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This week in The Space Review… Spinning in the black: The Satellite Data System and real-time reconnaissanceA key element in the NRO’s creation of a real-time reconnaissance capability a half-century ago was the development of dedicated data relay satellites. Dwayne Day examines the Satellite Data System program and its unusual management approach. An asteroid’s threatened impact may still impact planetary defenseFor a time early this year, a near Earth asteroid had a small but growing chance of hitting the Earth in 2032. That risk is now gone, Jeff Foust reports, but it has people talking about planetary defense and how to support NASA’s efforts there. Space mining: corporate autocracy or global solidarity?The international community continues to debate how utilization of space resources should be regulated and managed. Nikola Schmidt and Martin Švec ague that failing to act opens the door to companies having their own way, to the detriment to humanity in general. Opportunities for New Zealand as geopolitics reshapes the space economyDiscussions about a new space race have focused on a competition between China and the United States, but other nations can play roles as well. Three authors discuss how New Zealand could leverage its unique position in geopolitics to grow its space activities. Note: Because of the Memorial Day holiday, next week’s issue will be published on Tuesday, May 27. Previous articles:Budget cuts and the fraying of international partnershipsThe top-level federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, released earlier this month, included major cuts to NASA and the cancellation of several major programs. Jeff Foust reports the biggest fallout from the proposal might be to cause international partners to rethink their plans to cooperate. Russian and Chinese development of radiofrequency directed energy weapons (RF DEW) for counterspaceConcerns about Chinese and Russian work on ASATs has largely revolved around kinetic weapons or spacecraft that can grapple other satellites. Markos Trichas and Matthew Mowthorpe discuss how that overlooks work on directed energy weapons that appears to be making progress. Why we are so scared of space, and how this fear can drive conspiracy theoriesSpace can be dangerous, posing threats to us like asteroid impacts. Tony Milligan describes how those fears can feed conspiracy theories. Review: Extraterrestrial LifeDiscoveries of evidence of potential life beyond Earth are not uncommon, but rarely hold up to scrutiny. Jeff Foust reviews a book that tried to argue that, despite that hard evidence, it is certain there is life of some kind elsewhere in the universe. Dark territory: the National Reconnaissance Office, satellite inspection, and anti-satellite weapons in the early 1970sIn the early 1970s, the NRO considered taking on a new mission of inspecting other satellites. Dwayne Day explores what is now known about this proposal from a recently declassified document. Project Nivelir: Russia’s inspection satellites (part 2)In the concluding part of his assessment of Project Nivelir, Bart Hendrickx examines the satellites’ payloads and ground systems, as well as other space-based space surveillance capabilities under development in Russia. Playing catchupLast week, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launched the first operational batch of Project Kuiper satellites for Amazon. Jeff Foust reports that both companies are playing from behind as they work to introduce new vehicles and satellite networks, both competing against SpaceX. Some doubts about Jared IsaacmanJared Isaacman’s nomination to be NASA administrator cleared the Senate Commerce Committee last week, putting him one step away from being confirmed by the full Senate. A.J. Mackenzie argues that, while his confirmation is likely secure, there are questions about just how effective an administrator he can be. Project Nivelir: Russia’s inspection satellites (part 1)Russia has launched a series of satellites in the last several years designed to inspect other spacecraft. Bart Hendrickx examines what is known about these satellites that could also serve as counterspace weapons. The real space race: China will send a crew to orbit Mars by 2050While China is pressing ahead with plans to land astronauts on the Moon by the end of the decade, its ambitions in space don’t stop there. Kristin Burke explains why it is likely China will also push to send astronauts to Mars by 2050. Isaacman revisitedThe Senate Commerce Committee is expected to vote this week to advance Jared Isaacman’s nomination to be NASA administrator to the full Senate. Jeff Foust reports on what additional insights Isaacman offered in followup questions from members of the committee. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidenceAstronomers announced earlier this month that they had detected a molecule in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, a finding that many other scientists have disputed. Chris Impey discusses the challenges in making a firm claim about finding life beyond Earth. “A bonafide frigging flight”: How NS-31 broke spaceflight norms and created an online uproarLast week’s New Shepard suborbital flight, with six women on board, generated a lot of attention but also criticism. Deana Weibel examines the flight and how it broke decades-old norms of spaceflight. Space weather and spaceflightMuch of the focus on forecasting and responding to space weather has been on the terrestrial impact of solar storms on communications and the power grid. Jeff Foust reports the effect of space weather on satellites and space missions is now growing in importance. Anything but expendable: A history of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (part 3)In the concluding part of his history of ESPA, Darren Raspa recounts the development and first flight of that payload adapter and its evolution in the years that followed. Review: Planetary DefendersNASA+, the new streaming service run by the space agency, is offering more than just old videos and coverage of launches. Jeff Foust reviews a new documentary released on NASA+ last week that examines NASA’s role in protecting the Earth