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28 29 30<p></p> 31 32<h3><a href="mediakit.html">Advertise here!</a></h3> 33 34<h3>Related sites</h3> 35<p class="info"><a href="http://www.spacetoday.net/">spacetoday.net</a><br> 36Space news from around the web</p> 37 38<!--<p class="info"><a href="http://www.spacepolitics.com/">Space Politics</a><br> 39Blog devoted to space policy issues</p> 40 41<p class="info"><a href="http://www.newspacejournal.com/">NewSpace Journal</a><br> 42Blog focusing on the entrepreneurial space industry</p>--> 43 44</td> 45<td width="60%" valign="top"> 46 47<h2>This week in The Space Review…</h2> 48 49<div align="center"><img src="/archive/5325a.jpg" width="600" height="580" alt="nukes"></div> 50 51<h3><a href="/article/5325/1">Nuke the site from orbit: American orbiting nuclear weapons during the Cold War</a></h3> 52<p class="info">In the aftermath of World War II, it seemed obvious to many that the future of warfar would involve rockets in orbit designed to deliver nuclear weapons. Dwayne Day and Hans Dolfing examine one study that explored a concept for âSatellite Bombsâ and why the idea didnât advance.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 28, 2026</span></p> 53 54<h3><a href="/article/5324/1">Starship (finally) reaches orbit</a></h3> 55<p class="info">On its 14th test flight, SpaceXâs Starship reached orbit for the first time, deploying a set of Starlink satellites. Jeff Foust reports on the long-awaited milestone and the push now to demonstrate the vehicleâs rapid reusability.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 28, 2026</span></p> 56 57<h3><a href="/article/5323/1">The watchers and the warning: what a Himalayan flood asks of Golden Dome
57</a></h3> 58<p class="info">A devastating flood in the Himalayas was monitored by satellites, but those images could not provide timely warnings to people affected by it. Bharath Gopalaswamy and Daniel Dant describe how the ability of turning watching into warning from space is critical for both natural disasters and missile defense.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 28, 2026</span></p> 59 60<h3><a href="/article/5322/1">The dilemma of space weaponization</a></h3> 61<p class="info">The Space Force revealed earlier this month that it has âspace controlâ weapons in orbit. Ajey Lele examines the implications that announcement has on efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 28, 2026</span></p> 62 63<h3><a href="/article/5321/1">Cross the sea by deceiving the sky: Rethinking Chinaâs 2026 debris events</a></h3> 64<p class="info">Several Chinese spacecraft and rocket bodies have shed debris in orbit in recent months. Christopher Stone ponders if these are isolated incidents or part of a strategy.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 28, 2026</span></p> 65 66<h3><a href="/article/5320/1">Australiaâs $100 million astronaut question: what would it actually buy?</a></h3> 67<p class="info">Australia is considering whether to pay for a flight of an astronaut to the International Space Station. Richard de Grijs discusses what value such a flight should provide to the country to make it worth the expense.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 28, 2026</span></p> 68 69 70<hr noshade> 71 72<h2>Previous articles:</h2> 73 74<h3><a href="/article/5319/1">Coming to terms with the end of the Falcon 9</a></h3> 75<p class="info">The Falcon 9 has been one the most successful launch vehicles in the history of the Space Age, but it wonât fly forever. Jeff Foust reports on how the space industry is coming to grips with the looming end of that rocket for commercial missions, even as demand for launch continues to grow.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 21, 2026</span></p> 76 77<h3><a href="/article/5318/1">To E-3 or not to E-3: the liminal Samos E-3 program</a></h3> 78<p class="info">In the early 1960s, the US Air Force launched nearly a dozen Samos satellites with varying designations. Dwayne Day examines what happened to one class of satellite, Samos E-3, that never launched.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 21, 2026</span></p> 79 80<h3><a href="/article/5317/1">The orbit is the territory: rethinking spacepower in a domain where nothing stays still</a></h3> 81<p class="info">Strategists have tried to apply concepts from the theories of air power and sea power to space. Michael Uhall discusses why spacepower requires rethinking concepts like territory in a regime where everything is in motion.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 21, 2026</span></p> 82 83<h3><a href="/article/5316/1">A crater of our own making: what the SpaceX lunar impact reveals about the future of Moon governance</a></h3> 84<p class="info">A Falcon 9 upper stage hit the Moon last month, creating a small crater. Rachita Agrawal says the bigger impact of the incident should be thinking about how to prevent similar incidents in the future as activity on the Moon increases.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 21, 2026</span></p> 85 86<h3><a href="/article/5315/1">The Gulf states did not buy imagery independence</a></h3> 87<p class="info">The conflict in the Persian Gulf has caused some countries there to take steps to improve access to satellite imagery. Kelevitch argues that those measures fall short of what is needed for true satellite imagery independence.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 21, 2026</span></p> 88 89<h3><a href="/article/5314/1">The letters Tsiolkovsky asked for</a></h3> 90<p class="info">An archive of letters and manuscripts belonging to Konstantin Tsiolkovsky was digitized years ago, but not easily searchable. Vladimir Beskorovainyi describes his project to create a machine readable version of the archive.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 21, 2026</span></p> 91 92<h3><a href="/article/5313/1">An analysis of Ukraineâs missile strike on the Progress rocket factory</a></h3> 93<p class="info">Ukrainian cruise missiles struck a Russian factory last month that produces Soyuz rockets, with some reports claiming the attack caused serious damage. Bart Hendrickx examines the evidence to better understand the significance of the attack.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 14, 2026</span></p> 94 95<h3><a href="/article/5312/1">A collision probability is not permission to maneuver</a></h3> 96<p class="info">Satellite operators are increasingly turning to automated systems to avoid potential collisions based on when the probability of a collision passes a threshold. Burak Oktenli argues that threshold alone should not be sufficient to trigger a maneuver.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 14, 2026</span></p> 97 98<h3><a href="/article/5311/1">The Junkers spaceplane </a></h3> 99<p class="info">In the early 1960s, a German aerospace company pursued studies of a spaceplane with support of a famous designer. Hans Dolfing explores the designs Junkers examined for a reusable spaceplane.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 14, 2026</span></p> 100 101<h3><a href="/article/5310/1">Voyager 6 seeks the Creator</a></h3> 102<p class="info">The first <i>Star Trek</i> movie features a spacecraft based on the recently launched Voyager missions. Dwayne Day describes how the filmmakers worked with NASA on the design of Voyager 6.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 14, 2026</span></p> 103 104<h3><a href="/article/5309/1">The road to the asteroid belt runs through the Moon</a></h3> 105<p class="info">NASA is leading a new effort to develop a lunar base, one that requires development of many technologies needed to live on the lunar surface for extended periods. Chad McElroy and Jacob Smagula discuss how these technologies can also help create an asteroid mining industry.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 14, 2026</span></p> 106 107<h3><a href="/article/5308/1">The 1962 Iowa Summer Study</a></h3> 108<p class="info">In the summer of 1962, scientists gathered at the University of Iowa to discu
108ss the future of space research. Danny Robb examines the far-reaching impacts of that little-known event.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 8, 2026</span></p> 109 110<h3><a href="/article/5307/1">Mission Impossible: How Star Trek used the aerospace community to try and win an Emmy</a></h3> 111<p class="info">Like many TV producers, Gene Roddenberry lobbied 60 years to win awards for his new series, <i>Star Trek</i>. Glen Swanson examines the unusual approach he took to seek televisionâs highest honor.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 8, 2026</span></p> 112 113<h3><a href="/article/5306/1">Space Academy (no, the other one)</a></h3> 114<p class="info">The success of <i>Star Wars</i> triggered the development of imitators, including a short-lived TV series aimed at children. Dwayne Day discusses the good premise of <i>Space Academy</i>, albeit one undercut by low budgets.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 8, 2026</span></p> 115 116<h3><a href="/article/5305/1">Backfire to space: The Backfire bomber and Skif rocket system</a></h3> 117<p class="info">In the early 2000s, Russian engineers proposed converting the Backfire bomber into an air-launch platform. Dwayne Day examines the details of that concept.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 8, 2026</span></p> 118 119<h3><a href="/article/5304/1">ISROâs comeback with the successful launch of EOS-05</a></h3> 120<p class="info">Last week, the Indian space agency ISRO conducted the first launch since a January failure, putting an imaging satellite into orbit. Ajey Lele describes the challenges ISRO has faced with both launch and spacecraft development leading up to this mission.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 8, 2026</span></p> 121 122<h3><a href="/article/5303/1">Review: To the Black</a></h3> 123<p class="info">Firefly Aerospace today is known for work on lunar landers and other spacecraft, but had its start in launch. Jeff Foust reviews a documentary that follows the early years of Firefly as it worked on its Alpha rocket and took on technical and financial obstacles.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 8, 2026</span></p> 124 125 126<h3><a href="/article/5302/1">Space Battleship Yamato vs. the Starship Enterprise</a></h3> 127<p class="info">The Starship Enterprise is one of the best known science-fiction spaceships, but in Japan another vessel is just as famous. Dwayne Day examines the story of Space Battleship Yamato and explains how both it and the Enterprise illustrate how the US and Japan addressed their postwar legacies.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 31, 2026</span></p> 128 129<h3><a href="/article/5301/1">Commercial space is not an endless field of innovation: an assessment of the good, the bad, and the ugly</a></h3> 130<p class="info">The growth of the commercial space industry is seen by some as a way to help the US government to do more with less. Charles Galbreath discu
130sses how commercial space capabilities, while offering benefits, also have some problems that must not be overlooked.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 31, 2026</span></p> 131 132<h3><a href="/article/5300/1">Space has a billionaire problem, but it also has a billionaire solution</a></h3> 133<p class="info">Many in the public see space as primarily a playground for billionaires. Kelsie Goddard argues that while that reputation is not undeserved, the role of wealthy private actors in commercial space may signal a predictable stage of technological development rather than a dystopian one.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 31, 2026</span></p> 134 135<h3><a href="/article/5299/1">Learning from a satellite servicing mission's failure</a></h3> 136<p class="info">In mid-August, NASA announced it was calling off an effort to reboost the orbit of its Swift space telescope because of problems with the commercial spacecraft launched to reboost it. Jeff Foust reports on the lessons both the company and the agency learned from that effort that could apply to future missions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 31, 2026</span></p> 137 138<h3><a href="/article/5298/1">Little building, big mystery </a></h3> 139<p class="info">What was a small building in a forgotten corner of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station used for decades ago? James Behling uncovers the mystery of facility number 49941 at the Cape.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 31, 2026</span></p> 140 141<h3><a href="/article/5297/1">Review: The Soviet Space Program and International Collaboration during Perestroika</a></h3> 142<p class="info">During the final years of the Soviet Union, its policy of Perestroika opened up cooperation with the West on space missions. Louis Friedman reviews a book on the topic and some avenues of collaboration not included in the book.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 31, 2026</span></p> 143 144<h3><a href="/article/5296/1">Three wires, three zeros: Three failed space-tech investments and the warning signs I paid to ignore</a></h3> 145<p class="info">Millions of dollars flow into space startups with the hope those companies will some day be worth billions. Florian Gutzwiller offers cautionary tales from his investments into three space companies that he had to write off.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 24, 2026</span></p> 146 147<h3><a href="/article/5295/1">The smoldering dead end: a history of solid rocket motors and their economic scaling limits</a></h3> 148<p class="info">Launch vehicles have used solid rocket motors for decades, although many new vehicles eschew them. Michael Puckett discusses the factors that led to adoption of solid motors on many early launch vehicles and why economics is pushing solids out of the market.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 24, 2026</span></p> 149 150<h3><a href="/article/5294/1">At the corner of No and Where: the cold Cold War mystery of Aspidnoye airfield</a></h3> 151<p class="info">During the Cold War, US reconnaissance satellites monitored a Soviet airfield in the far north of the country. Harry Stranger and Dwayne Day examine the mystery of that airfield that even the best images from space could not unravel.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 24, 2026</span></p> 152 153<h3><a href="/article/5293/1">Capability before prestige: A realistic astronomy and space-science strategy for Bangladesh</a></h3> 154<p class="info">While space science programs are usually associated with major space powers, there are roles for emerging players as well. Shaikh Afnan Birahim discusses what Bangladesh can do in the field with only a limited investment.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 24, 2026</span></p> 155 156<h3><a href="/article/5292/1">Review: Lunacy</a></h3> 157<p class="info">Space advocates have offered grand visions of how space can create a better, even utopian, future for humanity, efforts yet to be realized. Jeff Foust reviews a book intended to criticize those claims but which veers farr off-target at times.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 24, 2026</span></p> 158 159<h3><a href="/article/5291/1">Wishing for rockets</a></h3> 160<p class="info">The demand for launch services is higher than ever, but the supply of rockets today is very constrained. Jeff Foust reports on the various factors that make getting a ride to orbit today difficult and expensive, despite the promise of plummeting launch costs.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 17, 2026</span></p> 161 162<h3>
162<a href="/article/5290/1">Lemons to bitter lemonade: from the Samos E-5 to the LANYARD reconnaissance satellite (part 3)</a></h3> 163<p class="info">LANYARD was not the only effort to salvage something from the Samos satellite reconnaissance program in the early 1960s. Dwayne Day discusses a similar effort to repurpose Samos hardware for a project called SPARTAN.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 17, 2026</span></p> 164 165<h3><a href="/article/5289/1">Two futures on the Moon</a></h3> 166<p class="info">The race to return humans to the Moon pits not just two countries but two political philosophies. Alexander William Salter discusses how American leadership in space can establish a humane space agenda.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 17, 2026</span></p> 167 168<h3><a href="/article/5288/1">Colonizing Antarctica and other anti-space fables</a></h3> 169<p class="info">One argument that critics of space settlement make is that it would be far easier to settle Antarctica. Milan ÄirkoviÄ offers several reasons why that argument is wrong.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 17, 2026</span></p> 170 171<h3><a href="/article/5287/1">The Soviet space program as seen from Washington, 1964â1968</a></h3> 172<p class="info">As the Cold War space race between the US and USSR raged, US officials tried to understand what the Soviet Union was doing. Andrea Zullo reviews several reports from that era to summarize where those efforts excelled and where they fell short.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 17, 2026</span></p> 173 174<h3><a href="/article/5286/1">Lemons to bitter lemonade: from the Samos E-5 to the LANYARD reconnaissance satellite (part 2)</a></h3> 175<p class="info">A cancelled spysat program in the early 1960s got a second life as an NRO program called LANYARD. Dwayne Day recounts the various problems LANYARD encountered, including technical issues, launch failures, and competition from other programs.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 10, 2026</span></p> 176 177<h3><a href="/article/5285/1">International lunar consultations: future-looking developments at the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space</a></h3> 178<p class="info">The UNâs Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Space established an âaction teamâ in 2024 to study how to coordinate lunar activities. Giorgio Cardile offers an update on the teamâs work, including challenges they face on space resources.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 10, 2026</span></p> 179 180<h3><a href="/article/5284/1">Decisions without deciders: authority at machine speed in the space enterprise</a></h3> 181<p class="info">Space activities increasingly rely on automation and AI to make decisions faster than humans. Bharath Gopalaswamy and Daniel Dant describe how this creates challenges for determining what decisions get made and how.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 10, 2026</span></p> 182 183<h3><a href="/article/5283/1">Who will believe the space logs in 2040? Space governance and the quantum audit problem</a></h3> 184<p class="info">Satellite activities are extensively logged, providing an audit trail for tracking down problems or determining blame. Burak Oktenli explains why the rise of quantum computing threatens the integrity of those records and what can be done in response.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 10, 2026</span></p> 185 186<h3><a href="/article/5282/1">Seeing through the storm: SAR imageryâs evolution beyond defense applications</a></h3> 187<p class="info">Synthetic aperture radar imagery had long been considered primarily a tool for defense applications. Kateryna Sergieieva discusses how commercial SAR systems have made such imagery available for many civil uses as well.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 10, 2026</span></p> 188 189<h3><a href="/article/5281/1">Lemons to bitter lemonade: from the Samos E-5 to the LANYARD reconnaissance satellite (part 1)</a></h3> 190<p class="info">When the NRO decided to cancel a classified satellite reconnaissance program in the early 1960s, engineers with the company that designed its camera sought to salvage that work. Dwayne Day examines how that led to an alternative satellite program called LANYARD.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 3, 2026</span></p> 191 192<h3><a href="/article/5280/1">The roads to the Moon</a></h3> 193<p class="info">NASA has announced plans for a lunar base starting with its current Artemis architecture. Ernesto Gabriel Arias discusses an alternative approach better suited for lunar permanence.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 3, 2026</span></p> 194 195<h3><a href="/article/5279/1">Price it like a Tomahawk, not a Falcon 9: the case for sovereign microlaunch as deterrence </a></h3> 196<p class="info">Very small launch vehicles are at an economic disadvantage to larger vehicles. However, Evangelos Dimitriou describes how they could provide a strategic capability for some spacefaring nations.
