate in the 1960s about whether a Soviet FOBS system violated the brand-new Outer Space Treaty for guidance for how such systems should be viewed today. #MeToo in space: We must address the potential for sexual harassment and assault away from EarthAs humanity expands into space, it will take with it both its hopes and its problems. Four experts argue that space agencies and companies need to take greater efforts to prevent sexual harassment or assault in space. Review: Boldly GoOne year ago, the actor who played one of the most famous fictional space travelers got to go to space for real, albeit briefly, on Blue Origin’s New Shepard. Jeff Foust reviews William Shatner’s latest book, which includes new details about that flight and his reaction to it. Arms control and satellites: early issues concerning national technical meansReconnaissance satellites emerged in the 1970s as a key tool for verifying arms control treaties. Dwayne Day examines how the NRO dealt with this new use of their satellites and misperceptions about their abilities. Commercial space stations: labs or hotels?At last month’s International Astronautical Conference, companies working on commercial space station concepts talked up both the potential of their stations to support research and host tourists. Jeff Foust reports on how they’re preparing to handle two very different markets given uncertain demand for their facilities. Making a modern military serviceAs a new military service, the US Space Force has to develop its own culture while also preparing to defend the nation against new threats. Coen Williams and Peter Garretson argue that the Space Force needs to adopt an approach that gives servicemembers the ability to act more independently to be more agile. Review: A Traveler’s Guide to the StarsGiven the difficulties of simply getting off the planet, many don’t devote much attention to getting out of the solar system. Jeff Foust reviews a book by one engineer who has given a lot of thought to how to build interstellar spacecraft, and the numerous challenges they face. Applied planetary science: DART’s bullseyeNASA’s DART spacecraft collided with a small asteroid last week—just as the agency planned. Jeff Foust reports on how NASA hopes the impact will help people sleep a little better at night when it comes to the risks posed by asteroids impacting the Earth. NASA-SpaceX study opens final chapter for Hubble Space TelescopeNASA announced last week it was working with SpaceX on a study to examine the feasibility of reboosting and possibly servicing the Hubble Space Telescope using a Crew Dragon spacecraft. Christopher Gainor argues that, regardless of the outcome of the study, it should help better define what the final phase of Hubble’s life will be. Sputnik’s effect on VanguardThis week marks the 65th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik. Richard Easton recalls how one engineer working on a competing American satellite program reacted when he heard the news of Sputnik’s launch. Review: The Whole TruthScientists have, over the last several decades, built up increasingly detailed cosmological models. Jeff Foust reviews a book by an astronomer who won a Nobel Prize in Physics for such work but believes that, given the progress of the field, that model was inevitable. September 2022:Aiming too high: the Advent military communications satelliteComplex military space programs that run behind schedule and over budget are nothing new. Dwayne Day explores the history of an overly ambitious military communications satellite program from the early years of the space age. Space for (mostly) allThe International Astronautical Congress last week had a record turnout of more than 9,000 people from 110 countries. However, Jeff Foust reports that a lot of attention was on two major spacefaring nations, China and Russia, that had little or no presence at the event. An analysis of Chinese remote sensing satellitesChina has developed a wide array of remote sensing satellites for civil, commercial, and military applications. Henk H.F. Smid examines what is known about this growing fleet of spacecraft. Review: First DawnRoberto Battiston is a physicist who served as head of Italy's space agency for four years. Jeff Foust reviews a book where Battiston discusses topics ranging from cosmology to space commercialization. Europe seeks to stay in the space raceThe International Astronautical Congress is underway this week in Paris, with a major focus on Europe’s place in space. Jeff Foust reports on how ESA is seeking a major budget increase despite, or perhaps because of, the economic and geopolitical challenges on the continent. Return to panic: How two iconic NASA astronauts survived the 1970s and beyondAfter the Apollo program, two astronauts had challenging, but very different, physical and emotional experiences. Emily Carney explores how the memoirs and other accounts by Buzz Aldrin and Fred Haise examined their hardships. Harpoons, robots, and lasers: how to capture defunct satellites and other space junk and bring it back to EarthWhile space debris is a growing problem, there are plenty of potential ways to remove such debris, at least in theory. Ralph Cooney examines some of the concepts and the environmental issues they raise. A darker shade of blue: The unknown Air Force manned space programIn the early 1960s, the US Air Force was looking at