from asteroid impacts. All of the above, or none?NASA administrator nominee Jared Isaacman finally had his confirmation hearing last week, where he was grilled by senators about his plans for the space agency. Jeff Foust reports that his belief that NASA can taken on many large programs, like human Moon and Mars efforts, simultaneously clashed with a budget that proposes steep cuts to NASA. Lessons learned from critical reviews of Gen. Saltzman’s “Competitive Endurance”The top general of the US Space Force, Gen. Chance Saltzman, outlined an key theory of the service’s success two years ago, called “Competitive Endurance.” Brian Chow explores the critiques of that theory that have emerged since then. Anything but expendable: A history of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (part 2)In the second part of his history of the development of the ESPA payload adapter, Darren Raspa examines the early development of the EELV program that created an opportunity for secondary payloads and adapters for them. Space commerce: face the risk, seize the opportunitiesAdvances in space transportation provide opportunities for space commerce, but also create various risks. Norm Mitchell discusses some of those emerging opportunities and how they outweigh the risks. Space policy: The Moon and Mars simultaneouslyShould the United States continue with the Artemis campaign of missions to return humans to the Moon, or should it shift course to instead send humans to Mars? Doug Plata makes the argument that both are possible at the same time. Anything But expendable: A history of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (part 1)A payload adapter called ESPA has become a widely used standard for accommodating secondary payloads on launch vehicles. In the first of a three-part series, Darren Raspa examines the historical and other forces that set the stage for the the development of ESPA. The best space telescope you never heard of just shut downLast month, ESA formally shut down the Gaia space telescope out at the Earth-Sun L2 point. Laura Nicole Driessen explains the value of this underappreciated observatory and why its science is not yet done. Review: Mars and the EarthlingsWhile some Mars exploration advocates think humans can be on the Red Planet in a matter of years, others are skeptical people can ever live there. Jeff Foust reviews a book that attempts to offer what it calls a “realistic” assessment of those plans. Fate is in the stars: the PARCAE ocean surveillance satellitesIn the 1970s, the US started launching a new series of ocean surveillance satellites called PARCAE. Dwayne Day examines the history of that program. Europe’s launch challengeOn Sunday, German launch vehicle startup Isar Aerospace launched its first Spectrum rocket, which crashed less than a minute after liftoff. Jeff Foust reports that the launch comes at a critical time for Europe’s launch industry, as they seek to demonstrate to European governments they can provide new ways to reach space. Preparing for the EU Space Act and its potential influence on the future of space traffic managementThe European Union is expected to take up in the coming weeks a new space law that will include provisions about space traffic management. Michael Gleason explains that this could reshape the global approach to space sustainability. Review: The Moonwalkers and a Kennedy Center space festivalThe Moonwalkers, a film and visual experience about Apollo, is playing in a limited run in Washington at the Kennedy Center. Jeff Foust reviews the film and the space-themed festival it is part of at the center. A final twist in the Starliner sagaA Crew Dragon returned from the International Space Station last week with four people on board, including two who arrived at the station last June on Starliner. Jeff Foust reports that political controversies over the astronauts’ return overshadowed the future of the spacecraft that took them to the station. Boeing’s early lunar base concept of 1959At the beginning of the Space Age, Boeing received an Air Force contract to study a design for a lunar base. Hans Dolfing examines what is known about the study, including how Boeing addressed the challenges of keeping a crew alive and well on the Moon. 3D printing will help space pioneers make homes, tools, and other stuff they need to colonize the Moon and MarsIt is impractical for a long-term mission to the Moon or Mars to take every tool and spare part they will need for their expedition. Sven Bilén describes how 3D printing can help solve that problem and address other challenges, including building habitats on other worlds. Review: Space PiracyThe idea of piracy to space may seem like (bad) science fiction. Jeff Foust reviews a book that argues that now is the time to start thinking about criminal threats to space commerce. The new wave of asteroid mining venturesYears after the demise of an initial group of asteroid mining startups like Deep Space Industries and Planetary Resources, new startups are pursuing plans to mine asteroids for metals and water. Jeff Foust reports those companies still face many of the same challenges, from technology to policy. Is the Moon in America’s future? Unpacking the strategic debateSome want the US to abandon a human return to the Moon and focus its resources on missions to Mars. Bhavya Lal argues that lunar exploration can accelerate, not delay, Mars settlement. ATLAC and the early emergence of lunar governanceA United Nations committee has started work to examine coordination of lunar activities. Dennis O’Brien discusses how it is a step toward an international lunar governance model. Review: Lunar CommerceCompanies like Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, which recently completed lunar lander missions, are at the vanguard of efforts to open up the Moon for commercial activities. Jeff Foust reviews a book that assesses the potential markets and applications for business on the Moon. Stars in the sky: The top secret URSALA, RAQUEL, and FARRAH satellites from the 1970s to the 21st centuryFor more than 40 years, a secret line of satellites provided electronic intelligence capabilities for the US military, tracking radars and other transmitters. Dwayne Day examines