196<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 3, 2026</span></p> 197 198<h3><a href="/article/5278/1">Government funding before VC: the inverted capital stack for space startups</a></h3> 199<p class="info">Many space startups seek, and often struggle to raise, venture capital to scale their businesses. Samson Williams argues companies are better off first working with the government to develop technologies and secure funding before going to VCs.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 3, 2026</span></p> 200 201<h3><a href="/article/5277/1">Review: Little Blue Dot</a></h3> 202<p class="info">Navigation and timing services provided by satellites have become ubiquitous in modern society. Jeff Foust reviews a book that explores the development of GPS and some of the challenges it now faces.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 3, 2026</span></p> 203 204<h3><a href="/article/5276/1">Preserving the legacy of the ISS</a></h3> 205<p class="info">The International Space Station is scheduled to be retired as soon as the end of the decade. Jeff Foust reports this is providing new urgency to efforts to preserve some aspects of the station before it is deorbited.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 27, 2026</span></p> 206 207<h3><a href="/article/5275/1">Orbiting Solar Observatories: Nancy Grace Roman and solar science from spinning spacecraft</a></h3> 208<p class="info">NASAâs next major space telescope, launching in a month, is named after astronomer Nancy Grace Roman. Trevor Williams discusses how she spearheaded the development of a line of spacecraft missions to study the Sun.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 27, 2026</span></p> 209 210<h3><a href="/article/5274/1">Starship may become useful before it becomes reusable</a></h3> 211<p class="info">SpaceXâs Starship performed its latest suborbital test flight last week, inching closer to orbital missions. Paul Almond says that Starship could still be useful to SpaceX even before the company demonstrates the vehicleâs full reusability.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 27, 2026</span></p> 212 213<h3><a href="/article/5273/1">Affordability for Artemis</a></h3> 214<p class="info">One question about NASAâs revised plans for Artemis is how much it will cost to get astronauts back to the Moon. Robert Oler argues that Congress should investigate just how affordable those plans are.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 27, 2026</span></p> 215 216<h3><a href="/article/5272/1">To win the Moon, divide the labor</a></h3> 217<p class="info">NASA is relying heavily on commercial partnerships in its plans to return to the Moon and establish a base there. Alexander Salter discusses why those plans will require a balance of commercial capabilities and government-led efforts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 27, 2026</span></p> 218 219<h3><a href="/article/5271/1">Vikram-1: A success for Indiaâs entire space ecosystem</a></h3> 220<p class="info">On Saturday, Indian startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully reached orbit on the first flight of its Vikram-1 rocket. Ajey Lele says this is a milestone not just for the company but the emerging Indian commercial space field.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 20, 2026</span></p> 221 222<h3><a href="/article/5270/1">Getting to yesâor no</a></h3> 223<p class="info">The US commercial space industry has pushed for years for a âmission authorizationâ system to approve novel space activities. Jeff Foust reports on the latest attempt to develop such a system, and how it could also become an avenue to block such efforts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 20, 2026</span></p> 224 225<h3><a href="/article/5269/1">The arsenalâs new owners</a></h3> 226<p class="info">The space industrial base is undergoing major changes with new players and new investment. Bharath Gopalaswamy and Daniel Dant argue that those companies would also benefit from reforms on how the government communicates its demand for space systems.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 20, 2026</span></p> 227 228<h3><a href="/article/5268/1">Superstar in the Smithsonian: the FARRAH satellite</a></h3> 229<p class="info">Among the new exhibits in the National Air and Space Museum is a half-scale model of a formerly top-secret signals intelligence satellite from the Cold War known as FARRAH. Dwayne Day discusses the history of that program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 20, 2026</span></p> 230 231<h3><a href="/article/5267/1">Behind <i>Once Upon a Time in Space</i>: James Bluemel on the human stories of spaceflight</a></h3> 232<p class="info"><i>Once Upon a Time in Space</i> is a documentary series on human spaceflight airing on PBS. Emily Carney interviews filmmaker James Bluemel about the series and his approach to telling the stories from the shuttle era to the present day.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 20, 2026</span></p> 233 234<h3><a href="/article/5266/1">Atoms for space: Past US space nuclear power and propulsion programs</a></h3> 235<p class="info">Throughout the Space Age the United States worked on space nuclear power and propulsion systems, although very few actually made it to space. Dwayne Day examines those programs and what went wrong.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 13, 2026</span></p> 236 237<h3><a href="/article/5265/1">The Iranian use of space operations during Epic Fury</a></h3> 238<p class="info">While the United States has made extensive use of space capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Iran, that country has also made use of space. Three experts examine Iranâs access to satellite imagery and its efforts to jam satellite signals.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 13, 2026</span></p> 239 240<h3><a href="/article/5264/1">The whole world looking up: inspiration from the Moon</a></h3> 241<p class="info">Humanity has long been inspired by the night sky. Richard Logue offers a new way to provide that inspiration through a series of spacecraft that would be visible from the ground while also testing solar sail technologies.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 13, 2026</span></p> 242 243<h3><a href="/article/5263/1">The mystery of Mission Zero</a></h3> 244<p class="info">A payload processing facility at the Kennedy Space Center has been used for dozens of missions over the years, but one of them was not publicly documented. James Behling discusses the secrecy behind the very first mission to use that facility.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 13, 2026</span></p> 245 246<h3><a href="/article/5262/1">Review: HOTOL and Skylon</a></h3> 247<p class="info">For decades British companies worked on concepts for spaceplanes that could take off from a runway and go to space. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines those projects and the limited progress they made despite years of work.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 13, 2026</span></p> 248 249<h3><a href="/article/5261/1">Astropolitics and the post-Earth economy</a></h3> 250<p class="info">A growing human presence in space means expanding beyond the realm of instantaneous communications we have become accustomed to on Earth. David Rogers says that will mean fundamentally rethinking governance.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 6, 2026</span></p> 251 252<h3><a href="/article/5260/1">Rededicating a space museum</a></h3> 253<p class="info">The National Air and Space Museum marked its 50th anniversary last week with a rededication. Jeff Foust reports on the nearly complete overhaul of the museum that now features several new space-related exhibits.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 6, 2026</span></p> 254 255<h3><a href="/article/5259/1">âVastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly bigâ: The Galaxy Garden as a Milky Way analog</a></h3> 256<p class="info">The Milky Way galaxy is such a huge structure that it is almost impossible for the human mind to comprehend how vast it is. Deana Weibel visits one effort to do so, in the form of a garden in Hawaii.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 6, 2026</span></p> 257 258<h3><a href="/article/5258/1">Transforming domains: Space, military justice, and the Air Force Judge Advocate Generalâs Corps in 2050</a></h3> 259<p class="info">While the US Space Force is a separate military branch, it still relies on the Air Force for some capabilities, including lawyers. Todd Pennington discu
259sses why evolutions in both the Space Force and the military justice system mean that arrangement will likely change.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 6, 2026</span></p> 260 261<h3><a href="/article/5257/1">The Mars Tax: Starshipâs toll on American lunar ambitions </a></h3> 262<p class="info">SpaceXâs Starship is one of the two lunar landers being developed for landing NASA astronauts on the Moon. Ethan Hicks argues that Starshipâs origins as a Mars vehicle create a âtaxâ on its use as a lunar lander that jeopardizes the schedule for Artemis.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 6, 2026</span></p> 263 264<h3><a href="/article/5256/1">A swift effort to boost the prospects for satellite servicing</a></h3> 265<p class="info">A Pegasus XL is set this week to launch a mission to reboost NASAâs Swift space telescope. Jeff Foust reports on the rapid development of the unique mission and the prospects of using that technology for other applications, including boosting Hubble.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 29, 2026</span></p> 266 267<h3><a href="/article/5255/1">Security and sustainability in space: a proposed cap-and-trade model for orbital debris mitigation</a></h3> 268<p class="info">Orbital debris poses a growing risk to satellite operations with no clear solution for addressing it. Isha Gupta proposes an approach based on regulating pollutants as a way to control the debris population.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 29, 2026</span></p> 269 270<h3><a href="/article/5254/1">The last days of the Persian Cats</a></h3> 271<p class="info">The conflict in the Middle East may have destroyed the last of Iranâs F-14 Tomcats that it bought from the US a half-century ago. Dwayne Day and Harry Stranger describe how spysats tracked the status of those planes for decades.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 29, 2026</span></p> 272 273<h3><a href="/article/5253/1">A new age for astronomy enabled by space-based solar power</a></h3> 274<p class="info">One of the criticisms of space-based solar power (SPSB) systems is that the platforms would interfere with astronomy. Benjamin Calloway describes how SBSP could also create technologies to enable space-based astronomy.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 29, 2026</span></p> 275 276<h3><a href="/article/5252/1">Deep Black on the West Coast (part 3): The many missions of the Air Forceâs Special Projects office</a></h3> 277<p class="info">The National Museum of the United States Air Force dedicated a monument last month to those who worked in a secretive organization supporting the National Reconnaissance Office during the Cold War. Dwayne Day provides more details about and photos of the memorial.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 29, 2026</span></p> 278 279<h3><a href="/article/5251/1">Financing the final frontier: ledger or lens?</a></h3> 280<p class="info">A recent $1.25 trillion cost estimate for Golden Dome caused some sticker shock. Bharath Gopalaswamy and Daniel Dant discuss how the total cost is less important than how the program, including its space-based elements, is financed.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 22, 2026</span></p> 281 282<h3><a href="/article/5250/1">A history of the APAS docking system</a></h3> 283<p class="info">A docking system developed for Apollo-Soyuz evolved over the years for use on Mir and the International Space Station. Maks Skiendzielewski charts the history of the APAS docking system.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 22, 2026</span></p> 284 285<h3><a href="/article/5249/1">Yellow Fleets: stranded ships in Suez and the Persian Gulf</a></h3> 286<p class="info">The conflict in the Middle East has kept many ships trapped in the Persian Gulf for months. Dwayne Day and Harry Stranger describe a similar incident in the Suez Canal more than a half-century ago that was monitored by spy satellites.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 22, 2026</span></p> 287 288<h3><a href="/article/5248/1">Space autonomy needs an authority architecture before 2027</a></h3> 289<p class="info">Threats to space assets mean a greater reliance on autonomy to protect them from attack. Burak Oktenli argues this means taking decisions now on what measures spacecraft can take autonomously and who will be responsible for their effects.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 22, 2026</span></p> 290 291<h3><a href="/article/5247/1">Review: The Echoing Universe</a></h3> 292<p class="info">Observing the universe at visible wavelengths of light can result in stunning images, something largely lacking in radio astronomy. Jeff Foust reviews a book that shows what contributions radio astronomers have made in the field despite the lack of imagery.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 22, 2026</span></p> 293 294<h3><a href="/article/5246/1">Artemis 3 take shape</a></h3> 295<p class="info">NASA announced last week the astronauts who will fly the Artemis 3 mission next year. Jeff Foust reports the event also provided more details about that mission to test lunar landers in
295Earth orbit.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 15, 2026</span></p> 296 297<h3><a href="/article/5245/1">Hello, Madison! A top-secret Cold War mission over Wisconsinâs capital</a></h3> 298<p class="info">During the Cold War, the NRO tested new imaging capabilities for its spy satellites in novel ways. Dwayne Day and Harry Stranger describe how that included stereo imaging of locations in the United States.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 15, 2026</span></p> 299 300<h3><a href="/article/5244/1">The Budapest Maneuver: why small nations need their own âlittle NASAâ</a></h3> 301<p class="info">More countries are establishing space agencies, even though they will never be more than a small fraction of the size of major agencies like NASA. Mihail Istvanovics Várdai explains how such agencies can help countries move from a consumer of space services to a partner.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 15, 2026</span></p> 302 303<h3><a href="/article/5243/1">Sovereign capability and assured access: a tension in Europeâs space strategy </a></h3> 304<p class="info">Europe is working to increase its autonomy in space, including developing additional launch capability. Nicholas Borroz discusses why this means the EU will need to learn to work better with countries outside the union but closely allied with it.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 15, 2026</span></p> 305 306<h3><a href="/article/5242/1">Space race or space divide: orbital AI and the Global Southâs exclusion crisis</a></h3> 307<p class="info">American and Chinese companies are planning large constellations of orbital data center satellites. Maheen Butt argues that such proposals risk denying access to critical low Earth orbits to emerging nations.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 15, 2026</span></p> 308 309<h3><a href="/article/5241/1">Yesterdayâs Future: space settlement and castles in the sky</a></h3> 310<p class="info">Fifty years ago this month, an issue of <i>National Geographic</i> introduced many people to the concept of space settlements. Dwayne Day examines what it predicted for the faraway future of 2026 and why those visions fell short.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 8, 2026</span></p> 311 312<h3><a href="/article/5240/1">Americaâs most exposed power projection platforms: Why United States Space Force installations must be treated as warfighting infrastructure</a></h3> 313<p class="info">Unlike other military services, the Space Force largely operates from permanent bases in the United States and allied nations rather than having forward-deployed bases. David Hanson argues that this means the military needs to pay more attention to securing those bases from cyber and physical attacks.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 8, 2026</span></p> 314 315<h3><a href="/article/5239/1">Why the vagueness of the Outer Space Treaty was a strategically calculated move</a></h3> 316<p class="info">One of the complaints about the Outer Space Treaty is that many of its provisions are vague and subject to wide-ranging interpretations. Aditya Raj discusses why that was intentional.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 8, 2026</span></p> 317 318<h3><a href="/article/5238/1">The first alien intelligence may not be alive</a></h3> 319<p class="info">Astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence have largely focused on biological life. David Falls explains why the first evidence of intelligence we might detect beyond Earth may not be biological in nature.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 8, 2026</span></p> 320 321<h3><a href="/article/5237/1">Review: The Ultraview Effect</a></h3> 322<p class="info">Many astronauts report a change in perspective that results from seeing the Earth from space. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines a different shift some have reported from seeing the universe in a
322new way while in space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 8, 2026</span></p> 323 324<h3><a href="/article/5236/1">Artemis and the blue micromoon</a></h3> 325<p class="info">Last week NASA outlined initial plans for developing a lunar base, awarding contracts for rovers and the landers that would deliver them. Jeff Foust reports those plans faced an immediate challenge after the explosion of New Glenn, a rocket that plays a key role in that effort.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 1, 2026</span></p> 326 327<h3><a href="/article/5235/1">Big badaboom: the effects of a Saturn V launch pad explosion</a></h3> 328<p class="info">The New Glenn pad explosion is the biggest of its kind, but NASA previously studied larger explosions. Dwayne Day explores NASA studies from the 1960s to understand what would happen if a Saturn V had a bad day.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 1, 2026</span></p> 329 330<h3><a href="/article/5234/1">Debris with telemetry: the cyber pathway to Kessler</a></h3> 331<p class="info">Many satellite operators worry about debris from accidental collisions or antisatellite weapons tests. Daniel Morgan says an underappreciated debris threat comes from a type of cyberattack.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 1, 2026</span></p> 332 333<h3><a href="/article/5233/1">Lost and found on the Pacific floor: the Nimbus SNAP-19 nuclear generators</a></h3> 334<p class="info">In 1968, a launch failure caused a nuclear power source to fall into the ocean off the California coast. Dwayne Day recounts the efforts to recover that nuclear power source.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 1, 2026</span></p> 335 336<h3><a href="/article/5232/1">The âpublicâ in public space agency</a></h3> 337<p class="info">Many hailed the success of the Artemis 2 mission as a key technical step in returning humans to the Moon. Alex Li said it also played an important cultural role, something only a space agency can do.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 1, 2026</span></p> 338 339<h3><a href="/article/5231/1">Starships are meant to eventually fly</a></h3> 340<p class="info">Last week marked both the first flight of the latest version of SpaceXâs Starship as well as the release of the companyâs prospectus for its initial public offering. Jeff Foust reports on how both reveal how central Starship is to the companyâs future.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 26, 2026</span></p> 341 342<h3><a href="/article/5230/1">Fear and panic in orbit around the Red Planet: Missions to Phobos and Deimos</a></h3> 343<p class="info">While most concepts for missions to Mars have focused on the planet itself, some have instead planned to explore its two small moons. Dwayne Day examines the history of those concepts and an upcoming Japanese sample return mission.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 26, 2026</span></p> 344 345<h3><a href="/article/5229/1">Zarya: the three lives of the propulsively landed Super-Soyuz</a></h3> 346<p class="info">The history of a proposed Soviet crewed vehicle is more complex that previously understood. Maks Skiendzielewski reveals new insights into the concepts for that vehicle.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 26, 2026</span></p> 347 348<h3><a href="/article/5228/1">Reassessing NASA procurement strategy: A hybrid approach</a></h3> 349<p class="info">NASA is using a mix of cost-plus and fixed-price contracts for its missions, but each approach as advantages and disadvantages. Eli Lichtenstein offers an alternative that attempts to combine the best of both.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 26, 2026</span></p> 350 351<h3><a href="/article/5227/1">Deep Black on the West Coast (part 2): Honoring the Air Force Special Processing Facility</a></h3> 352<p class="info">A new monument at National Museum of the United States Air Force honors those who worked on spy satellite programs. Dwayne Day discusses one group that was left out of the memorial.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 26, 2026</span></p> 353 354<h3><a href="/article/5226/1">Space launch and reentry environmental concerns are real, but can be mitigated</a></h3> 355<p class="info">The sharp increase in launches has led to warnings about the environmental impacts of emissions from those launches and subsequent reentries on the upper atmosphere. Michael Puckett discusses how those analyses donât include changes in launch systems that can mitigate those impacts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 18, 2026</span></p> 356 357<h3><a href="/article/5225/1">The Isaacman honeymoon</a></h3> 358<p class="info">Despite a budget request that proposed steep cuts to NASA, administrator Jared Isaacman still remains popular on Capitol Hill and in industry. Jeff Foust reports on how long those good feelings might last.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 18, 2026</span></p> 359 360<h3><a href="/article/5224/1">Critiquing and defending the Overview Effect</a></h3> 361<p class="info">A recent essay took issue with claims that seeing the Earth from space can create a meaningful shift in perception. Frank White, who proposed the Overview Effect, defends the concept and its significance. <br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 18, 2026</span></p> 362 363<h3><a href="/article/5223/1">Deep Black on the West Coast: honoring the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Special Projects and the Star Catchers</a></h3> 364<p class="info">