several options for having a role in human spaceflight even after that work was handed over to NASA. Dwayne Day examines what’s known about some of those efforts and open questions about their development. A substantive National Space Council meetingThe National Space Council held its first public meeting in more than nine months last Friday. Jeff Foust reports that there were several major developments to emerge from that meeting, from space security to building up the space workforce. Lunar mining, Moon land claims, and avoiding conflict and damage to spacecraftWhile there have been proposals in the past for “safety zones” around lunar landing sites, those zones may conflict with treaties. Michelle L.D. Hanlon discusses efforts to find international agreement on ways to conduct activities on the Moon without risking damage to others. Unwinding a conflict of treatiesThe Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Treaty make property rights on the Moon, Mars, and elsewhere difficult or impossible to establish. Paul Costello argues that a much older legal precedent could offer an alternative approach to establishing such rights. Of hydrogen and humilityNASA went into the first attempts to launch the Artemis 1 system confident in the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. Jeff Foust reports that, two scrubs later, that confidence is tempered by the challenges of dealing with a new launch vehicle using old, and troublesome, technology. The origins and evolution of the Defense Support Program (part 2)The early Defense Support Program missile-warning satellites were so successful they lasted far longer in orbit than expected, creating a stockpile of satellites on the ground. Dwayne Day explores how the US Air Force dealt with that issue and various technical glitches as the program matured. Frank Drake has passed away but his equation for alien intelligence is more important than everAstronomer Frank Drake, a pioneer in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, died last week at the age of 92. David Rothery examines perhaps his most famous contribution to the field, the equation that bears his name that allows us to estimate how much company we should have in the galaxy. Review: The Milky WayIf our Milky Way galaxy could talk, what would it have to say? Jeff Foust reviews a book that tells the story of the formation, evolution, and eventual demise of our galaxy in the form of an autobiography. August 2022:The origins and evolution of the Defense Support Program (part 1)The US military has operated satellites for decades designed to provide early warnings of ballistic missile launches. Dwayne Day, in the first of a multi-part series, examines the origins of the first such missile-warning satellite effort, the Defense Support Program. The time has finally come for Artemis 1NASA is now less than a week away from the long-awaited, and long-delayed, first launch attempt of the Space Launch System. Jeff Foust reports on final preparations for the launch and what the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission seeks to achieve. War in Ukraine highlights the growing strategic importance of private satellite companies, especially in times of conflictA major element of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been the role commercial satellites have played in monitoring the invasion and aiding the Ukrainian government. Mariel Borowitz explains how this could reshape the future of the commercial remote sensing industry. Review: A Portrait of the Scientist as a Young WomanNASA’s Psyche mission, previously set to launch earlier this month, has been indefinitely delayed because of software testing problems. Jeff Foust reviews the memoir of the mission’s principal investigator, whose life and career have gone through far more serious challenges than a launch delay. Chief communicator: How Star Trek’s Lieutenant Uhura helped NASANichelle Nichols, the actress best known as Lt. Uhura on Star Trek, recently passed away. Glen Swanson examines the role she played after the original TV series helping NASA diversify its astronaut corps. Small launchers struggle to reach orbitSometimes the first launches of new rockets fail to reach orbit, as was the case with India’s SSLV earlier this month. Other times, Jeff Foust reports, it’s the business cases for small launch vehicles that struggle to gain altitude. Roe v. Wade: the space caseThe US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that established abortion rights, has impacts that could extend into space. Vanessa Farsadaki discusses potential implications for the ruling for long-duration spaceflight. Review: A History of Near-Earth Objects ResearchEfforts to search for, and potentially defend against, near Earth asteroids have enjoyed a sharp increase in funding in recent years. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers a history of near Earth object studies and the factors that led to that recent increase in support for them. ISS in the balanceNASA is working to extend operations of the International Space Station to 2030. Jeff Foust reports on how those plans face challenges from Russian comments that it may withdraw from the partnership early as well as uncertainty that commercial stations will be ready by the end of the decade. A review of Chinese counterspace activitiesChina has been active in a wide range of technologies that could interfere with, damage, or even destroy satellites. Matthew Mowthorpe and Markos Trichas offer an overview of those activities as best understood today. What is space development?People often talk about space development, but what does that term actually mean? John Strickland offers his description of the activities required to expand human presence in space. Why the molten salt reactor should be our next big step for terrestrial and off-planet needsBoth terrestrial and space applications need new power sources. Ajay Kothari discusses how one new nuclear power system can both address cimate change on Earth and support missions to the Moon and beyond. July 2022:Billionaires and backlash: suborbital spaceflight a year after Branson and BezosIt’s been a year since Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos flew on their companies’ suborbital vehicles days apart from each other. Jeff Foust reports on the status of the suborbital human spaceflight industry today and the backlash against those flights. The rebirth of NASAJust as the James Webb Space Telescope begins science operations, the Space Launch System is finally nearing its first launch. Roger Handberg argues these developments demonstrate what NASA is good at, and what it should instead hand over to the private sector. Advanced Gambit and VHRNewly declassified documents indicate that the National Reconnaissance Office studied another version of the Gambit reconnaissance satellite in the 1970s. Philip Horzempa discusses what the documents reveal about Advanced Gambit-3. Will NASA rename the James Webb Space Telescope?While the James Webb Space Telescope is now fully operational after major cost and schedule overruns, it has not completely escaped controversy. Alice Gorman explains why some continue to push NASA to rename the observatory. The transformation of JWSTIt was little surprise that the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope would get an overwhelmingly positive reaction from scientists and the public. Jeff Foust reports that the image release is part of a broader transformation of JWST in terms of science, technology, and even policy. Not necessarily for the NRP: Final thoughts on the Casa Grande crossesSome people have speculated that a set of concrete crosses in the Arizona desert was used to calibrate CORONA spy satellites. Joseph T. Page II offers new evidence to conclude that those crosses were used for other purposes. ASATs and space law: quo vadis?The Russian ASAT demonstration last November has led to renewed calls for a testing ban. Leia-Maria Lupu and Maira Sophie Müller examine what international law today says about the consequences of such tests. Review: Apollo 11 Flight Plan: RelaunchedThis week marks the 53rd anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers what the publishers claim to be the most faithful reproduction yet of the flight plan for that historic mission. JWST and the future of large space telescopesNASA and its partners will release this week the first science-quality observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, starting a new era in space astronomy that will last for decades. Jeff Foust reports on how some astronomers are looking beyond JWST to future space telescopes, and the challenges they face from the struggles to build JWST. An ICAO for the Moon: It’s time for an International Civil Lunar OrganizationThe number of countries and companies planning lunar missions presents a challenge for coordination and cooperation. Peter Garretson offers a solution in the form of an organization modeled on the one that has advanced civil aviation. Space and America’s futureThe White House sought a significant increase in NASA’s budget for next year, but that increase may not be enough. Frank Slazer makes the case for even larger funding increases for the agency to keep its exploration plans on track. Review: Escaping GravityWhile NASA astronaut memoirs are abundant, far fewer NASA leaders have written about their time at the agency. Jeff Foust reviews the new book by former deputy administrator Lori Garver, who describes in great detail her efforts to change the agency’s direction and the opposition she faced. Kalina: a Russian ground-based laser to dazzle imaging satellitesRussia’s military has been working on several laser projects to disrupt operations of reconnaissance satellites passing overhead. Bart Hendrickx discusses the progress on one such system. The perils of planetary ridesharesNASA is funding several smallsat missions to the Moon, Mars, and asteroids—if they can find a ride. Jeff Foust reports on the challenges those missions have encountered as their rideshare launch opportunities get delayed or changed. Boozy Chimps in Orbit and intoxicating Saturns: Where space pop meets Tiki cultureAt first glance, there would seem to be little in common between the Space Age and the “Tiki” culture that was popular in much of the 20th century. Deana Weibel describes how there was, in fact, considerable overlap that continues to this day. Review: The Elephant in the UniverseOne of the biggest mysteries in astronomy is the dark matter that is present in far greater quantities in the universe than ordinary matter. Jeff Foust reviews a book that describes the century-long quest to understand dark matter. Home |
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