new details about those efforts from recently declassified documents. A whole other spacefaring countryTwo Texas-based companies landed on the Moon in less than a week, a sign of the growing space industry in the state. Jeff Foust reports on how the state government is working to support that industry with a new commission and hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. The European Space Tug 1970–1972In the early 1970s, European companies studied space tug concepts that could be used in junction with NASA’s Space Shuttle to launch payloads to higher orbits. Hans Dolfing explores what is known about two such concepts. Bennu asteroid reveals its contents to scientists with clues about how the building blocks of life on Earth may have been seededEarlier this year scientists announced the first results of studies of material from the asteroid Bennu returned by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. Timothy McCoy and Sara Russell discuss how Bennu helped them link that asteroid with a class of meteorites and provide new insights into solar system development. Firefly lands on the MoonIn the early morning hours Sunday, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost 1 spacecraft successfully landed on the Moon. Jeff Foust reports on a milestone for both the company and NASA’s efforts to support commercial lunar landers. Mystery solved! The CALSAT satelliteFor decades, a satellite was on display at an Air Force museum with no details about its mission or even its name. Dwayne Day describes how newly declassified documents have finally identified that satellite. US space resources law needs clarification by CongressLegislation passed nearly a decade ago was intended to ensure that US companies would own any asteroid resources they obtained. However, Camisha Simmons explains why issues with that law create uncertainty for those ventures that requires Congress to step in. Evolving intelligent life took billions of years, but it may not have been as unlikely as many scientists predictedSome scientists have argued that the evolution of intelligent life on Earth required many “hard steps” that make it unlikely for it to have evolved elsewhere. Three researchers discuss how those hard steps might not be so hard after all. What Starship can, and can’t, doSpaceX is set to conduct another Starship test flight as soon as the end of this week. Jeff Foust reports that, as the giant vehicle gets closer to operations, more people are thinking about both the potential uses of the vehicle and those where it may not be as competitive. Space literacy: Environmental education for a spacefaring civilizationMore than a century ago, the conservation movement sought to educate the public on the benefits of preserving the environment. Beverly and Robert Bachelder describe how similar education is needed to show the public the importance of preserving the space environment. Remote sensing and the international law of spaceThe commercial remote sensing industry has grown significantly as more companies offer high-resolution images of the Earth taken from space. Richard Carson examines some unresolved international space law issues of the field. Review: Space to GrowThe growth of the space industry has generated plenty of hype, but far less rational analysis. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines the industry’s rise rooted in the fundamentals of economics. Power lifting: Cold War satellite reconnaissance and the Buran space shuttleIn the 1980s, the Soviet Union developed Buran, its version of the space shuttle. Dwayne Day and Harry Stranger examine how the CIA was likely able to track its development using satellite imagery. Czars versus councils: Organizing space in the new administrationThe new Trump Administration appears unlikely to continue the National Space Council that it revived in its first term. Jeff Foust reports on what alternatives might be considered to provide a “whole-of-government” approach to space. A bold frontier: Advancing America’s space leadership and economic powerThe space community is waiting to see what the new administration will do differently in space and what will stay the same. Karlton Johnson argues the administration should embrace innovation and regulatory reform in space. Review: Pillars of CreationThe James Webb Space Telescope has become a critical tool for astronomers studying the solar system, galaxy, and the early history of the universe. Jeff Foust reviews a book that balances the science JWST has enabled with the challenges the mission encountered in its long development. Redirecting NASA’s focus: why the Gateway program should be cancelledNASA states that the lunar Gateway is a key part of the overall Artemis effort to return humans to the Moon. Gerald Black disagrees, arguing that the Gateway is a diversion of resources if NASA is really serious about getting humans back on the lunar surface and going on to Mars. The spaceport conundrumThere’s both a growing number of spaceports and a growing number of launches, but those launches are not equally distributed. Jeff Foust reports that the busiest spaceports are struggling to keep up while the rest struggle to make ends meet. What makes a lunar landing mission “successful”?Two commercial lunar landers are on their way to the Moon with a third scheduled to launch later this month. Jatan Mehta explains why the companies operating those spacecraft should be more transparent about what constitutes success for their missions. Review: A Crack in EverythingBlack holes have been topics of many science and science fiction books over the years. Jeff Foust reviews a new book that offers another account of their development with a focus on the people who have advanced our understanding of them. Of Firebirds and lunar roversIn the 1960s, a unit of General Motors was working on new vehicles—for the Moon. Dwayne Day explores the efforts by GM to develop rovers that could have flown on Surveyor missions that led to work by the company on the Apollo lunar rover. The lifecycle of space telescopesNASA has four large optical or infrared space telescopes in various stages of development or operations, from the venerable Hubble to the future Habitable Worlds