364The people who worked on NRO spysat programs during the Cold War did so in anonymity. Dwayne Day describes a new monument that finally gives them some public recognition for their achievements.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 18, 2026</span></p> 365 366<h3><a href="/article/5222/1">Review: Itâs (Just) Rocket Science</a></h3> 367<p class="info">Pursuing a career in spaceflight typically requires knowing a lot of physics. Jeff Foust reviews a book that uses spaceflight to teach some key physics concepts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 18, 2026</span></p> 368 369<h3><a href="/article/5221/1">After Gateway: the case for a middle power lunar consortium</a></h3> 370<p class="info">NASAâs decision to effectively cancel the lunar Gateway has forced international partners who had been working on its components to reconsider their plans. Phil McCrory argues that this presents an opportunity for those countries to work together on their own lunar plans exclusive of NASA.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 11, 2026</span></p> 371 372<h3><a href="/article/5220/1">Exquisitely unnecessary: very high resolution satellite reconnaissance</a></h3> 373<p class="info">There was a push in the 1960s and early 1970s within the US intelligence community for images with increasingly sharper resolution. Dwayne Day examines the debate within the community about the value of very high resolution images versus other requirements for satellite imagery.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 11, 2026</span></p> 374 375<h3><a href="/article/5219/1">Flagships on a budget</a></h3> 376<p class="info">NASAâs next astrophysics flagship mission, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, is under budget and ahead of schedule for a launch later this year. Jeff Foust reports on how, despite that achievement, astronomers are looking at ways to achieve their science goals without relying as heavily on such large missions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 11, 2026</span></p> 377 378<h3><a href="/article/5218/1">Strategy is easy, but logistics is hard. Golden Dome proves it.</a></h3> 379<p class="info">The Golden Dome missile defense system will require major space-based capabilities, from sensors to interceptors. Bharath Gopalaswamy and Daniel Dant discuss why it requires the government to reconsider its support for the companies charged with producing those systems.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 11, 2026</span></p> 380 381<h3><a href="/article/5217/1">Three steps forward but one step back</a></h3> 382<p class="info">NASAâs revisions to its Artemis lunar exploration architecture have won widespread support in the space industry. Dale Skran, though, notes that the proposed changes to NASAâs support for commercial space stations are a mistake.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 11, 2026</span></p> 383 384<h3><a href="/article/5216/1">Battle for the heavens: intelligence satellite vulnerability in the 1970s</a></h3> 385<p class="info">Officials today frequently discuss how intelligence satellites are vulnerable to attack. Dwayne Day discusses how a report in the 1970s examined threats to reconnaissance satellites and ways to address those threats.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 4, 2026</span></p> 386 387<h3><a href="/article/5215/1">The Moonbase moment</a></h3> 388<p class="info">The centerpiece of NASAâs new lunar exploration plans is a lunar base announced at an event in March. Jeff Foust reports there is strong interest in developing the base despite uncertainties about what infrastru
388cture will be needed and how the base will be used.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 4, 2026</span></p> 389 390<h3><a href="/article/5214/1">Governance is always late to the party. Hereâs why thatâs not an accident.</a></h3> 391<p class="info">Regulation of space activities aways appears to lag their technical and economic feasibility. G. Theresa Quitto-Dickerson explains this structural issue and how the industry can overcome it.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 4, 2026</span></p> 392 393<h3><a href="/article/5213/1">The fallacy of the Overview Effect: perception, power, and strategic reality in space</a></h3> 394<p class="info">Many have hailed the âOverview Effectâ people say they feel during spaceflight as a way of way of erasing political boundaries that divide humanity. Christopher Stone argues that experience does little to change the realities of geopolitics.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 4, 2026</span></p> 395 396<h3><a href="/article/5212/1">Review: Open Space</a></h3> 397<p class="info">NASAâs plans to return to the Moon and establish a base there depend in large part on the ability of companies to develop lunar landers. Jeff Foust reviews a book that goes behind the scenes at one lunar lander company as part of a broader examination of the future of spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 4, 2026</span></p> 398 399<h3><a href="/article/5211/1">The great launch constraint</a></h3> 400<p class="info">Blue Originâs New Glenn suffered a failure on its third launch last week when an upper stage malfunction placed its payload in the wrong orbit. Jeff Foust reports this is a problem not just for Blue Origin but the broader launch industry, as multiple failures reduce launch capacity as demand for launches surges.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 27, 2026</span></p> 401 402<h3><a href="/article/5210/1">Science Power Platform: the ISSâs cancelled power module</a></h3> 403<p class="info">During much of the development of the International Space Station, one Russian contribution was a module that would have provided power and lab space. Maks Skiendzielewski charts the long history of the Science Power Platform, which never made it to orbit yet influenced the stationâs design.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 27, 2026</span></p> 404 405<h3><a href="/article/5209/1">A Fortress Moon for cislunar security</a></h3> 406<p class="info">Cislunar space is evolving from one of primarily scientific interest to one with more strategic importance. Alan Dugger examines one approach to better monitor the activities taking place in this region.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 27, 2026</span></p> 407 408<h3><a href="/article/5208/1">Redefining success in space diplomacy: emerging space nations in the Artemis Era and the case of Türkiye</a></h3> 409<p class="info">The role of space in diplomacy is changing as countries shift from seeking technical dominance to influence over governance. Elif Yüksel discusses that shift and how it affects on emerging country in space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 27, 2026</span></p> 410 411<h3><a href="/article/5207/1">The TWINSTAR mission concept: A pragmatic path to finding Earth 2.0</a></h3> 412<p class="info">One of the driving goals of astrophysics is to be able to observe an Earthlike planet orbiting another star. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei discusses one mission concept under study that could so for a relatively modest price.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 27, 2026</span></p> 413 414<h3><a href="/article/5206/1">Mirroring mango salad: How ISS culture shaped Artemis 2</a></h3> 415<p class="info">During the Artemis 2 missions, the astronauts in Orion made a call to their counterparts on the International Space Station. Deana Weibel explains how the experience of the ISS means the Artemis astronauts are very different from those of the Apollo era.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 20, 2026</span></p> 416 417<h3><a href="/article/5205/1">Big little rocket: The N1 Moon rocket and the cognitive dissonance of spy satellite photography</a></h3> 418<p class="info">For years, most of the information about the Soviet Unionâs N1 rocket came from satellite images. Dwayne Day discusses how new images of the N1 are emerging to provide new insights about the Moon rocket.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 20, 2026</span></p> 419 420<h3><a href="/article/5204/1">Commercial space station developers make their business case to NASA</a></h3> 421<p class="info">Last month, NASA proposed major changes to its program supporting the development of commercial space stations, arguing markets for them have not emerged. Jeff Foust reports from a conference last week where several space station developers made their case there are markets.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 20, 2026</span></p> 422 423<h3><a href="/article/5203/1">When the orbital layer is the kill chain</a></h3> 424<p class="info">Experts have debated the role that artificial intelligence has played in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Bharath Gopalaswamy argues that the debate ignores the enabling role of space capabilities, which bring with them new challenges and vulnerabilities.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 20, 2026</span></p> 425 426<h3><a href="/article/5202/1">Who watches the birds? Cold War era launch vehicle photographs (part 2)</a></h3> 427<p class="info">Dwayne Day examines more images of Cold War-era spy satellites launches that were recently unearthed that help fill historical gaps.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 20, 2026</span></p> 428 429<h3><a href="/article/5201/1">Artemis 2, Apollo 8, and the problem with history</a></h3> 430<p class="info">Artemis 2 has drawn parallels to Apollo 8 not just because of the profile of the missions but also because of geopolitical factors. Dwayne Day reexamines how much NASAâs decision to fly Apollo 8 was influenced by intelligence about Soviet lunar plans.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 13, 2026</span></p> 431 432<h3><a href="/article/5200/1">Opening the path to the lunar surface</a></h3> 433<p class="info">The splashdown of Artemis 2 Friday marked both the successful end of the mission and the completion of a key step in NASAâs plans to return humans to the Moon. Jeff Foust reports on the limited details about the agencyâs next step, the Artemis 3 mission in 2027.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 13, 2026</span></p> 434 435<h3><a href="/article/5199/1">Strategic celestography and lunar competition: Artemis, CLEP, and the struggle for positional advantage</a></h3> 436<p class="info">As the United States and China race to the Moon, both countries are considering bases in the same south polar region. Glenn Scofield discusses how this is evidence of strategic value of some parts of cislunar space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 13, 2026</span></p> 437 438<h3><a href="/article/5198/1">Who watches the birds? Cold War era launch vehicle photographs</a></h3> 439<p class="info">Many US military launches during the Cold War did not have photos publicly released. Dwayne Day shows how researchers are filling the gaps in the historical record.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 13, 2026</span></p> 440 441<h3><a href="/article/5197/1">A tale of two Martian cities</a></h3> 442<p class="info">What is the right governance model for future Martian settlements? Thomas Gangale examines two very models for how people might be governed, or govern themselves, on the Red Planet.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 13, 2026</span></p> 443 444<h3><a href="/article/5196/1">Artemis eclipses</a></h3> 445<p class="info">Artemis 2 successfully launched last week, with the Orion spacecraft flying around the Moon on the first crewed lunar mission in more than half a century. Jeff Foust reports on the success of the mission so far, one that has been overshadowed to a degree by proposed budget cuts at NASA.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 6, 2026</span></p> 446 447<h3><a href="/article/5195/1">Pinning the tail on the Moskva: POPPY and the dawn of satellite ocean surveillance</a></h3> 448<p class="info">The NRO launched signals intelligence satellites in the 1960s initially to track radars fixed on the ground. Dwayne Day describes insights from a recently declassified interview on how those satellites were then applied to tracking ships.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 6, 2026</span></p> 449 450<h3><a href="/article/5194/1">Thirty years later, Mars 96 has not been found</a></h3> 451<p class="info">Three decades ago, Russia launched an ambitious Mars mission only for it to crash back to Earth. Dante Sanaei examines the enduring mysteries of Mars 96.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 6, 2026</span></p> 452 453<h3><a href="/article/5193/1">Ownership without oversight: Australiaâs on-orbit supervision gap</a></h3> 454<p class="info">The recent sale of an imaging satellite already in orbit to an Australian company has uncovered a gap in how the country regulates space activities. Jeremy Kruckel proposes one solution to ensure the country upholds its treaty obligations.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 6, 2026</span></p> 455 456<h3><a href="/article/5192/1">Review: Return to Launch</a></h3> 457<p class="info">Floridaâs Space Coast has transformed over the last 15 years with the rise of private companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX. Jeff Foust reviews a book that charts the decades-long efforts to build a space industry in the state that was less dependent on the ups and downs of government programs.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 6, 2026</span></p> 458 459<h3><a href="/article/5191/1">Igniting a new vision for NASA</a></h3> 460<p class="info">At a day-long event last week, NASA leadership announced major changes to its exploration, science, and technology programs. Jeff Foust reports on the various initiatives and the hurdles they face.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 30, 2026</span></p> 461 462<h3><a href="/article/5190/1">A little more light in the shadows: the NRO and the Space Shuttle in 1976</a></h3> 463<p class="info">In the 1970s, the National Reconnaissance Office was studying how to best use the Space Space Shuttle. Dwayne Day examines what some recently declassified documents reveal about those deliberations.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 30, 2026</span></p> 464 465<h3><a href="/article/5189/1">Convairâs Manned Astronomical Research Station (MARS)</a></h3> 466<p class="info">Another early space station concept was developed by Convair. Hans Dolfing unearths some details about this proposed station and its military connections.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 30, 2026</span></p> 467 468<h3><a href="/article/5188/1">From advantage to arena: space power 1991â2026</a></h3> 469<p class="info">The conflict in the Middle East has demonstrated how space capabilities have become essential to modern warfare. Bharath Gopalaswamy discusses how it also shows the vulnerabilities of space capabilities and new challenges for them.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 30, 2026</span></p> 470 471<h3><a href="/article/5187/1">Artemis 2, Project Hail Mary, and the risks and benefits of human spaceflight</a></h3> 472<p class="info">
472The impending Artemis 2 launch comes as the movie <i>Project Hail Mary</i> hits theaters. Scott Solomon discusses how they both illustrate the benefits and risks of human spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 30, 2026</span></p> 473 474<h3><a href="/article/5186/1">The science of Artemis 2</a></h3> 475<p class="info">Artemis 2 is back on the pad for a launch as soon as next week. Jeff Foust reports that while the mission is primarily a test flight, there will be opportunities to do lunar and other science along the way.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 23, 2026</span></p> 476 477<h3><a href="/article/5185/1">NavIC: Indiaâs âjinxedâ navigational program, or a cornerstone of Indiaâs misplaced space priorities?</a></h3> 478<p class="info">A recent in-orbit failure has deprived India of a functioning navigation satellite system. Ajey Lele says what appears to be bad luck may instead be a sign of management flaws.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 23, 2026</span></p> 479 480<h3><a href="/article/5184/1">Zarya: the Super-Soyuz that only lived twice</a></h3> 481<p class="info">In the 1980s, the Soviet Union proposed a spacecraft that could be a successor to the Soyuz, only to see it cancelled, revived, and cancelled again. Maks Skiendzielewski examines the history of the Zarya spacecraft.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 23, 2026</span></p> 482 483<h3><a href="/article/5183/1">The legal aspects of outer space settlers and settlements</a></h3> 484<p class="info">Any future with humans living permanently in space raises some key legal issues. Dennis OâBrien explores those issues, from existing space treaties to the prospects of independent settlements.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 23, 2026</span></p> 485 486<h3><a href="/article/5182/1">Review: Stuck in Space</a></h3> 487<p class="info">NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore commanded the Starliner crewed test flight in 2024 whose problems turned a brief visit to the International Space Station to a nine-month stay. Jeff Foust reviews Wilmoreâs memoir that mixes his account of that mission with other aspects of his life.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 23, 2026</span></p> 488 489<h3><a href="/article/5181/1">Jupiter on the Space Shuttle and the Titan II: the FARRAH signals intelligence satellites</a></h3> 490<p class="info">The introduction of the Space Shuttle led the intelligence community to study what satellites should be shifted to that vehicle. Dwayne Day examines how that affected one electronic intelligence program as it moved on to, and then off of, the shuttle.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 16, 2026</span></p> 491 492<h3><a href="/article/5180/1">If China returns to the Moon first, will Americans care?</a></h3> 493<p class="info">Many in the space community believe the United States is in a race with China to land the next humans on the Moon, with serious consequences for losing. Dante Sanaei cautions that, should China win that race, many Americans might not care.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 16, 2026</span></p> 494 495<h3><a href="/article/5179/1">The next phase of space ambitions in Texas</a></h3> 496<p class="info">The state of Texas is seeking to expand its space industry with a grant program and a new space institute. Jeff Foust reports on what is next as that institute nears completion and the first round of grants is awarded.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 16, 2026</span></p> 497 498<h3><a href="/article/5178/1">Artemis via the ISS? A breakout opportunity for kickstarting a sustainable cislunar economy</a></h3> 499<p class="info">NASAâs plans for the Artemis lunar exploration campaign are largely separate from the planned transition from the International Space Station. Madhu Thangavelu describes how ISS could be more closely integrated into lunar exploration.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 16, 2026</span></p> 500 501<h3><a href="/article/5177/1">Golden domes, fragile firms: the business risks of AI-enabled space infrastructure</a></h3> 502<p class="info">Space companies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to manage their satellite operations. Bharath Gopalaswamy and Daniel Dant warn that doing so could open up companies to unanticipated business risks.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 16, 2026</span></p> 503 504<h3><a href="/article/5176/1">McDonnellâs Military Test Space Station (MTSS)</a></h3> 505<p class="info">In the early 1960s several companies studied concepts of military space stations. Hans Dolfing explores whatâs now known about one of those concepts from recently declassified documents.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 9, 2026</span></p> 506 507<h3><a href="/article/5175/1">Reforging Vulcan</a></h3> 508<p class="info">This was supposed to be the year that United Launch Alliance finally ramped up launches of its Vulcan rocket to serve government and commercial customers. Jeff Foust reports on how those plans are now in doubt after an incident on Vulcanâs latest launch, just as the company is going through a change in leadership.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 9, 2026</span></p> 509 510<h3><a href="/article/5174/1">Big wing bird: NASAâs WB-57 gets grounded</a></h3> 511<p class="info">A NASA WB-57 aircraft was damaged in a gear-up landing at a Houston airport in January. Dwayne Day examines the long and unusual history of that aircraft, used by NASA for a variety of missions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 9, 2026</span></p> 512 513<h3><a href="/article/5173/1">Robert Goddard and the dawn of the rocket age</a></h3> 514<p class="info">This month marks the centennial of the first flight of a liquid-fueled rocket by Robert Goddard. Bruce McCandless III and Emily Carney recall that milestone and its significance.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 9, 2026</span></p> 515 516<h3><a href="/article/5172/1">Review: Why Space?</a></h3> 517<p class="info">The commercial space industry has grown in capabilities and importance over recent years. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a longtime space advocate who describes what he sees as the underlying purpose that industry can enable beyond just making money.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 9, 2026</span></p> 518 519<h3><a href="/article/5171/1">Accelerating Artemis</a></h3> 520<p class="info">On Friday, NASA shook up its Artemis lunar exploration plans with changes to planned missions and to the Space Launch System rocket. Jeff Foust reports on the changes and the many unanswered questions about those plans.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 2, 2026</span></p> 521 522<h3><a href="/article/5170/1">The ghost in the orbit: how hybrid surveillance reshapes risks</a></h3> 523<p class="info">The US military recently announced plans to commercially procure satellites to monitor other spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. Zohaib Altaf warns that this approach, with a hybrid of commercial and government roles, creates new risks to space security.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 2, 2026</span></p> 524 525<h3><a href="/article/5169/1">Allâs well thatâs Roswell</a></h3> 526<p class="info">President Trump said last month he was directing the government to release files related to UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena. Dwayne Day examines similar efforts in the 1990s to declassify information about the so-called âRoswell Incidentâ and other Cold War aerospace programs.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 2, 2026</span></p> 527 528<h3><a href="/article/5168/1">Gala time! The Chinese New Year narratives of the space program</a></h3> 529<p class="info">
529China marked the Lunar New Year last month with a televised gala. Krzysztof Karwowski discusses how space played a role in this yearâs event as well as previous shows as an exercise in soft power.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 2, 2026</span></p> 530 531<h3><a href="/article/5167/1">Review: Becoming Martian</a></h3> 532<p class="info">Human missions to Mars seem more distant now than just a year ago, as governments and companies focus their attention on the Moon. Jeff Foust reviews a book that suggests that maybe we shouldnât be in a rush to establish a long-term human presence there given medical and related challenges.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 2, 2026</span></p> 533 534<h3><a href="/article/5166/1">âWe failed themâ: NASA grapples with Starliner </a></h3> 535<p class="info">Last week, on very short notice, NASA released an independent report on the flawed Starliner crewed test flight in 2024. Jeff Foust reports on that study and its assessment of both the technical and organization problems at the root of that mission.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 23, 2026</span></p> 536 537<h3><a href="/article/5165/1">Prometheus bound: The legacy of the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter</a></h3> 538<p class="info">More than 20 years ago, NASA embarked on an effort to develop a massive nuclear-powered mission to the moons of Jupiter. Dwayne Day examines that ill-fated effort and the legacy it created for future missions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 23, 2026</span></p> 539 540<h3><a href="/article/5164/1">We can build cities on the Moonâbut who will govern them?</a></h3> 541<p class="info">As companies follow the lead of countries in returning humans to the Moon, it raises new questions of governance of those efforts. Rachel Williams and Jatan Mehta discuss how precedents set in the coming years should shape lunar activity for decades to come.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 23, 2026</span></p> 542 543<h3><a href="/article/5163/1">When Iran took the Internet hostage, Elon Musk held the keys</a></h3> 544<p class="info">Protestors in Iran turned to Starlink to maintain connection with the outside world when the government restricted Internet access. Bharath Gopalaswamy argues this puts private companies into roles of making policy traditionally held by governments.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 23, 2026</span></p> 545 546<h3><a href="/article/5162/1">AI and Army astronauts: A judge advocateâs solution to protecting the soldier-astronaut</a></h3> 547<p class="info">As astronauts, including those from the military, go deeper into space, they will face medical challenges that canât be resolved by simply returning to Earth. Mitch Topaloglu says alternative solutions have to be balanced with those that protect the astronautsâ privacy.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 23, 2026</span></p> 548 549<h3><a href="/article/5161/1">When second best is good enough: The Initial Defense Satellite Communications System</a></h3> 550<p class="info">In the early years of the Space Age, the US military had ambitious plans for communications satellites but found them difficult to implement. Dwayne Day describes how a backup plan emerged using smaller, less complex satellites.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 16, 2026</span></p> 551 552<h3><a href="/article/5160/1">Muskâs Moon mania</a></h3> 553<p class="info">Elon Musk and SpaceX have long been associated with establishing a human presence on Mars, but that appears to be changing. Jeff Foust reports on how Musk is turning his attention towards the Moon, one tied to AI and orbital data centers.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 16, 2026</span></p> 554 555<h3><a href="/article/5159/1">Seattleâs lessons for rocket reusability</a></h3> 556<p class="info">While reuse of the first stage of launch vehicle has long been proven by SpaceX, reusing a rocketâs upper stage is more difficult. Robert Oler examine options for reusing some or all of an upper stage.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 16, 2026</span></p> 557 558<h3><a href="/article/5158/1">Tame the wolf, release the panda: The case for US-China space cooperation</a></h3> 559<p class="info">For 15 years, the Wolf Amendment has severely restricted US-China civil space cooperation. Jimin Park makes the case that itâs time for those restrictions to end.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 16, 2026</span></p> 560 561<h3><a href="/article/5157/1">Review: Webbâs Cosmos</a></h3> 562<p class="info">NASAâs James Webb Space Telescope has hit its stride since its launch more than four years ago, producing stunning images. Christopher Cokinos reviews a book that compiles some of the best images from it so far.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 16, 2026</span></p> 563 564<h3><a href="/article/5156/1">The dominance of Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg</a></h3> 565<p class="info">There are more than a dozen licensed spaceports in the United States and even more prospective ones, yet nearly all the orbital launches in the country take place from two sites in Florida and California. Jeff Foust reports on how the Cape and Vandenberg have met the growing demand for launches while other spaceports look for alternative markets.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 9, 2026</span></p> 566 567<h3><a href="/article/5155/1">Breaking dishes: the space facility at Yevpatoriya</a></h3> 568<p class="info">Last year the Ukrainian military attacked a satellite tracking station in Russian-occupied Crimea. Dwayne Day examines the long history of that facility, built during the Cold War.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 9, 2026</span></p> 569 570<h3><a href="/article/5154/1">The Solar System Internet: Envisioning a networked future beyond Earth</a></h3> 571<p class="info">Networking protocols used on Earth today donât work well in space, given distances and other challenges. Scott Pace and Yosuke Kaneko discuss how new protocols and approaches can enable enhanced communications across the solar system.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 9, 2026</span></p> 572 573<h3><a href="/article/5153/1">Much needed cargo for the Moon</a></h3> 574<p class="info">Plans for lunar outposts, like the one included in an executive order by the White House in December, will require large amounts of cargo that would be unaffordable if delivered by the SLS. Ajay Kothari offers an alternative approach that avoids both the SLS as well as the complexities of in-space cryogenic refueling.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 9, 2026</span></p> 575 576<h3><a href="/article/5152/1">Review: To See Far</a></h3> 577<p class="info">The International Space Station program has a long, complex history that spans decades. Jeff Foust reviews a book that provides one former NASA managerâs insights into the ISS and related programs from a key, early era.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 9, 2026</span></p> 578 579<h3><a href="/article/5151/1">High Jump: the JUMPSEAT signals intelligence satellite</a></h3> 580<p class="info">Last week the National Reconnaissance Office announced it had declassified information about a signals intelligence satellite program called JUMPSEAT. Dwayne Day examines what that declassification reveals about the program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 2, 2026</span></p> 581 582<h3><a href="/article/5150/1">Normalization of deviance</a></h3> 583<p class="info">Ahead of the launch of Artemis 2, some have raised concerns about the Orion spacecraftâs heat shield. Robert Oler says NASAâs decision to move ahead with the the current heat shield raise
583s concerns about the agencyâs decision-making processes and safety.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 2, 2026</span></p> 584 585<h3><a href="/article/5149/1">Suborbitalâs descending trajectory</a></h3> 586<p class="info">In a surprise move, Blue Origin announced Friday it was suspending New Shepard suborbital flights for at least two years as it focuses on lunar exploration. Jeff Foust reports on that development and its implications for suborbital spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 2, 2026</span></p> 587 588<h3><a href="/article/5148/1">Dragonship: China builds a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while satellites watch</a></h3> 589<p class="info">China is building up its navy, including what appears to be its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Dwayne Day shows how satellite imagery, including from commercial spacecraft, is helping follow that vesselâs development.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 2, 2026</span></p> 590 591<h3><a href="/article/5147/1">From pacifism to pragmatism: Japanâs evolving space security policy</a></h3> 592<p class="info">Japan, which once ruled out any military use of space, has gradually made use of space for reconnaissance and other national security activities. Safia Mansoor charts Japanâs changing policies in this area.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 2, 2026</span></p> 593 594<h3><a href="/article/5146/1">Inching towards launch</a></h3> 595<p class="info">A little over a week ago, SLS/Orion rolled out to the pad for Artemis 2, the first crewed mission beyond Earth orbit in more than 50 years. Jeff Foust reports on the slow progress towards that launch, which could happen as soon as next month.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 26, 2026</span></p> 596 597<h3><a href="/article/5145/1">When satellites are hacked: the legal gray zone of non-kinetic space attack</a></h3> 598<p class="info">While kinetic attacks, like direct-ascent missiles, on satellites are well understood, less appreciated are non-kinetic attacks that can disrupt or disable satellites without debris. Aakansh Vijay and Udit Jain argue itâs time international space law took up the issue of how to define, and prevent, such attacks.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 26, 2026</span></p> 599 600<h3><a href="/article/5144/1">How superheavy-lift rockets could transform astronomy by making space telescopes cheaper </a></h3> 601<p class="info">New large launch vehicles like Starship and New Glenn open up many new opportunities. Martin Elvis describes how they enable space telescopes that are both bigger and cheaper.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 26, 2026</span></p> 602 603<h3><a href="/article/5143/1">Kazakhstanâs space strategy: can its high-tech assets propel it to Eurasiaâs new broker?</a></h3> 604<p class="info">Kazakhstan is best known in the space community as the home of the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Three experts examine how the country can leverage that role to become a leading space power in Eurasia.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 26, 2026</span></p> 605 606<h3><a href="/article/5142/1">Review: The Islands and the Stars</a></h3> 607<p class="info">Japanâs space efforts have had their ups and downs, with launch failures but also major space science achievements. Jeff Foust reviews a history of Japanese space programs from before World War II to the start of the 21st century.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 26, 2026</span></p> 608 609<h3><a href="/article/5141/1">Liftoff for European launch startups</a></h3> 610<p class="info">Isar Aerospace is returning to the launch pad this week to make its second orbital launch attempt. Jeff Foust reports on that company and other European startups developing launch vehicles that got financial support from a European Space Agency program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 19, 2026</span></p> 611 612<h3><a href="/article/5140/1">The PSLV-C62 failure marks a setback for Indiaâs space ambitions</a></h3> 613<p class="info">Earlier this month India suffered a second failure of its PSLV rocket in as many flights. Ajey Lele examines the implications of the back-to-back failures of a rocket that had been the workhorse of the Indian space program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 19, 2026</span></p> 614 615<h3><a href="/article/5139/1">A hell of a character: the late, great, Martin Caidin</a></h3> 616<p class="info">A Florida space museum has an exhibit on Martin Caidin, a prolific author both space fact and fiction books. Dwayne Day discusses his life and career, whose works became the inspiration for a movie and T
616V series.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 19, 2026</span></p> 617 618<h3><a href="/article/5138/1">The successful development of Russiaâs counterspace activities in LEO and GEO</a></h3> 619<p class="info">Russia has embarked on a a variety of projects to disrupt or destroy foreign satellites. Matthew Mowthorpe and Markos Trichas discuss those various counterspace efforts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 19, 2026</span></p> 620 621<h3><a href="/article/5137/1">Apollos anew</a></h3> 622<p class="info">While many aspects of American space history have been extensively covered, there is still something new to learn about them. Dwayne Day reviews three recent books that provide a photographic history of the early Apollo missions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 19, 2026</span></p> 623 624<h3><a href="/article/5136/1">Prescriptions for space medicine</a></h3> 625<p class="info">For the first time in NASA history, a crewed mission is being cut short because of a medical issue with an astronaut. Jeff Foust reports on the decision to bring Crew-11 back from the ISS early and its short- and long-term implications for the station and human spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 12, 2026</span></p> 626 627<h3><a href="/article/5135/1">Japanese commercial firms as drivers of Japanese space policy</a></h3> 628<p class="info">Japan has developed a vibrant commercial space industry in the last several years, with startups pursuing radar imaging satellites, lunar landers, and spacecraft servicing. Owen Chbani examines how the industry has been affected by policy changes, and in turn influenced that policy.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 12, 2026</span></p> 629 630<h3><a href="/article/5134/1">Building empires in the sky: Effectuating off-Earth territorial expansion using existing legal frameworks</a></h3> 631<p class="info">The Outer Space Treaty makes clear that countries cannot claim territory on the Moon or other celestial bodies. Camisha Simmons describes how other legal constructs could give companies and organizations some degree of property rights as they operate on other worlds.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 12, 2026</span></p> 632 633<h3><a href="/article/5133/1">Safe passage in the stars: The next Bretton Woods</a></h3> 634<p class="info">On Earth, control of the seas and thus of trade helped create the current financial system dominated by the US dollar. Alex Li argues that the reserve currency of the future will depend on who controls the lanes of space commerce.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 12, 2026</span></p> 635 636<h3><a href="/article/5132/1">The Isaacman era begins at NASA</a></h3> 637<p class="info">Jared Isaacman became NASA administrator last month, ending a convoluted confirmation process that lasted just over a year. Jeff Foust reports on Isaacmanâs first days at NASA and his efforts to reshape the agency.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 5, 2026</span></p> 638 639<h3><a href="/article/5131/1">Innovative, affordable, and expedited </a></h3> 640<p class="info">One of big challenges facing Isaacman is how to speed up a human return to the Moon, or at least keep it from falling further behind schedule. Robert Oler makes the case that he should go in a very different direction to get astronauts back on the lunar surface.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 5, 2026</span></p> 641 642<h3><a href="/article/5130/1">Houston deserves a Space Shuttle, but not like this</a></h3> 643<p class="info">A provision in last yearâs budget reconciliation bill effectively directed the transfer of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Space Center Houston. Maxwell Zhu argues that even if Houston should be home to a shuttle orbiter, it shouldnât get one though this approach.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 5, 2026</span></p> 644 645<h3><a href="/article/5129/1">Buck Rogers in the 20th century</a></h3> 646<p class="info">Gil Gerard, the actor best known for playing Buck Rogers in a TV series 45 years ago, died last month. Dwayne Day examines the show he starred in that was less sci-fi than schlock.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 5, 2026</span></p> 647 648<h3><a href="/article/5128/1">See you on the other side: What Jim Lovellâs Apollo 8 mission taught a divided world</a></h3> 649<p class="info">Jim Lovell passed away in August, four months before the anniversary of the historic Apollo 13 flight. Kathleen Bangs reflects on the legacy of the mission.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 5, 2026</span></p> 650 651<h3><a href="/article/5127/1">Review: Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon</a></h3> 652<p class="info">The Gemini program has a reputation as one that has been overlooked compared to Mercury and Apollo. Jeff Foust review a book that attempts to rectify that perceived oversight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 5, 2026</span></p> 653 654<h3><a href="/article/5126/1">The Backfire bomber controversy</a></h3> 655<p class="info">In the 1970s, there was a debate in military and intelligence communities about the capabilities of the Soviet Unionâs new Backfire bomber. Dwayne Day describes how that controversy was fueled by varying interpretations of satellite imagery of the plane.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 22, 2025</span></p> 656 657<h3><a href="/article/5125/1">The Artemis Accords at five</a></h3> 658<p class="info">This fall marked five years since eight countries, including the United States, announced that they were signing the new Artemis Accords, outlining norms of behavior for safe space exploration. Jeff Foust reports on a recent event marking the fifth anniversary of the Accords to discu