Observatory. Jeff Foust reports on the progress and challenges those observatories are facing. Review: SallyA new documentary about Sally Ride premiered last week at the Sundance Film Festival. Jeff Foust notes the film is both about Ride becoming the first American woman in space as well as her long, and private, relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy not revealed until after her death. Review: Lunar: A History of the Moon in Myths, Maps, and MatterThe Moon is much more than an object of scientific and exploration interest. Christopher Cokinos reviews a book that combines maps of the Moon with essays on many facets of the Moon. A tumultuous start to a new administration at NASAMany people expected the Trump Administration to shake up NASA. Jeff Foust reports that while the space agency saw changes in the first week of the new administration, those had little to do with space policy. The satellite eavesdropping stations of Russia’s intelligence services (part 2)In the second part of his examination of Russian eavesdropping stations, Bart Hendrickx reviews antennas at those sites and potential satellite targets of those stations. Titan’s spinners: the FARRAH satellitesThrough the Cold War, the US launched a series of signals intelligence satellites, initially as hitchhikers on other launches. Dwayne Day links the later history of that program with an unusual object found at a California airport. Phasing out the SLS and Orion programs and embracing StarshipThe new Trump Administration is reportedly considering major changes to NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration effort. Gerald Black argues one such change is to replace the Space Launch System and Orion with a version of Starship. The satellite eavesdropping stations of Russia’s intelligence services (part 1)Russia’s intelligence services operate a network of ground stations to listen in on satellite communications. Bart Hendrickx discusses the history and current status of those facilities. Tales of two rocketsOn the same day last week two companies performed test flights of heavy-lift rockets they have been developing. Jeff Foust reports on the launches and the contrasts in vehicle design and development approaches. Surveyor sample return: the mission that never wasNASA’s Surveyor program landed several robotic spacecraft on the Moon in the 1960s. Dwayne Day examines one study to look at using Surveyor for a lunar sample return mission. India demonstrates space dockingLast week, two Indian spacecraft docked with each other in low Earth orbit, a first for the country. Ajey Lele describes the milestone and its importance to India’s future space plans. Two (or more) ways to get samples back from MarsLast week, NASA announced it would study two different ways to pick up the samples the Perseverance rover is collecting on Mars and return them to Earth. Jeff Foust reports on the two approaches as well as interest by at least one company in an alternative. Returning humans to the Moon without SLS and NRHOThere is speculation the Trump Administration may attempt to cancel the Space Launch System. Ajay Kothari offers an alternative architecture that could get humans back to the Moon without either SLS or Starship. The civilization survival scale: A biological argument for space settlementSome space advocates have argued that space settlement is vital to ensure the survival of humanity. Thomas Matula describes a scale for measuring the abilities of civilizations to survive that could be useful for space advocacy and for astrobiology. Review: Manned and Unmanned Flights to the MoonThere is renewed interest in lunar exploration, including the launch this week of two commercial lunar landers. Jeff Foust reviews a book that provides an overview of the history of lunar exploration, but focuses on many missions that never attempted to go to the Moon. The (not quite) definitive guide to the legal construct of “space resources”The ability to own space resources has been a long-running debate in space law. Michael Listner examines the legal concept of space resources at the national and international level. Planning for space rescueNASA has bristled at the suggestion that astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are “stranded” on the ISS even as their stay there is extended from a few weeks to more than eight months. Jeff Foust reports that the situation nonetheless highlights the importance some see in developing technologies and approaches when a real space rescue is needed. Moonraker revisitedMoonraker is not remembered as one of the great James Bond films, but its space theme is still warmly recalled by some fans. Dwayne Day describes how new products about the film have highlighted its strengths. Review: Star BoundSummarizing the history of American spaceflight in one book requires hard choices on what to emphasize. Jeff Foust reviews a book that tackles that effort at an introductory level, going from Goddard to the present day. The future of robotic Mars explorationLast week, NASA unveiled a long-term plan for robotic exploration of Mars, including work to prepare for later human missions. Jeff Foust reports on the plan as well as ongoing efforts to revamp the Mars Sample Return program. Countering threats to US commercial space systemsAs the US military makes growing use of commercial space capabilities, those commercial systems become targets for adversaries. Marc Berkowitz examines that challenge and potential measures to protect commercial satellites. Canada’s first moon rover will soon have a name as it prepares to explore a hostile lunar regionA contest is wrapping up this week to select the name for Canada’s first lunar rover. Gordon Osinski discusses the significance of this project and Canada’s history of rover development. Review: Alcohol in Space - The MovieAlcohol is a key part of terrestrial society, so it’s only natural that people will want spirits in space as well. Jeff Foust reviews a documentary that examine several ways people and companies are looking to produce or consume alcohol in space. Artemis reentryNASA announced last week it had resolved the problem with the Orion heat shield seen on Artemis 1, allowing planning for Artemis 2 to continue, albeit with delays. However, Jeff Foust reports that the technical confidence the program now has may by undermined by political uncertainty. What do we need astronauts for?As robotic space capabilities advance, the key purpose for having astronauts becomes seeing how humans can settle space. Joe Carroll explains why this means studying what it takes for humans to live sustainably in space. How to test artificial gravityArtificial gravity may be critical to understanding where people can live beyond Earth. Joe Carroll examines ways to start performing artificial gravity tests using existing spacecraft. How astrobiologists are coming up with a framework to study how complex systems evolveThe search for life beyond Earth requires answering a significant but often overlooked question: how does one define life? Chris Impey discusses how scientists are tackling that issue. Europe weighs its future in spaceThe United States is not the only country wondering what the next administration will do in space policy. Jeff Foust reports that, in Europe, the prospect of changes in US-European space cooperation is fueling calls for the continent to invest more in space capabilities. Tollways in space: from sci-fi to saving graceThe space industry has struggled to develop financial models for funding removal of orbital debris even as the problem of debris worsens. Polina Shtern offers an approach that treats orbits as tollways to pay for debris cleanup. Donald Trump’s approach to US space policy could throw up some surprises, especially with Elon Musk on boardThe impacts of the incoming Trump Administration on space policy are still to be determined nearly a month after the election. Bleddyn Bowen and P.J. Blount discuss what could change and what might remain the same in the next administration. Review: A Most Extraordinary RideMarc Garneau was a Canadian naval officer who became the country’s first person in space, and later went into politics. Jeff Foust review Garneau’s memoir that examines his time as an astronaut and a politician. National Reconnaissance Program crisis photography concepts, part 4: FASTBACK and FASTBACK-BIn the early 1970s, one company studied for the NRO a concept for a “rapid reaction” reconnaissance mission that could return images within 24 hours. Joseph T. Page II examines the concept and one danger it posed. The search for a commercial lunar economyMany companies are developing lunar landers and other capabilities to support activities on and around the Moon. However, Jeff Foust reports there are questions about when a truly commercial lunar economy will emerge, versus companies funded by government programs. The space station reckoning, or, one day in the life of the ISS crewOrbital, a novel set on the International Space Station, won the Booker Prize, one of Britain’s top literary prizes, this month. Aditya Chaturvedi argues that the novel captures the essence, and fragility, of life in space. Review: Waiting for SpaceshipsIn the 1980s, thousands would travel to and camp out overnight at Edwards Air Force Base to watch landings by the shuttle. Jeff Foust reviews a book that captures those temporary communities in photos. Starships and space policyThe next Starship test flight will be very similar to the previous one last month. But, as Jeff Foust reports, it is taking place in a changed political environment that could see the next administration lean heavily on that vehicle for the Moon and perhaps Mars. The Woomera Manual on military law in spaceThe Woomera Manual is a document that outlines the rules that currently apply to national security activities in space. David Koplow describes the development of the manual and how it can be applied to issues that pose challenges to an incomplete legal regime in space. Blue Streak: Missile in search of a missionWhen the British government decided to cancel the Blue Streak missile in the early years of the Space Age, it looked for ways to repurpose that technology in launch vehicles. Trevor Williams discusses those efforts and the problems they encountered. Review: How to Kill an AsteroidPlanetary defense has gone from a relatively fringe topic with little funding to one with NASA missions demonstrating the ability to change an asteroid’s orbit. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines those efforts to detect and defend Earth from asteroids, and the need to do more. Vandenberg and the space shuttle (part 2)In his conclusion about the construction of a shuttle launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base 40 years ago, Dwayne Day examines the various facilities planned there to be able to support a space shuttle launch. A step forward in space export control reformIn October, the US Commerce and State Departments published revisions to space export controls, the first major changes in a decade. Jeff Foust reports on the changes and the path ahead. The new space race must be run togetherThere is a growing sense of competition in spaceflight between the United States and its allies on one side and China on another. Aline Spyrka argues that the US needs to take the lead in creating peaceful precedents for space activities to prevent any race from becoming dangerous. Repurposing nuclear reactors used in space propulsion for high-density power on the Moon and MarsNASA and others are exploring the use of nuclear power to provide propulsion, as well as for surface operations. Ajay Kothari discusses how a single system could be able to serve both applications. Review: Going BeyondThirty-five years ago, President George H.W. Bush announced the Space Exploration Initiative, only to have it soon crumble in part because of disputes between the White House and NASA. Jeff Foust reviews a new book that takes another look at the history of SEI and the challenges of organizational change. Satellite reconnaissance and the Falklands WarOnly in the last decade has the extent of US support for Great Britain in the Falklands War of 1982 emerged. Dwayne Day examines new evidence of that support in the form of reconnaissance satellite imagery of the Falklands as the war neared its conclusion. NASA’s infrastructure crossroadsRegardless of the outcome of the election, the next administration