658ss the development of the document and how it gained traction.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 22, 2025</span></p> 659 660<h3><a href="/article/5124/1">State-owned enterprises and commercial space in China</a></h3> 661<p class="info">The Chinese space ecosystem now includes many startups that emulate American entrepreneurial space companies. Owen Chbani examines the role larger state-owned enterprises play in that ecosystem, working with and sometimes clashing with them.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 22, 2025</span></p> 662 663<h3><a href="/article/5123/1">Huntsville and the Final Frontier (part 2)</a></h3> 664<p class="info">Dwayne Day and James Kruggel continue their photo essay about the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, cataloging the exhibits of a Saturn V and other vehicles.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 22, 2025</span></p> 665 666<h3><a href="/article/5122/1">SpaceX, orbital data centers, and the journey to Mars</a></h3> 667<p class="info">After years of saying the company was not planning an initial public offering of stock, SpaceX now appears to be moving ahead with an IPO as soon as next year. Jeff Foust reports on what might be driving this change and how it could affect the companyâs long-term ambitions of going to Mars.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 15, 2025</span></p> 668 669<h3><a href="/article/5121/1">Huntsville and the Final Frontier</a></h3> 670<p class="info">One of the major space museums in the United States is the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Dwayne Day and James Kruggel offer a photo essay of the evolving museum.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 15, 2025</span></p> 671 672<h3><a href="/article/5120/1">âSovereign capacityâ of private and public space programs</a></h3> 673<p class="info">Countries are increasingly seeing the strategic value of space capabilities. Alexander Wallace Watson examines the ways countries can built up those capabilities in both the public and private sectors.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 15, 2025</span></p> 674 675<h3><a href="/article/5119/1">Space books! Get your space books! New space books you can get for Christmas</a></h3> 676<p class="info">The holiday season is also book-buying season. Dwayne Day suggests several space books to buy as presentsâor for your yourself.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 15, 2025</span></p> 677 678<h3><a href="/article/5118/1">NASA Goddard and the dawn of international cooperation in space</a></h3> 679<p class="info">NASA cooperated with other nations on space science missions from the agencyâs earliest days. Trevor Williams examines two early cooperative satellite programs with the UK and Canada, both led by the then-new Goddard Space Flight Center. <br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 8, 2025</span></p> 680 681<h3><a href="/article/5117/1">The long arm of a European space law</a></h3> 682<p class="info">The European Commission released earlier this year a draft of a space law for the European Union intended to harmonize regulations and promote space safety. Jeff Foust reports that provisions of the act have raised concerns across the Atlantic by US companies as well as the federal government.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 8, 2025</span></p> 683 684<h3><a href="/article/5116/1">Beyond launch: How in-space propulsion markets will determine winners in the $1 trillion space economy</a></h3> 685<p class="info">Launch has long been seen as the bottleneck for a growing space economy, but it is not the only factor. Malik Farkhadov discusses how the in-space propulsion market can be streamlined to unlock further growth in space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 8, 2025</span></p> 686 687<h3><a href="/article/5115/1">In defense of Mark Kelly</a></h3> 688<p class="info">Mark Kelly, a former astronaut who is now a US senator, has been the target of a potential court martial over comments he and other members of Congress made about illegal military orders. Two fellow former astronauts, Steve Lindsey and Garrett Reisman, rise in defense of Kelly and his remarks.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 8, 2025</span></p> 689 690<h3><a href="/article/5114/1">Review: The Pale Blue Data Point</a></h3> 691<p class="info">Astrobiologists search for life beyond Earth, but for now the only examples of life that we have are terrestrial. Jeff Foust reviews a book on how scientists use that sole example of life to guide their search for life elsewhere.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 8, 2025</span></p> 692 693<h3><a href="/article/5113/1">A big win for European space</a></h3> 694<p class="info">The member states of the European Space Agency met in Germany last week to decide on agency funding levels for the next three years. Jeff Foust reports on the outcome, including a shift for ESA into more defense-oriented programs.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 1, 2025</span></p> 695 696<h3><a href="/article/5112/1">Burning Falcon: the death of a Russian laser ASAT plane</a></h3> 697<p class="info">Last week, Ukrainian drones and missiles struck a Russian air base. Among the planes destroyed there, Dwayne Day discusses, is one that was developed for an antisatellite weapons program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 1, 2025</span></p> 698 699<h3><a href="/article/5111/1">Mapping the dark side of the world (part 3): Replacing ARGON, the SAMOS E-4, and mapping the Moon</a></h3> 700<p class="info">In the conclusion of his examination of satellite mapping programs in the early Cold War, Dwayne Day examines revised camera designs, including one used by NASA for mapping the Moon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 1, 2025</span></p> 701 702<h3><a href="/article/5110/1">Our best energy and efforts</a></h3> 703<p class="info">Delays in the development of SpaceXâs Starship have promoted calls for potential changes in NASAâs Artemis lunar landing plans. Robert Oler discusses the need to organize âthe best of our energies and skills,â as JFK put it, to ensure NASA returns to the Moon before a Chinese crewed landing.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 1, 2025</span></p> 704 705<h3><a href="/article/5109/1">Chandrayaan-3 successfully undertakes lunar flybys</a></h3> 706<p class="info">Two years after carrying out its prime mission of delivering a lander to the Moon, part of Indiaâs Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is back in the news after making two flybys of the Moon. Ajey Lele describes the significance of those flybys for Indiaâs space exploration plans.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 1, 2025</span></p> 707 708<h3><a href="/article/5108/1">Revisiting the Wolf Amendment after 15 years</a></h3> 709<p class="info">Itâs been nearly 15 years since Congress passed legislation with a provision sharply restricting bilateral cooperation between NASA and China. Jeff Foust reports on a recent debate about whether that restriction should be lifted.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 24, 2025</span></p> 710 711<h3><a href="/article/5107/1">Mapping the dark side of the world (part 2): supplementing, and supplanting, the ARGON geodetic satellite program</a></h3> 712<p class="info">In the early 1960s the US flew several satellite mapping missions, with mixed success. Dwayne Day describes how an alternative effort emerged using CORONA spacecraft.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 24, 2025</span></p> 713 714<h3><a href="/article/5106/1">Space is the front line and not the final frontier: The United States should prioritize developing proactive norms of space warfare</a></h3> 715<p class="info">Space is increasingly seen as a domain of warfare alongside air, land, and sea. Magdalena Bogacz argues that means the United States and allies must promote efforts to develop norms of space warfare.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 24, 2025</span></p> 716 717<h3><a href="/article/5105/1">How AI is making spacecraft propulsion more efficient</a></h3> 718<p class="info">A desire to go further and faster in space is driving interest in advanced propulsion technologies, such as nuclear systems. A team of researchers discusses how another advanced technology, artificial intelligence, is assisting those efforts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 24, 2025</span></p> 719 720<h3><a href="/article/5104/1">Mapping the dark side of the world (part 1): The KH-5 ARGON geodetic satellite</a></h3> 721<p class="info">As important as high-resolution satellite imagery in the early Space Age was development of wide-area imagery needed for accurately mapping the Soviet Union. Dwayne Day examines the development of one satellite system to provide that data.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 17, 2025</span></p> 722 723<h3><a href="/article/5103/1">DARPAâs real lunar opportunity: Build the operating system, not the outpost</a></h3> 724<p class="info">DARPA has supported studies on lunar development recently, including establishing lunar infrastru
724cture. Michael Stennicke argues that DARPA would be best served by developing underlying technologies for an âoperating systemâ there.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 17, 2025</span></p> 725 726<h3><a href="/article/5102/1">America needs a National Astroelectricity Energy Security Transition Policy</a></h3> 727<p class="info">Itâs one thing to say that space-based solar power, or astroelectricity, is the key to American energy security. Mike Snead discusses why now is the time to develop policies to implement it.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 17, 2025</span></p> 728 729<h3><a href="/article/5101/1">Review: The Launch of Rocket Lab</a></h3> 730<p class="info">In less than 20 years, Rocket Lab gone from a scrappy startup to one of the major companies in the space industry. Jeff Foust reviews a coffee-table book that provides a richly illustrated history of the companyâs ascent.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 17, 2025</span></p> 731 732<h3><a href="/article/5100/1">Blue wings into space: the Air Launched Sortie Vehicle</a></h3> 733<p class="info">Air launch systems and spaceplanes have long attracted interest, even if their viability has been questionable. Dwayne Day discusses one such concept the Air Force explored in the 1980s involving a spaceplane launched from a souped-up 747.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 10, 2025</span></p> 734 735<h3><a href="/article/5099/1">Stilsat-1: A Russian-owned and Chinese-built satellite watching Ukraine (part 2)</a></h3> 736<p class="info">In the second part of his examination of Russian use of a Chinese-built imaging satellite, Bart Hendrickx reviews Russian efforts to build their own imaging satellites and the issues that led to their use of Chinese spacecraft.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 10, 2025</span></p> 737 738<h3><a href="/article/5098/1">Isaacmanâs second chance</a></h3> 739<p class="info">President Trump announced last week he was nominating Jared Isaacman to be NASA administrator, barely five months after Trump pulled his original nomination. Jeff Foust reports on the path that led to a renomination and the new questions Isaacman will face from Congress.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 10, 2025</span></p> 740 741<h3><a href="/article/5097/1">From missions to activities: the defining space policy shift</a></h3> 742<p class="info">Space policy has evolved in recent years to focus more on developing specific activities and capabilities in space. Namrata Goswami explores this shift as illustrated by efforts in both China and India.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 10, 2025</span></p> 743 744<h3><a href="/article/5096/1">The case for a kinetic anti-satellite test ban between the US and China</a></h3> 745<p class="info">Both the United States and China have previously tested direct-ascent ASAT weapons, although the US has voluntarily agreed not to do destructive tests. Jimin Park makes the case for both countries to sign a binding agreement prohibiting such tests.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 10, 2025</span></p> 746 747<h3><a href="/article/5095/1">Stilsat-1: A Russian-owned and Chinese-built satellite watching Ukraine (part 1)</a></h3> 748<p class="info">A satellite, ostensibly produced by a Russian company, has been providing the Russian military with high-resolution images to support its war in Ukraine. Bart Hendrickx examines evidence that indicates the satellite, or satellites, were actually built and launched by China.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 3, 2025</span></p> 749 750<h3><a href="/article/5094/1">The (possibly) great lunar lander race</a></h3> 751<p class="info">Discussion about delays in the development of the lunar lander version of SpaceXâs Starship came to a head two weeks ago when NASAâs acting administrator announced he would open up that contract for competition. Jeff Foust reports on that debate and the potential competition to return humans to the Moon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 3, 2025</span></p> 752 753<h3><a href="/article/5093/1">Live, itâs the Big Bird! The HEXAGON satellite and near-real-time reconnaissance</a></h3> 754<p class="info">In 1970, one company proposed to modify the HEXAGON reconnaissance satellite to include the ability perform near-real-time reconnaissance. Dwayne Day discusses that proposal that led, a decade later, to including such a capability on those satellites.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 3, 2025</span></p> 755 756<h3><a href="/article/5092/1">Above us, always: Chronicling humanityâs home in space, in real time</a></h3> 757<p class="info">Sunday marked the 25 years since the arrival of the first long-duration crews on the International Space Station, beginning a streak of continuous occupation. Emily Carney talks to the creators of a new website that chronicles the day-to-day history of the station.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 3, 2025</span></p> 758 759<h3><a href="/article/5091/1">Why Mars is Americaâs next strategic imperative</a></h3> 760<p class="info">
760The Moon has been at the center of many discussions about American space policy and competitiveness. Alexander Salter argues that the focus of a long-term strategy should instead be on Mars.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 3, 2025</span></p> 761 762<h3><a href="/article/5090/1">Space sustainability comes down to Earth</a></h3> 763<p class="info">The space industry and others have been concerned for years about how the growing number of satellites could affect the sustainability of Earth orbit. Jeff Foust reports that some are also concerned about their effects on the Earthâs atmosphere.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 27, 2025</span></p> 764 765<h3><a href="/article/5089/1">Is Starfleet military or scientific? Yes.</a></h3> 766<p class="info">In the Star Trek universe, Starfleet carries out both scientific and military roles, a source of tension. Dwayne Day explores that dichotomy and how it mirrors the history of the American space program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 27, 2025</span></p> 767 768<h3><a href="/article/5088/1">EUROSPACE and the European spaceplane (part 2)</a></h3> 769<p class="info">While the United States and Soviet Union raced to the Moon in the 1960s, European engineers worked on designs for reusable spaceplanes. Hans Dolfing examines details about several concepts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 27, 2025</span></p> 770 771<h3><a href="/article/5087/1">The P-Camera Experiment</a></h3> 772<p class="info">While many of the reconnaissance satellite programs from the Cold War era have been declassified, there remain a few mysteries. Dwayne Day discusses one case, an experiment to put another camera on a CORONA spacecraft.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 27, 2025</span></p> 773 774<h3><a href="/article/5086/1">Review: Facing Infinity</a></h3> 775<p class="info">Black holes fascinate scientists and the general public alike, but these astrophysical objects seem disconnected to our lives. Jeff Foust reviews a book that both examines the science of black holes but also their links to society.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 27, 2025</span></p> 776 777<h3><a href="/article/5085/1">Spinning, spinning, spinning to Mars</a></h3> 778<p class="info">In the 1980s, a group of scientists and engineers developed a Mars mission concept that had significant influence. Dwayne Day examines that concept and its staying power.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 20, 2025</span></p> 779 780<h3><a href="/article/5084/1">EUROSPACE and the European spaceplane (part 1)</a></h3> 781<p class="info">As the United States and the Soviet Union raced to the Moon in the 1960s, some in Europe contemplated a different path. Hans Dolfing explores studies by a European group in the 1960s of a spaceplane.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 20, 2025</span></p> 782 783<h3><a href="/article/5083/1">New Zealand looks for its place in the global space industry</a></h3> 784<p class="info">New Zealandâs space industry has for years been synonymous with one company: Rocket Lab. Jeff Foust reports on how the industry is trying to grow beyond that, while overcoming various challenges.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 20, 2025</span></p> 785 786<h3><a href="/article/5082/1">Unleashing hell: the R-16 ICBM</a></h3> 787<p class="info">In 1966, an American spy satellite captured images of a new Soviet ICBM. Dwayne Day and Harry Stranger recount what the images revealed about a missile with a tragic history.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 20, 2025</span></p> 788 789<h3><a href="/article/5081/1">Indiaâs challenge: building a ready-to-launch space security system</a></h3> 790<p class="info">India has made many advancements in launch systems and spacecraft. Payal Hora argues what is missing is the ability to rapidly launch space missions to meet civil or national security emergencies.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 20, 2025</span></p> 791 792<h3><a href="/article/5080/1">Promising to be a good neighbor</a></h3> 793<p class="info">As SpaceX continues Starship launches from Texas, the company is making plans to launch the vehicle from two sites in Florida to enable much higher launch rates. Jeff Foust reports that involves addressing concerns from other launch companies and the general public about the effects of those launches.