will have to deal with a NASA whose ability to carry out various missions is being degraded by aging infrastructure. Jeff Foust reports on a recent study on those problems and an ongoing effort by the agency to deal with that among other challenges. Comparing Harris and Trump on space policySome have argued that Vice President Kamala Harris has not done enough in space policy in her role as chair of the National Space Council. Jonathan Coopersmith argues that Harris sets herself apart from Trump on the topic in several ways. The case for space policy stability in the next administrationThere may be vast differences in policies in the next administration in many areas depending on who wins Tuesday’s presidential election. Thomas G. Roberts explains why, in the area of space, one should expect stability and continuity regardless of who wins. Vandenberg and the space shuttle (part 1)In the 1970s the Air Force decided to convert Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base into a shuttle launch pad. Dwayne Day discusses that effort as described in some recently discovered concept art from that era. Mysterious MOL conceptsIn the early 1960s, the US Air Force examined a range of options for a military space station before settling on what would become the Manned Orbital Laboratory. Hans Dolfing discusses what some of those other concepts were based on archived reports. Planning for the future of continuous human presence in LEOAt the International Astronautical Congress earlier this month, one company outlined its plans for a future commercial space station to support NASA and other customers. Jeff Foust report that NASA also used the conference to describe what it is thinking about in terms of how it will use those stations. Weighing overall societal benefit: Case studies on deciding when to deorbit satellites (part 2)In the conclusion of her examination of the tradeoffs of extending satellite lifetimes versus mitigating orbital debris, Marissa Herron looks at the processes by which NASA decides to continue some science missions and the role that adherence to debris mitigation guidelines plays there. Review: Infinite CosmosAfter decades of development, the James Webb Space Telescope is now in routine operations, its past problems now largely forgotten. Jeff Foust reviews a book that provides images of its development and the science it is now producing. Britain in the early history of the James Webb Space TelescopeThe James Webb Space Telescope has demonstrated the ability to develop a large space telescope that can operate in the infrared without the need for life-limiting consumables like liquid helium. Harley Thronson describes how this concept had its origins in concepts for smaller infrared space telescopes developed in Britain more than three decades ago. Weighing overall societal benefit: Case studies on deciding when to deorbit satellites (part 1)Satellite operators face tough decisions with aging satellites, balancing continuing the services they provide against the need to deorbit them to avoid creating more orbital debris. Marissa Herron examines those competing factors and offers case studies of how NASA has made those decisions for some of its missions. Reviews: Spaceflight skepticsLast week’s International Astronautical Congress attracted a record crowd to talk about the latest advances in spaceflight, a sign many see of growing interest in the topic. Jeff Foust reviews two books, though, that take a more critical assessment of human spaceflight and commercial use of space. Ronald Reagan and a goal far, far away: Star Wars and the Strategic Defense Initiative in Simi ValleyA exhibit that recently closed at the Reagan Library and Museum linked Star Wars, the movie franchise, with “Star Wars,” the nickname associated with the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Dwayne Day explores the exhibit’s attempt to describe the legacy of SDI. The trials and tribulations of HeraESA last week launched its Hera mission to the same asteroid that NASA’s DART spacecraft collided with two years ago. Jeff Foust reports on the struggles the Hera project faced getting the spacecraft launched, from funding challenges to a hurricane. Space isn’t all about the “race”: rival superpowers must work together for a better futureThe rhetoric around a new “space race” between the US and China has only grown stronger in the last year. Art Cotterell argues that competition should be tempered with some degree of cooperation. Review: ReentryWithin 15 years, SpaceX went from being an upstart teetering on the edge of failure to perhaps the most dominant space company in the world. Jeff Foust reviews a book that charts the company’s rise while raising concerns about its future. Gaining confidence in new launch vehiclesULA conducted a second launch of its Vulcan Centaur rocket last week, which the company declared a success despite an issue with one of its solid rocket boosters. Jeff Foust reports on that launch as well as efforts to get it, and two other new rockets, flying more frequently. Cosmonaut exploitation: the CIA and Gherman Titov’s 1962 visit to the United StatesGherman Titov paid an extended visit to the United States in 1962, a year after becoming the second Soviet cosmonaut to go to space. Dwayne Day discusses the visit and the questions raised about it from a newly declassified memo. Sixty-five years since the first lunar farside imagesLaunched 65 years ago this month, the Soviet Union’s Luna 3 provided humanity with its first look at the far side of the Moon. Trevor Williams examines the mission and the role it played in advancing orbital mechanics as well. Cubesats are changing the way we explore the solar systemCubesats have evolved over the years from student projects and technology demos to spacecraft capable of carrying out major missions. Mustafa Aksoy describes how that expands to include their use in space science missions. Getting space traffic coordination on trackOn Monday morning, the Office of Space Commerce formally started the first phase of its long-awaited space traffic coordination system, called TraCSS. Jeff Foust reports on the milestone and its implications. “Not quite the plan, but here we are”: NASA ritual and the