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 13, 2025</span></p> 794 795<h3><a href="/article/5079/1">This spacecraft will self-destruct in 5, 4, 3, 2â¦</a></h3> 796<p class="info">During the Cold War, US reconnaissance satellites and their film return capsules did not include self-destruct devices if they reentered off-course. Dwayne Day recounts incidents where intelligence officials may have wished they had.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 13, 2025</span></p> 797 798<h3><a href="/article/5077/1">The other space race: why the world is obsessed with sending objects into orbit</a></h3> 799<p class="info">People have sent a wide range of unusual objects into space in recent years, from a car to a model of a Buddhist temple. Tony Milligan examines what motivates those efforts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 13, 2025</span></p> 800 801<h3><a href="/article/5076/1">Review: Reinventing SETI</a></h3> 802<p class="info">Modern efforts to search for evidence of extraterrestrial civilizations started 65 years ago but have come up empty. Jeff Foust reviews a bok that argues now is the time to rethink our approaches to those searches, including turning away from efforts to look for radio signals.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 13, 2025</span></p> 803 804<h3><a href="/article/5075/1">Carriersâand battleshipsâfrom space (part 3): The Mighty O and the Mighty Mo</a></h3> 805<p class="info">The 1970s and 1980s featured both the development of new naval warships and refitting of existing ones. Dwayne Day and Harry Stranger examines those developments through the lens of satellite imaging of those ships.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 6, 2025</span></p> 806 807<h3><a href="/article/5074/1">Opening lines of communications for space safety</a></h3> 808<p class="info">At last weekâs International Astronautical Congress, leaders of space agencies talked about their plans even if they werenât always talking with one another. Jeff Foust reports, though, that there are signs of closer coordination between countries and companies regarding critical space safety issues.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 6, 2025</span></p> 809 810<h3><a href="/article/5073/1">How China is preparing to dominate the world</a></h3> 811<p class="info">China is making rapid advances in space, from lunar exploration to satellite constellations. Claude Lafleur discusses those advances and how they could set up China to be the dominant space power in the near future.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 6, 2025</span></p> 812 813<h3><a href="/article/5072/1">Geminiâs wing and a prayer: Postscript</a></h3> 814<p class="info">Dwayne Day adds a postscript to his historical review of the efforts to develop a parawing for Gemini with a look at the role that an aircraft originally developed for a classified program played in testing of the system.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 6, 2025</span></p> 815 816<h3><a href="/article/5071/1">So you want to go to Mars: Where do you start?</a></h3> 817<p class="info">Exploration of the Moon and Mars offers challenges that go beyond the technology needed for such missions. Jonathan Coopersmith reviews a book that offers an extensive review of those issues.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 6, 2025</span></p> 818 819<h3><a href="/article/5070/1">Geminiâs wing and a prayer (part 3): boilerplates and El Kabong</a></h3> 820<p class="info">In the final installment of the history of Geminiâs parafoil development, Dwayne Day examines how testing continued even after NASA abandoned plans to use it, work that included a creatively named test article.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 29, 2025</span></p> 821 822<h3><a href="/article/5069/1">The present and future of NASA human spaceflight</a></h3> 823<p class="info">Last week NASA announced its newest class of astronauts, potentially the first for a post-International Space Station era at the agency. Jeff Foust reports that it came as NASA talked up the next major step in that future, the upcoming Artemis 2 mission.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 29, 2025</span></p> 824 825<h3><a href="/article/5068/1">The economic reality of lunar competition: beyond the space race rhetoric </a></h3> 826<p class="info">Both lawmakers and NASA leadership have emphasized in recent weeks the need to accelerate a human return to the Moon to arrive there before China. John Christie discusses how that focus on speed comes at the expense of sustainability.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 29, 2025</span></p> 827 828<h3><a href="/article/5067/1">NASA needs to qualify, not certify. commercial space stations</a></h3> 829<p class="info">
829NASA is revising its approach to supporting commercial space station development but still ultimately plans to certify such stations for use by NASA astronauts. Steve Hoeser argues that a better approach would be for NASA to âqualifyâ those stations rather than a formal certification.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 29, 2025</span></p> 830 831<h3><a href="/article/5066/1">Last of the dinosaurs: Admiral Nakhimov sails again under satellite eyes</a></h3> 832<p class="info">A decades-old Soviet-era cruiser has taken to the seas again after extensive modifications. Dwayne Day discusses the changes to the ship and how they can now be tracked by commercial satellite imagery.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 29, 2025</span></p> 833 834<h3><a href="/article/5065/1">From advice to action on space nuclear power</a></h3> 835<p class="info">A recent report recommended NASA take action to develop space nuclear power systems by the end of the decade. Jeff Foust reports that NASA is doing just that, seeking industry partnerships for a nuclear reactor on the Moon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 22, 2025</span></p> 836 837<h3><a href="/article/5064/1">Shhhhhh!!! Pay no attention to the Big Birdâ¦</a></h3> 838<p class="info">In 1971, the most powerful rocket yet to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base was set to make its debut. Dwayne Day examines how the NRO sought to limit publicity for the launch as well as how that rocketâs payload earned a famous nickname.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 22, 2025</span></p> 839 840<h3><a href="/article/5063/1">Astroelectricity: Americaâs national energy security imperative</a></h3> 841<p class="info">Demand for renewable energy sources will continue to grow as both overall energy demand increases and non-renewable supplies decline. Mike Snead lays out the case that space-based solar power is the best option to provide that renewable energy.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 22, 2025</span></p> 842 843<h3><a href="/article/5062/1">For too long, colonial language has dominated space exploration. There is a better way.</a></h3> 844<p class="info">The concept of a âspace raceâ among countries and companies has gained new traction in recent years. Art Cotterell and William Grant argue that there are better ways to approach exploration and use of space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 22, 2025</span></p> 845 846<h3><a href="/article/5061/1">Review: Rocket Dreams</a></h3> 847<p class="info">The competition between SpaceX and Blue Origin, and between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, is as fierce as ever. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines the last decade as that competition as both become involved in NASAâs plans to return to the Moon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 22, 2025</span></p> 848 849<h3><a href="/article/5060/1">Iâm a former astronaut: NASA workers are afraid, and safety is at risk</a></h3> 850<p class="info">Policy changes, including voluntary departures and fears of layoffs, have reshaped NASAâs workforce and culture. Former astronaut Garrett Reisman warns that it could also jeopardize safety at NASA.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 15, 2025</span></p> 851 852<h3><a href="/article/5059/1">Geminiâs wing and a prayer (part 2): Parachutes, paragliders, and more crashes in the desert</a></h3> 853<p class="info">As Gemini approached its first flight, NASA continued to study how to incorporate a deployable wing for its landing. Dwayne Day discusses that meant more crashes of test vehicles.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 15, 2025</span></p> 854 855<h3><a href="/article/5058/1">The greatest story on planet Mars: the sequel</a></h3> 856<p class="info">Nearly 30 years before last weekâs NASA Mars announcement, the agency also held a briefing about the discovery of evidence of past Martian life. Dwayne Day recalls who that news had already leaked out through both conventional and unconventional channels.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 15, 2025</span></p> 857 858<h3><a href="/article/5057/1">Review: The Martians</a></h3> 859<p class="info">The announcement of a potential biosignature of ancient Martian life announced last week is just the latest in a series of claims of life on Mars. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines the surge of interest more than a century ago about an inhabited Mars.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 15, 2025</span></p> 860 861<h3><a href="/article/5056/1">Geminiâs wing and a prayer (part 1): Rogallo Wings, the Paresev, and crashes in the desert</a></h3> 862<p class="info">In the early 1960s, NASA considered installing a parachute-like device called a Rogallo Wing to allow Gemini capsules to return to dry land rather than splash down. Dwayne Day recalls the initial mishap-filled testing of that concept.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 8, 2025</span></p> 863 864<h3><a href="/article/5055/1">Golden Dome dilemma: Diplomatic and military risks of space-based missile defense</a></h3> 865<p class="info">A major new initiative of the US military is the development of the Golden Dome missile defense system, which will include a space-based component. Carlos Alatorre argues that including space-based interceptors as part of Golden Dome brings with it military and diplomatic risks.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 8, 2025</span></p> 866 867<h3><a href="/article/5054/1">More than machines: When AI explores the stars without us</a></h3> 868<p class="info">Advances in artificial intelligence could revolutionize space exploration. Alex Li warns that they could also strip away what makes exploration such a fundamentally human endeavor.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 8, 2025</span></p> 869 870<h3><a href="/article/5053/1">Go faster, somehow</a></h3> 871<p class="info">At a Senate hearing last week, a former NASA administrator said it was âhighly unlikelyâ the United States would land humans back on the Moon before China got there, a statement that riled the current acting administrator. Jeff Foust reports on the debates about whatâs wrong with Artemis and what, if anything, can be done to fix those problems.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 8, 2025</span></p> 872 873<h3><a href="/article/5052/1">The forms of space entrepreneurship</a></h3> 874<p class="info">The growth of entrepreneurial space activities has become clear for years. Alexander William Salter examines how space entrepreneurship embodies various forms of entrepreneurship in general.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 8, 2025</span></p> 875 876<h3><a href="/article/5051/1">Review: Beyond Earth, The Soviet Drive Into Space</a></h3> 877<p class="info">During the Cold War, Saunders B. Kramer was one of the people in the West who tried to decipher what was going on in the Soviet space program. Dwayne Day reviews his memoirs that offer insights into what he was thinking at the time.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 8, 2025</span></p> 878 879<h3><a href="/article/5050/1">Back in the win column</a></h3> 880<p class="info">After three consecutive launches that suffered mission-ending failures, SpaceXâs Starship successfully completed a test flight last week. Jeff Foust reports on the success but also the challenges the company faces catching up from the delays caused by its previous failures.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 2, 2025</span></p> 881 882<h3><a href="/article/5049/1">Flashpoint Cyprus 1974: Cold War satellite reconnaissance and peripheral wars</a></h3> 883<p class="info">A war broke out in 1974 between Greece and Turkey over the island of Cyprus. Dwayne Day and Harry Stranger explore American reconnaissance satellite imagery taken during the conflict.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 2, 2025</span></p> 884 885<h3><a href="/article/5048/1">The intersection of cultural beliefs and mythos with non-governmental space activities and its potential impact to national interests and great power competition</a></h3> 886<p class="info">A commercial lunar lander launched last year included cremated remains, prompting an effort by the Navajo Nation to block the mission. Michael Listner discusses the legal issues involved in that dispute and how they could be weaponized to stymie future lunar missions.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 2, 2025</span></p> 887 888<h3><a href="/article/5047/1">India unveils its space vision to 2040</a></h3> 889<p class="info">The Indian government used its second National Space Day last month to announce plans for the next 15 years in space, including a space station and human missions to the Moon. Ajey Lele examines the plans and their feasibility.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 2, 2025</span></p> 890 891<h3><a href="/article/5046/1">Review: The Space Launch System</a></h3> 892<p class="info">Itâs been nearly 15 years since Congress passed a NASA authorization bill that directed the agency to develop a heavy-lift rocket called the Space Launch System. Jeff Foust reviews a book that explores the development of the SLS through its first flight in 2022.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 2, 2025</span></p> 893 894<h3><a href="/article/5045/1">The commercial case for Mars</a></h3> 895<p class="info">NASA, hoping to build on the success of commercial cargo, crew, and lunar lander programs, has rolled out plans for c
895ommercial Mars services. Jeff Foust reports on the industry interest in such missions and the obstacles they face.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 18, 2025</span></p> 896 897<h3><a href="/article/5044/1">The LEO toll road: How the constellation gold rush is paving over the path to the planets </a></h3> 898<p class="info">A large part of space activity today is devoted to the development and launch of broadband megaconstellations like Starlink, Kuiper, and Guowang. Vaibhav Chhimpa argues that focus is making it difficult for other uses of space, such as research.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 18, 2025</span></p> 899 900<h3><a href="/article/5043/1">The future of data storage? Look up</a></h3> 901<p class="info">Data centers have become a big business on Earth. Sebastien Jean discusses how they could become a big business in space as well, addressing some of the drawbacks of terrestrial systems.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 18, 2025</span></p> 902 903<h3><a href="/article/5042/1">The new Italian law on the space economy: regulatory framework and incentives for businesses</a></h3> 904<p class="info">Italy enacted a new law overseeing space activities in the country in June. Three lawyers examine the lawâs contents and its significant for space companies operating in Italy.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 18, 2025</span></p> 905 906<h3><a href="/article/5041/1">In memoriam: R. Cargill Hall</a></h3> 907<p class="info">Space historian R. Cargill Hall died earlier this year. Dwayne Day recalls his life and his work to document space history, particularly of satellite reconnaissance.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 18, 2025</span></p> 908 909<h3><a href="/article/5040/1">Frank Strang and SaxaVord: Europeâs first fully licensed vertical lau
909nch site</a></h3> 910<p class="info">Frank Strang, co-founder of SaxaVord Spaceport in the United Kingdom, passed away this month from cancer. Steve Fawkes recounts his effort to establish a spaceport on a remote island that is only now starting to bear fruit.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 18, 2025</span></p> 911 912<h3><a href="/article/5039/1">A museum exhibition on Japanese spaceflight</a></h3> 913<p class="info">A Tokyo museum is hosting a special exhibition on spaceflight with a focus on Japanese activities. Jeff Foust explores the exhibits and what they say about how spaceflight is viewed there.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 18, 2025</span></p> 914 915<h3><a href="/article/5038/1">Where is the dream?</a></h3> 916<p class="info">Space is typically portrayed negatively in movies and TV shows. Dwayne Day explores how depictions of space have evolved and what it means for public support for spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 4, 2025</span></p> 917 918<h3><a href="/article/5037/1">âGod is in controlâ: A field report from the Ark Encounterâs âAstronaut Encounterâ</a></h3> 919<p class="info">Last month, three current and former NASA astronauts spoke at an event at a Young Earth Creationist theme park in Kentucky. Deana Weibel describes the event and its implications for science and subjectivity.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 4, 2025</span></p> 920 921<h3><a href="/article/5036/1">A NASA-ISRO joint radar satellite finally launches</a></h3> 922<p class="info">India launched last week an Earth science mission jointly developed with NASA. Ajey Lele discusses the importance of the NISAR mission to Earth science and international cooperation.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 4, 2025</span></p> 923 924<h3><a href="/article/5035/1">Why science at NASA?</a></h3> 925<p class="info">NASA is facing significant budget cuts to its science programs in the administrationâs 2026 budget proposal. Ajay Kothari argues NASA science needs funding to help answer what may be humanityâs biggest question: are we alone?<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 4, 2025</span></p> 926 927<h3><a href="/article/5034/1">Commercial space at the National Air and Space Museum</a></h3> 928<p class="info">The National Air and Space Museum recently opened a renovated section that includes its Milestones of Flight Hall. Jeff Foust pays a visit to that hall and another gallery that features a mix of commercial space and other artifacts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 4, 2025</span></p> 929 930<h3><a href="/article/5033/1">Beams in the sky, part 2: General Dynamics, Grumman, and composite materials</a></h3> 931<p class="info">In the 1970s, some companies explored how to produce beam structures in space with metal components. Dwyane Day examines other efforts to use composite materials to make those structures.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 28, 2025</span></p> 932 933<h3><a href="/article/5032/1">Space traffic coordinationâs threat of derailment</a></h3> 934<p class="info">The Office of Space Commerce has been making steady progress on a civil space traffic management system ahead of a full release of the system early next year. Jeff Foust reports that is threatened by proposed budget cuts to the program that industry is fighting to stop.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 28, 2025</span></p> 935 936<h3><a href="/article/5031/1">The value of space studies programs in higher education</a></h3> 937<p class="info">The growth of the space industry is putting demands on academia to find new ways to prepare studies to participate in it. Nathan Tat and Vivian Tat make the case for universities to develop interdisciplinary space studies programs as one way to do so.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 28, 2025</span></p> 938 939<h3><a href="/article/5030/1">Mission Gaganyaan: optimism and criticism</a></h3> 940<p class="info">An Indian astronaut has just returned from a mission to the International Space Staton as a prelude to the flight of an Indian-built crewed spacecraft. Martand Jha argues that criticism of the Gaganyaan program within India is misplaced.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 28, 2025</span></p> 941 942<h3><a href="/article/5029/1">Inspiring Star Trek and NASA</a></h3> 943<p class="info">There were many ties between the young space agency and the new television series Star Trek. Dwayne Day discusses a new book that explores those connections in detail.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 28, 2025</span></p> 944 945<h3><a href="/article/5028/1">Making a new case for space nuclear power</a></h3> 946<p class="info">DARPA and NASA recently cancelled a project to demonstrate a nuclear thermal propulsion system in orbit. Jeff Foust reports on the end of DRACO and a new study that calls for a reinv
946igorated effort to develop space nuclear power systems.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 21, 2025</span></p> 947 948<h3><a href="/article/5027/1">Beams in the sky, part 1: the Grumman Beam Builder</a></h3> 949<p class="info">In the 1970s, NASA investigated ways to built large structures in space. Dwayne Day examines one of those efforts that involving testing a âbeam builderâ that could have been flown on the shuttle.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 21, 2025</span></p> 950 951<h3><a href="/article/5026/1">The National Cathedral Version of the Space Force Hymn: âCreator of the Universeâ</a></h3> 952<p class="info">The Space Force has adopted many of the traditions of other services, including having an unofficial hymn. James Linzey describes the creation of that hymn and the value it has to a 21st century service.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 21, 2025</span></p> 953 954<h3><a href="/article/5025/1">Review: Cosmic Fragments</a></h3> 955<p class="info">The space industry likes to talk amongst itself, but it is hardly the only field to do so. Jeff Foust reviews a book where researchers in the social sciences examine various aspects of spaceflight in their own way.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 21, 2025</span></p> 956 957<h3><a href="/article/5024/1">A Japanese automakerâs small hop towards reusable rockets</a></h3> 958<p class="info">Last month, Japanese automaker Honda successfully tested a vertical takeoff and landing rocket. Jeff Foust reports on how the company is approaching development of reusable launch vehicle technologies and how it compares to efforts elsewhere.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 14, 2025</span></p> 959 960<h3><a href="/article/5023/1">Superman and the Skylab rescue</a></h3> 961<p class="info">Ahead of the Skylab missions, NASA studied how it would carry out a rescue mission should the Apollo spacecraft that delivered astronauts to Skylab be unable to return home. Dwayne Day provides new details about those plans, including the cameo role of a comic book character.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 14, 2025</span></p> 962 963<h3><a href="/article/5022/1">War in space is not a future problem: itâs happening now</a></h3> 964<p class="info">There are growing concerns that any future conflict involving China or Russia against the US could involve attacks on satellites. Christopher Stone argues we are already seeing low-intensity conflict in orbit that shows that the US is unprepared for a bigger conflict.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 14, 2025</span></p> 965 966<h3><a href="/article/5021/1">Taiwanâs satellites: A lawfare vulnerability and an option to cure and enhance deterrence against the PRC (part 3)</a></h3> 967<p class="info">In the conclusion of this three-part article, Michael Listner examines how the US could use its own âlawfareâ approach to ensure the security of Taiwanese satellites.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 14, 2025</span></p> 968 969<h3><a href="/article/5020/1">Itâs the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine): The persistence of the alien invasion film</a></h3> 970<p class="info">Movies and television shows about alien invasions of Earth continue to be produced today. Dwayne Day explores the persistence of this genre and recent examples that illustrate why itâs difficult to make quality versions of those dramas.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 7, 2025</span></p> 971 972<h3><a href="/article/5019/1">Taiwanâs satellites: A lawfare vulnerability and an option to cure and enhance deterrence against the PRC (part 2)</a></h3> 973<p class="info">In the second of a three-part series, Michael Listner examines how the way Taiwanese satellites are registered in a UN database could be evidence of âlawfareâ by China that could be exploited in a future conflict.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 7, 2025</span></p> 974 975<h3><a href="/article/5018/1">The long recovery from a launcher crisis</a></h3> 976<p class="info">A year ago, Europe celebrated the inaugural launch of the Ariane 6 and the end of a âlauncher crisis.â Jeff Foust reports that the recovery from the crisis is ongoing as Ariane 6 is slow to ramp up launches and as Europe works to support new launch providers.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 7, 2025</span></p> 977 978<h3><a href="/article/5017/1">The first Indian on the ISS</a></h3> 979<p class="info">Among the crew of the Ax-4 private astronaut mission currently at the International Space Station is an Indian astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla. Ajey Lele discusses how his flight is a milestone for Indiaâs evolving space program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 7, 2025</span></p> 980 981<h3><a href="/article/5016/1">Guardians on the West Coast: The Space and Missile Technology Center and Vandenberg museum (part 2)</a></h3> 982<p class="info">In a followup to his story about a new space museum at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Dwayne Day provides more images of the center.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 7, 2025</span></p> 983 984<h3><a href="/article/5015/1">Guardians on the West Coast: The Space and Missile Technology Center and Vandenberg museum</a></h3> 985<p class="info">Last week a new museum opened outside the gates of Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Dwayne Day provides an overview of the museumâs development and its contents.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 30, 2025</span></p> 986 987<h3><a href="/article/5014/1">Taiwanâs satellites: A lawfare vulnerability and an option to cure and enhance deterrence against the PRC (part 1)</a></h3> 988<p class="info">Taiwan has a small but growing fleet of satellites, but could those satellites be in legal jeopardy ahead of any conflict involving China? In the first of a three-part report, Michael Listner sets the legal stage regarding ownership of space objects.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 30, 2025</span></p> 989 990<h3><a href="/article/5013/1">Assigning an identification to a satellite, revisited</a></h3> 991<p class="info">Analysts use various techniques to identify new space objects. Charles Phillips reexamines one approach he uses to help identify objects that are associated with one another, such as being on the same launch.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 30, 2025</span></p> 992 993<h3><a href="/article/5012/1">Review: More Everything Forever</a></h3> 994<p class="info">Visions of space settlement, on Mars or elsewhere, help drive the plans of billionaires backing some space companies. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a scie
994nce writer who takes a critical look at those proposals.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 30, 2025</span></p> 995 996<h3><a href="/article/5011/1">Propelling and navigating South Koreaâs space ambitions 997</a></h3> 998<p class="info">South Korea is seeking to become a major space power in East Asia with new investments in launch vehicles and navigation satellites. Jennifer Hong Whetsell and Seokjin Yun explore those initiatives and the challenges they face.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 23, 2025</span></p> 999 1000<h3><a href="/article/5010/1">Strategies for lunar development</a></h3> 1001<p class="info">Potential changes to Artemis have created uncertainty about long-term plans for the Moon. Jeff Foust reports on new concepts for lunar development but also lingering questions about what just will be developed on the Moon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 23, 2025</span></p> 1002 1003<h3><a href="/article/5009/1">Intellectual property challenges in the space economy</a></h3> 1004<p class="info">As the space economy evolves into new applications, it raises questions about how companies can protect their proprietary technologies. Phil Merchant examines some of the challenges of enforcing patent law in space and some potential solutions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 23, 2025</span></p> 1005 1006<h3><a href="/article/5008/1">Commercializing Indiaâs SSLV rocket</a></h3> 1007<p class="info">The Indian government announced last week it selected a company to take over building and operating a small launch vehicle. Ajey Lele discusses how this could help the competitiveness of Indiaâs space industry.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 23, 2025</span></p> 1008 1009<h3><a href="/article/5007/1">NASA’s 2026 budget in brief: Unprecedented, unstrategic, and wasteful</a></h3> 1010<p class="info">The details of NASA’s 2026 budget proposal sent shock waves through the space community. Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly describe the serious flaws in the proposal they believe would result in the end of American leadership in space exploration.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 16, 2025</span></p> 1011 1012<h3><a href="/article/5006/1">How NASA’s proposed budget cuts are felt across the Atlantic</a></h3> 1013<p class="info">Steep proposed cuts in NASA’s budget have impacts that extend beyond the agency and the country. Jeff Foust reports on how the budget proposal is affecting ESA programs and causing Europe to rethink cooperation with NASA.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 16, 2025</span></p> 1014 1015<h3><a href="/article/5005/1">The NASA Foundation: A method for privately funding NASA science</a></h3> 1016<p class="info">After his nomination to be NASA administrator was withdrawn, Jared Issacman suggested he would have paid for the launch of a NASA science mission out of his own pocket. Thomas Matula discusses how to institutionalize a way for private donors to help NASA projects.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 16, 2025</span></p> 1017 1018<h3><a href="/article/5004/1">Developing and testing China’s Guowang constellation</a></h3> 1019<p class="info">China is beginning deployment of a satellite constellation called Guowang that some have compared to Starlink. Greg Gillinger discusses how testing of its early satellites shows the system may have many different applications.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 16, 2025</span></p> 1020 1021<h3><a href="/article/5003/1">The long road to near-real-time satellite reconnaissance: a chronology</a></h3> 1022<p class="info">Today, we take it for granted that countries and companies and return high-resolution reconnaissance images from space almost instantly. Dwayne Day outlines the decades-long effort by the US to create that capability that was established nearly a half-century ago.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 9, 2025</span></p> 1023 1024<h3><a href="/article/5002/1">Starship setbacks and strategies</a></h3> 1025<p class="info">SpaceX conducted another Starship test flight in late May, and again failed to achieve major test objectives. Jeff Foust reports that, despite that setback, Elon Musk is still pressing ahead with an extremely ambitious future for the vehicle.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 9, 2025</span></p> 1026 1027<h3><a href="/article/5001/1">Space-based solar power: A new frontier in US energy security</a></h3> 1028<p class="info">Advocates of space-based solar power have long talked about the benefits that the large amount of clean energy could provide. David Steitz and Sowmya Venkatesh discuss how they are also warning about the risks of falling behind China in its development.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 9, 2025</span></p> 1029 1030<h3><a href="/article/5000/1">Review: Out of This World and Into the Next</a></h3> 1031<p class="info">Human Mars exploration is on the minds of the administration and of SpaceX. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a person who was a finalist of the ill-fated Mars One program that discusses Mars exploration, although within a far larger context.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 9, 2025</span></p> 1032 1033<h3><a href="/article/4999/1">NASA’s future in the balance</a></h3> 1034<p class="info">NASA and the space community had geared up last week for more news about the 2026 budget proposal, including what missions were proposed for cancellation. Jeff Foust reports they also lost the person they had expected would soon take charge at the agency, adding to doubts and fears about the agency’s future.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 2, 2025</span></p> 1035 1036<h3><a href="/article/4998/1">The origins and evolution of the Defense Support Program (part 4): DSP forever?</a></h3> 1037<p class="info">The DSP missile warning satellites were to be phased out by the early 2000s as a new line of satellites entered service. But, Dwayne Day finds, DSP satellites appear to remain in service to this day.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 2, 2025</span></p> 1038 1039<h3><a href="/article/4997/1">What future for SpaceX?</a></h3> 1040<p class="info">SpaceX has become the dominant launch provider while its Starlink constellation gains millions of customers. Claude Lafleur, though, questions whether the company is still a good business.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 2, 2025</span></p> 1041 1042<h3><a href="/article/4996/1">A new model helps to figure out which distant planets may host life</a></h3> 1043<p class="info">Many worlds in our solar system and beyond may host life, but determining which are the most promising is a challenge. Daniel Apai describes a new effort to better quantify prospective habitable worlds.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 2, 2025</span></p> 1044 1045<h3><a href="/article/4995/1">The more things change…</a></h3> 1046<p class="info">The Russian space program underwent a shakeup earlier this year that included replacing the head of Roscosmos. Bill Barry describes how those changes come amid serious problems for Ru
1046ssian space efforts and a hope by Russia to reset relations with the US.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 27, 2025</span></p> 1047 1048<h3><a href="/article/4994/1">The origins and evolution of the Defense Support Program (part 3): The hangar queens and DSP-1</a></h3> 1049<p class="info">The Defense Support Program satellites provided warnings of missile launches for decades. Dwayne Day examines the evolution of the program as DSP satellites were given new roles and new capabilities.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 27, 2025</span></p> 1050 1051<h3><a href="/article/4993/1">Raiders of the Lost Venus Probe: a post-mortem of an interesting reentry and the confusion it left</a></h3> 1052<p class="info">Earlier this month a Soviet-era Venus mission, stranded in Earth orbit since its launch in 1972, finally reentered. Marco Langbroek and Dominic Dirkx discuss the difficulty determining exactly when and where it reentered.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 27, 2025</span></p> 1053 1054<h3><a href="/article/4992/1">Review: From the Laboratory to the Moon</a></h3> 1055<p class="info">A NASA heliophysics mission launching this fall is named after George Carruthers, a Black scientist best known for leading development of a telescope flown on an Apollo mission. Jeff Foust reviews a biography of Carruthers that explores his professional career and educational outreach.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 27, 2025</span></p> 1056 1057<h3><a href="/article/4991/1">Spinning in the black: The Satellite Data System and real-time reconnaissance</a></h3> 1058<p class="info">A 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 19, 2025</span></p> 1059 1060<h3><a href="/article/4990/1">An asteroid’s threatened impact may still impact planetary defense</a></h3> 1061<p class="info">For 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 19, 2025</span></p> 1062 1063<h3><a href="/article/4989/1">Space mining: corporate autocracy or global solidarity?</a></h3> 1064<p class="info">The international community continues to debate how utilization of space resources should be regulated and managed. Nikola Schmidt and Martin Å vec ague that failing to act opens the door to companies having their own way, to the detriment to humanity in general.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 19, 2025</span></p> 1065 1066<h3><a href="/article/4988/1">Opportunities for New Zealand as geopolitics reshapes the space economy</a></h3> 1067<p class="info">Discussions 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 19, 2025</span></p> 1068 1069<h3><a href="/article/4987/1">Budget cuts and the fraying of international partnerships</a></h3> 1070<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 12, 2025</span></p> 1071 1072<h3><a href="/article/4986/1">Russian and Chinese development of radiofrequency directed energy weapons (RF DEW) for counterspace</a></h3> 1073<p class="info">Concerns 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 12, 2025</span></p> 1074 1075<h3><a href="/article/4985/1">Why we are so scared of space, and how this fear can drive conspiracy theories</a></h3> 1076<p class="info">Space can be dangerous, posing threats to us like asteroid impacts. Tony Milligan describes how those fears can feed conspiracy theories.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 12, 2025</span></p> 1077 1078<h3><a href="/article/4984/1">Review: Extraterrestrial Life</a></h3> 1079<p class="info">Discoveries 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 12, 2025</span></p> 1080 1081<h3><a href="/article/4983/1">Dark territory: the National Reconnaissance Office, satellite inspection, and anti-satellite weapons in the early 1970s</a></h3> 1082<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 5, 2025</span></p> 1083 1084<h3><a href="/article/4982/1">Project Nivelir: Russia’s inspection satellites (part 2)</a></h3> 1085<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 5, 2025</span></p> 1086 1087<h3><a href="/article/4981/1">Playing catchup</a></h3> 1088<p class="info">Last 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 5, 2025</span></p> 1089 1090<h3><a href="/article/4980/1">Some doubts about Jared Isaacman</a></h3> 1091<p class="info">Jared Isaacman’s nomination to be NASA administrator cleared the Senate Commerce Committee last week, putt