reintegration of the Boeing Crew Flight Test astronautsAfter NASA decided to return the Starliner spacecraft uncrewed, the two astronauts who flew to the International Space Station on it found themselves in a form of limbo. Deana Weibel describes how events like a change-of-command ceremony helped integrate them into their new roles as long-duration ISS crewmembers. Isle of Wight aerospace: flying boats, rocket interceptors, hovercraft, and launch vehicles (part 2)In the second part of his history of British aerospace company Saunders-Roe, Trevor Williams looks at the company’s role in the development of a launch vehicle, Black Arrow, that was later cancelled by the British government. Review: Sharing SpaceCady Coleman was a NASA astronaut for more than 20 years, flying on two shuttle missions and a long-duration trip to the International Space Station. Jeff Foust reviews a book by Coleman that is both a memoir of her astronaut career and one that provides lessons for those firmly rooted on the ground. HEXAGON vs. Kirov: American satellite reconnaissance and the Soviet Union’s most powerful warshipDuring the Cold War, the US intelligence community was able to track the development a major new Soviet warship class using satellite imagery. Dwayne Day describes how those images helped analysts provide key insights into the building of the Kirov. “Pending regulatory approval”: launch companies struggle with licensingSpaceX says that its next Starship vehicle is ready for launch but that the FAA won’t be able to provide a license for it until November. Jeff Foust reports on an increasingly strident dispute between SpaceX and the FAA amid broader industry concerns about the launch licensing process. Isle of Wight aerospace: flying boats, rocket interceptors, hovercraft, and launch vehicles (part 1)The Isle of Wight, just off the coast of England, is known for shipbuilding and holidays, but also has played a role in aerospace. Trevor Williams examines efforts by one aerospace company there after World War II that led to the development of aircraft and a launch vehicle. What will happen in the first space hostage crisis?A hostage crisis in space sounds like something out of science fiction, but the growth of commercial space capabilities could one day make it fact. Three experts examine how such a crisis might emerge and what the US government can do to prepare for it. Navigating new frontiers: Assessing the opportunity for US entities to launch and return space missions in AustraliaA recently concluded agreement makes it easier for American companies to launch from Australia. Four experts describe the benefits of that agreement but also the obstacles Australia faces to host American launches. Still waiting for liftoff in the UKSix years ago, the UK government kicked off an effort to create a domestic launch capability. Today, reports Jeff Foust, that capability is struggling to emerge as companies suffer technical and financial setbacks. Framing the success of the Polaris Dawn missionThe Polaris Dawn private astronaut mission successfully returned to Earth Sunday after five days in space, carrying out the first commercial spacewalk. Ajey Lele examines its advance in space commercialization versus challenges in other areas. Mercantilism in outer space: discussing a political-economic approach for the Global SouthAs major space powers accelerate their activities, developing countries worry about being left behind. Aritra Ghosh argues that such emerging space nations need to take care of their own interests in space. Whither Starliner?Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth Friday night after three months in space, but without the astronauts who were on it when it launched in June. Jeff Foust reports on NASA’s decision to bring Starliner back uncrewed and its implications for the agency and for Boeing. Starliner stranding: commercial space partnerships and international lawNASA’s decision to keep Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on the space station through early next year poses headaches for the agency and the astronauts themselves. Matthew Ormsbee examines the space law implications of “stranded” astronauts on a commercial mission. NASA and safety: more is betterNASA erred on the side of safety when it decided to bring back Starliner uncrewed. Roger Handberg argues that the agency needs to start thinking of backup options if Starliner isn’t a viable long-term option. Review: The Wrong StuffThe Soviet space program achieved many firsts in the early space age, but also had many setbacks and tragedies. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers a history of that program, but breaks little new ground about that era. Polaris’s dawnAs soon as late this week SpaceX will launch the Polaris Dawn private astronaut mission. Jeff Foust reports on the key objectives and challenges facing this mission, including the first spacewalk on a non-governmental spaceflight. Measuring the depth of India’s space programThe Indian government has bold plans for its space agency, including development of a space station and human lunar landings. Namrata Goswami examines where the country’s space program is excelling and where it is falling short. To guard against cyberattacks in space, researchers ask “what if?”Cybersecurity of space systems is a growing concern as society becomes increasingly reliant on space services. Patrick Lin discusses how a recent study sought to explore a wide range of space-related cyberattacks to help defend against them. Review: Accidental AstronomyAstronomical studies don’t always go according to plan, from cosmic surprises to terrestrial mistakes. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines how some of the astronomical accidents have led to discoveries about the universe. The new Moon race: Assessing Chinese and US strategiesThere are growing perceptions of a new race to the Moon between China and the United States. James Clay Moltz assesses the approaches the two countries are taking to lunar exploration and sees an advantage in the international partnerships of Artemis. Outgrowing smallsatsThe biggest news from this month’s Smallsat conference in Utah was that the conference was moving to a larger venue in a larger city. Jeff Foust reports this parallels the growth in the smallsat industry, and of smallsats themselves. An alternative Mars Sample Return programNASA is weighing different approaches to its Mars Sample Return program to lower its costs and speed up the return of samples. Dale Skran advocates for an approach that ties the effort more closely to future human exploration of the Red Planet. Galactic governance: From the Outer Space Treaty to modern regulationsModern space law is built om foundations established more than 50 years ago. Roger Quinland provides an overview of those treaties and rules and some of the challenges they face today. Starliner’s uncertain futureBoeing’s CST-100 Starliner is still docked to the International Space Station, more than two months into a stay originally planned to be as short as eight days. Jeff Foust reports on the ongoing discussions at NASA about whether the spacecraft can safely return to Earth with astronauts on board or if the agency will need a backup plan. Carriers from space (part 2): Contemporary use of satellite imagery for open source intelligenceUsing satellite imagery to track the development of aircraft carriers has more than historical significance. Dwayne Day explores how commercial satellite imagery is being used by open-source analysts to track China’s development of new carriers. The Military Test Space Station (MTSS)In the early 1960s, the US Air Force awarded contracts to several companies to study concepts for a military space station. Hans Dolfing examines what the companies proposed for those stations and what experiments the Air Force considered performing on them. The case for an International Space Artifacts MuseumNASA’s plans to deorbit the International Space Station at the end of its life have sparked criticism from those who would like to preserve it in some way. Madhu Thangavelu makes the case for a space museum to preserve the ISS and other historic spacecraft for future generations. Is the United States doing enough to engage with China on space policy?Some in the space community have pushed for the United States to more closely cooperate with China in space. Mariam Kvaratskhelia argues that the United States is doing enough given what each country has to gain from any new civil space partnership. Cleaning up the mess in LEOBoth the number of satellites and debris objects in low Earth orbit is increasing, showing the need to tackle a growing problem. Jeff Foust reports, though, that realizing there is a problem is easier than trying to solve it. For the ISS, to be or not to be?NASA is pressing ahead with plans to deorbit the International Space Station at the end of the decade, recently awarding SpaceX a contract for a deorbit vehicle. Ajay Kothari describes how the station could be saved in a higher orbit for potentially far less money. No more space for the press?The International Astronautical Congress is one of the biggest annual conferences in the space field, attracting 10,000 people. But, Brian Harvey states, the organizers are for some reason making harder for the media to cover what goes on there. Review: Creature Comforts in SpaceLiving in space today requires roughing it in ways like extreme camping. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines what it would take to make living in space a little more comfortable, from a freshly prepared meal to a shower. Snakebit roverNASA announced last week it was cancelling VIPER, a robotic lunar rover mission, a move that took some by surprise given that the rover was virtually complete after spending nearly half a billion dollars. Jeff Foust reports on why NASA is walking away from the mission and its implications for commercial lunar landers.
Staying on course: The vital role of GPS backup systemsThere is growing concern about the effect of jamming of GPS signals on sectors like aviation. Lauren Miller describes how those concerns can be mitigated by the use of backup systems even as some countries consider doing away with terrestrial alternatives to satellite-based navigation. The threat from China and Russia’s space-based SIGINT satellitesBoth China and Russia have invested in new signals intelligence, or SIGINT, satellites to eavesdrop on Western communications and specifically for naval reconnaissance. Matthew Mowthorpe examines what is known about those satellites. Review: ChallengerThe Challenger disaster is a familiar tale for those in the space community, a warning about both technology and institutions. Jeff Foust reviews a new book that is less about uncovering new details about the accident than about putting the failures that led to the tragedy in perspective. When a workhorse faltersAfter more than 300 consecutive successful launches, a Falcon 9 suffered an in-flight anomaly last week, dooming its payload of Starlink satellites. Jeff Foust reports on the failure and its implications for a space industry that had become increasingly reliant on that vehicle. Carriers from space (part 1)Starting in the 1960s, US spy satellites took images of American aircraft carriers as a test of its ability to track Soviet ships. Dwayne Day examines some of those images have have been released from government archives. Taking the thumb off the scale: Chevron Deference, its repeal, and the effect on regulation of orbital debrisOne of the major rulings by the US Supreme Court last month was to repeal a practice known as “Chevron Deference” regarding the ability of agencies to enact regulations. Michael Listner examines what it means for orbital debris rules. The significance of Bulgaria joining the Artemis AccordsWhen Bulgaria signed the Artemis Accords last year, it was more than the country signaling its interest in sustainable space exploration. Svetoslav Alexandrov explains how it also showed that the country was signaling a break from its history in spaceflight. Coping with StarshipAs Ariane 6 approaches the launch pad for its inaugural launch, some wonder if it and other vehicles stand a chance against SpaceX’s Starship. Jeff Foust reports on how companies are making the cases for their rockets while, in some cases, keeping a close eye on Starship development. The
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