1091ing 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 5, 2025</span></p> 1092 1093<h3><a href="/article/4979/1">Project Nivelir: Russia’s inspection satellites (part 1)</a></h3> 1094<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 28, 2025</span></p> 1095 1096<h3><a href="/article/4978/1">The real space race: China will send a crew to orbit Mars by 2050</a></h3> 1097<p class="info">While 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 28, 2025</span></p> 1098 1099<h3><a href="/article/4977/1">Isaacman revisited</a></h3> 1100<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 28, 2025</span></p> 1101 1102<h3><a href="/article/4976/1">Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence</a></h3> 1103<p class="info">Astronomers 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 28, 2025</span></p> 1104 1105<h3><a href="/article/4975/1">“A bonafide frigging flight”: How NS-31 broke spaceflight norms and created an online uproar</a></h3> 1106<p class="info">Last 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 21, 2025</span></p> 1107 1108<h3><a href="/article/4974/1">Space weather and spaceflight</a></h3> 1109<p class="info">Much 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 21, 2025</span></p> 1110 1111<h3><a href="/article/4973/1">Anything but expendable: A history of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (part 3)</a></h3> 1112<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 21, 2025</span></p> 1113 1114<h3><a href="/article/4972/1">Review: Planetary Defenders</a></h3> 1115<p class="info">NASA+, 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 21, 2025</span></p> 1116 1117<h3><a href="/article/4971/1">All of the above, or none?</a></h3> 1118<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 14, 2025</span></p> 1119 1120<h3><a href="/article/4970/1">Lessons learned from critical reviews of Gen. Saltzman’s “Competitive Endurance”</a></h3> 1121<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 14, 2025</span></p> 1122 1123<h3><a href="/article/4969/1">Anything but expendable: A history of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (part 2)</a></h3> 1124<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 14, 2025</span></p> 1125 1126<h3><a href="/article/4968/1">Space commerce: face the risk, seize the opportunities</a></h3> 1127<p class="info">Advances 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 14, 2025</span></p> 1128 1129<h3><a href="/article/4967/1">Space policy: The Moon and Mars simultaneously</a></h3> 1130<p class="info">Should 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 7, 2025</span></p> 1131 1132<h3><a href="/article/4966/1">Anything But expendable: A history of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (part 1)</a></h3> 1133<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 7, 2025</span></p> 1134 1135<h3><a href="/article/4965/1">The best space telescope you never heard of just shut down</a></h3> 1136<p class="info">Last 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 7, 2025</span></p> 1137 1138<h3><a href="/article/4964/1">Review: Mars and the Earthlings</a></h3> 1139<p class="info">While 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 7, 2025</span></p> 1140 1141<h3><a href="/article/4963/1">Fate is in the stars: the PARCAE ocean surveillance satellites</a></h3> 1142<p class="info">In the 1970s, the US started launching a new series of ocean surveillance satellites called PARCAE. Dwayne Day examines the history of that program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 31, 2025</span></p> 1143 1144<h3><a href="/article/4962/1">Europe’s launch challenge</a></h3> 1145<p class="info">On 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 31, 2025</span></p> 1146 1147<h3><a href="/article/4961/1">Preparing for the EU Space Act and its potential influence on the future of space traffic management</a></h3> 1148<p class="info">The 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
1148space sustainability.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 31, 2025</span></p> 1149 1150<h3><a href="/article/4960/1">Review: The Moonwalkers and a Kennedy Center space festival</a></h3> 1151<p class="info"><i>The Moonwalkers</i>, 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 31, 2025</span></p> 1152 1153<h3><a href="/article/4959/1">A final twist in the Starliner saga</a></h3> 1154<p class="info">A 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 24, 2025</span></p> 1155 1156<h3><a href="/article/4958/1">Boeing’s early lunar base concept of 1959</a></h3> 1157<p class="info">At 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 24, 2025</span></p> 1158 1159<h3><a href="/article/4957/1">3D printing will help space pioneers make homes, tools, and other stuff they need to colonize the Moon and Mars </a></h3> 1160<p class="info">It 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 24, 2025</span></p> 1161 1162<h3><a href="/article/4956/1">Review: Space Piracy</a></h3> 1163<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 24, 2025</span></p> 1164 1165<h3><a href="/article/4955/1">The new wave of asteroid mining ventures</a></h3> 1166<p class="info">Years 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 17, 2025</span></p> 1167 1168<h3><a href="/article/4954/1">Is the Moon in America’s future? Unpacking the strategic debate</a></h3> 1169<p class="info">Some 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 17, 2025</span></p> 1170 1171<h3><a href="/article/4953/1">ATLAC and the early emergence of lunar governance</a></h3> 1172<p class="info">A 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 17, 2025</span></p> 1173 1174<h3><a href="/article/4952/1">Review: Lunar Commerce</a></h3> 1175<p class="info">Companies 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 17, 2025</span></p> 1176 1177<h3><a href="/article/4951/1">Stars in the sky: The top secret URSALA, RAQUEL, and FARRAH satellites from the 1970s to the 21st century</a></h3> 1178<p class="info">For 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 10, 2025</span></p> 1179 1180<h3><a href="/article/4950/1">A whole other spacefaring country</a></h3> 1181<p class="info">Two 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 supp
1181ort that industry with a new commission and hundreds of millions of dollars in funding.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 10, 2025</span></p> 1182 1183<h3><a href="/article/4949/1">The European Space Tug 1970–1972</a></h3> 1184<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 10, 2025</span></p> 1185 1186<h3><a href="/article/4948/1">Bennu asteroid reveals its contents to scientists with clues about how the building blocks of life on Earth may have been seeded</a></h3> 1187<p class="info">Earlier 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 10, 2025</span></p> 1188 1189<h3><a href="/article/4947/1">Firefly lands on the Moon</a></h3> 1190<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 3, 2025</span></p> 1191 1192<h3><a href="/article/4946/1">Mystery solved! The CALSAT satellite</a></h3> 1193<p class="info">For 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 3, 2025</span></p> 1194 1195<h3><a href="/article/4945/1">US space resources law needs clarification by Congress</a></h3> 1196<p class="info">Legislation 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 3, 2025</span></p> 1197 1198<h3><a href="/article/4944/1">Evolving intelligent life took billions of years, but it may not have been as unlikely as many scientists predicted</a></h3> 1199<p class="info">Some 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 3, 2025</span></p> 1200 1201<h3><a href="/article/4943/1">What Starship can, and can’t, do</a></h3> 1202<p class="info">SpaceX 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 24, 2025</span></p> 1203 1204<h3><a href="/article/4942/1">Space literacy: Environmental education for a spacefaring civilization</a></h3> 1205<p class="info">More 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 24, 2025</span></p> 1206 1207<h3><a href="/article/4941/1">Remote sensing and the international law of space</a></h3> 1208<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 24, 2025</span></p> 1209 1210<h3><a href="/article/4940/1">Review: Space to Grow</a></h3> 1211<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 24, 2025</span></p> 1212 1213<h3><a href="/article/4939/1">Power lifting: Cold War satellite reconnaissance and the Buran space shuttle</a></h3> 1214<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 17, 2025</span></p> 1215 1216<h3><a href="/article/4938/1">Czars versus councils: Organizing space in the new administration</a></h3> 1217<p class="info">The 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”
1217 approach to space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 17, 2025</span></p> 1218 1219<h3><a href="/article/4937/1">A bold frontier: Advancing America’s space leadership and economic power</a></h3> 1220<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 17, 2025</span></p> 1221 1222<h3><a href="/article/4936/1">Review: Pillars of Creation</a></h3> 1223<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 17, 2025</span></p> 1224 1225<h3><a href="/article/4935/1">Redirecting NASA’s focus: why the Gateway program should be cancelled</a></h3> 1226<p class="info">NASA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 10, 2025</span></p> 1227 1228<h3><a href="/article/4934/1">The spaceport conundrum</a></h3> 1229<p class="info">There’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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 10, 2025</span></p> 1230 1231<h3><a href="/article/4933/1">What makes a lunar landing mission “successful”?</a></h3> 1232<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 10, 2025</span></p> 1233 1234<h3><a href="/article/4932/1">Review: A Crack in Everything</a></h3> 1235<p class="info">Black 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 10, 2025</span></p> 1236 1237<h3><a href="/article/4931/1">Of Firebirds and lunar rovers</a></h3> 1238<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 3, 2025</span></p> 1239 1240<h3><a href="/article/4930/1">The lifecycle of space telescopes</a></h3> 1241<p class="info">NASA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 3, 2025</span></p> 1242 1243<h3><a href="/article/4929/1">Review: Sally</a></h3> 1244<p class="info">A 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 3, 2025</span></p> 1245 1246<h3><a href="/article/4928/1">Review: Lunar: A History of the Moon in Myths, Maps, and Matter</a></h3> 1247<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 3, 2025</span></p> 1248 1249<h3><a href="/article/4927/1">A tumultuous start to a new administration at NASA</a></h3> 1250<p class="info">Many 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 27, 2025</span></p> 1251 1252<h3><a href="/article/4926/1">The satellite eavesdropping stations of Russia’s intelligence services (part 2)</a></h3> 1253<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 27, 2025</span></p> 1254 1255<h3><a href="/article/4925/1">Titan’s spinners: the FARRAH satellites</a></h3> 1256<p class="info">Through 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 27, 2025</span></p> 1257 1258<h3><a href="/article/4924/1">Phasing out the SLS and Orion programs and embracing Starship</a></h3> 1259<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 27, 2025</span></p> 1260 1261<h3><a href="/article/4923/1">The satellite eavesdropping stations of Russia’s intelligence services (part 1)</a></h3> 1262<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 20, 2025</span></p> 1263 1264<h3><a href="/article/4922/1">Tales of two rockets</a></h3> 1265<p class="info">On 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 20, 2025</span></p> 1266 1267<h3><a href="/article/4921/1">Surveyor sample return: the mission that never was</a></h3> 1268<p class="info">NASA’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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 20, 2025</span></p> 1269 1270<h3><a href="/article/4920/1">India demonstrates space docking</a></h3> 1271<p class="info">Last 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 20, 2025</span></p> 1272 1273<h3><a href="/article/4919/1">Two (or more) ways to get samples back from Mars 1274</a></h3> 1275<p class="info">Last 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 13, 2025</span></p> 1276 1277<h3><a href="/article/4918/1">Returning humans to the Moon without SLS and NRHO </a></h3> 1278<p class="info">There 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 13, 2025</span></p> 1279 1280<h3><a href="/article/4917/1">The civilization survival scale: A biological argument for space settlement</a></h3> 1281<p class="info">Some 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 13, 2025</span></p> 1282 1283<h3><a href="/article/4916/1">Review: Manned and Unmanned Flights to the Moon</a></h3> 1284<p class="info">There 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 13, 2025</span></p> 1285 1286<h3><a href="/article/4915/1">The (not quite) definitive guide to the legal construct of “space resources”</a></h3> 1287<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 6, 2025</span></p> 1288 1289<h3><a href="/article/4914/1">Planning for space rescue</a></h3> 1290<p class="info">NASA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 6, 2025</span></p> 1291 1292<h3><a href="/article/4913/1">Moonraker revisited</a></h3> 1293<p class="info"><i>Moonraker</i> 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 6, 2025</span></p> 1294 1295<h3><a href="/article/4912/1">Review: Star Bound</a></h3> 1296<p class="info">Summarizing 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 6, 2025</span></p> 1297 1298<h3><a href="/article/4911/1">The future of robotic Mars exploration</a></h3> 1299<p class="info">Last 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 16, 2024</span></p> 1300 1301<h3><a href="/article/4910/1">Countering threats to US commercial space systems</a></h3> 1302<p class="info">As 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 16, 2024</span></p> 1303 1304<h3><a href="/article/4909/1">Canada’s first moon rover will soon have a name as it prepares to explore a hostile lunar region</a></h3> 1305<p class="info">
1305A 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 16, 2024</span></p> 1306 1307<h3><a href="/article/4908/1">Review: Alcohol in Space - The Movie</a></h3> 1308<p class="info">Alcohol 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 16, 2024</span></p> 1309 1310<h3><a href="/article/4907/1">Artemis reentry</a></h3> 1311<p class="info">NASA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 9, 2024</span></p> 1312 1313<h3><a href="/article/4906/1">What do we need astronauts for?</a></h3> 1314<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 9, 2024</span></p> 1315 1316<h3><a href="/article/4905/1">How to test artificial gravity</a></h3> 1317<p class="info">Artificial 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 9, 2024</span></p> 1318 1319<h3><a href="/article/4904/1">How astrobiologists are coming up with a framework to study how complex systems evolve</a></h3> 1320<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 9, 2024</span></p> 1321 1322<h3><a href="/article/4903/1">Europe weighs its future in space</a></h3> 1323<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 2, 2024</span></p> 1324 1325<h3><a href="/article/4902/1">Tollways in space: from sci-fi to saving grace</a></h3> 1326<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 2, 2024</span></p> 1327 1328<h3><a href="/article/4901/1">Donald Trump’s approach to US space policy could throw up some surprises, especially with Elon Musk on board</a></h3> 1329<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 2, 2024</span></p> 1330 1331<h3><a href="/article/4900/1">Review: A Most Extraordinary Ride</a></h3> 1332<p class="info">Marc 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 2, 2024</span></p> 1333 1334<h3><a href="/article/4899/1">National Reconnaissance Program crisis photography concepts, part 4: FASTBACK and FASTBACK-B</a></h3> 1335<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 25, 2024</span></p> 1336 1337<h3><a href="/article/4898/1">The search for a commercial lunar economy</a></h3> 1338<p class="info">Many 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 25, 2024</span></p> 1339 1340<h3><a href="/article/4897/1">The space station reckoning, or, one day in the life of the ISS crew</a></h3> 1341<p class="info"><i>Orbital</i>, 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 25, 2024</span></p> 1342 1343<h3><a href="/article/4896/1">Review: Waiting for Spaceships</a></h3> 1344<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 25, 2024</span></p> 1345 1346<h3><a href="/article/4895/1">Starships and space policy</a></h3> 1347<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 18, 2024</span></p> 1348 1349<h3><a href="/article/4894/1">The Woomera Manual on military law in space</a></h3> 1350<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 18, 2024</span></p> 1351 1352<h3><a href="/article/4893/1">Blue Streak: Missile in search of a mission</a></h3> 1353<p class="info">When 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 18, 2024</span></p> 1354 1355<h3><a href="/article/4892/1">Review: How to Kill an Asteroid</a></h3> 1356<p class="info">Planetary defense has gone from a relatively fringe topic with little funding to one with NA
1356SA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 18, 2024</span></p> 1357 1358<h3><a href="/article/4891/1">Vandenberg and the space shuttle (part 2)</a></h3> 1359<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 11, 2024</span></p> 1360 1361<h3><a href="/article/4890/1">A step forward in space export control reform</a></h3> 1362<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 11, 2024</span></p> 1363 1364<h3><a href="/article/4889/1">The new space race must be run together</a></h3> 1365<p class="info">There 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 11, 2024</span></p> 1366 1367<h3><a href="/article/4888/1">Repurposing nuclear reactors used in space propulsion for high-density power on the Moon and Mars</a></h3> 1368<p class="info">NASA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 11, 2024</span></p> 1369 1370<h3><a href="/article/4887/1">Review: Going Beyond</a></h3> 1371<p class="info">Thirty-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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 11, 2024</span></p> 1372 1373<h3><a href="/article/4886/1">Satellite reconnaissance and the Falklands War</a></h3> 1374<p class="info">Only 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 4, 2024</span></p> 1375 1376<h3><a href="/article/4885/1">NASA’s infrastructure crossroads</a></h3> 1377<p class="info">Regardless 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 4, 2024</span></p> 1378 1379<h3><a href="/article/4884/1">Comparing Harris and Trump on space policy</a></h3> 1380<p class="info">Some 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 4, 2024</span></p> 1381 1382<h3><a href="/article/4883/1">The case for space policy stability in the next administration</a></h3> 1383<p class="info">There 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 4, 2024</span></p> 1384 1385<h3><a href="/article/4882/1">Vandenberg and the space shuttle (part 1)</a></h3> 1386<p class="info">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
1386in some recently discovered concept art from that era.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 28, 2024</span></p> 1387 1388<h3><a href="/article/4881/1">Mysterious MOL concepts</a></h3> 1389<p class="info">In 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 28, 2024</span></p> 1390 1391<h3><a href="/article/4880/1">Planning for the future of continuous human presence in LEO</a></h3> 1392<p class="info">At 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 28, 2024</span></p> 1393 1394<h3><a href="/article/4879/1">Weighing overall societal benefit: Case studies on deciding when to deorbit satellites (part 2)</a></h3> 1395<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 28, 2024</span></p> 1396 1397<h3><a href="/article/4878/1">Review: Infinite Cosmos</a></h3> 1398<p class="info">After 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 28, 2024</span></p> 1399 1400<h3><a href="/article/4877/1">Britain in the early history of the James Webb Space Telescope</a></h3> 1401<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 21, 2024</span></p> 1402 1403<h3><a href="/article/4876/1">Weighing overall societal benefit: Case studies on deciding when to deorbit satellites (part 1)</a></h3> 1404<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 21, 2024</span></p> 1405 1406<h3><a href="/article/4875/1">Reviews: Spaceflight skeptics</a></h3> 1407<p class="info">Last 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 21, 2024</span></p> 1408 1409<h3><a href="/article/4874/1">Ronald Reagan and a goal far, far away: Star Wars and the Strategic Defense Initiative in Simi Valley</a></h3> 1410<p class="info">A 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 14, 2024</span></p> 1411 1412<h3><a href="/article/4873/1">The trials and tribulations of Hera</a></h3> 1413<p class="info">ESA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 14, 2024</span></p> 1414 1415<h3><a href="/article/4872/1">Space isn’t all about the “race”: rival superpowers must work together for a better future</a></h3> 1416<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 14, 2024</span></p> 1417 1418<h3><a href="/article/4871/1">Review: Reentry</a></h3> 1419<p class="info">Within 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 14, 2024</span></p> 1420 1421<h3><a href="/article/4870/1">Gaining confidence in new launch vehicles</a></h3> 1422<p class="info">ULA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 7, 2024</span></p> 1423 1424<h3><a href="/article/4869/1">Cosmonaut exploitation: the CIA and Gherman Titov’s 1962 visit to the United States</a></h3> 1425<p class="info">Gherman 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 7, 2024</span></p> 1426 1427<h3><a href="/article/4868/1">Sixty-five years since the first lunar farside images</a></h3> 1428<p class="info">Launched 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 7, 2024</span></p> 1429 1430<h3><a href="/article/4867/1">
1430Cubesats are changing the way we explore the solar system</a></h3> 1431<p class="info">Cubesats 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 7, 2024</span></p> 1432 1433<h3><a href="/article/4866/1">Getting space traffic coordination on track</a></h3> 1434<p class="info">On 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 30, 2024</span></p> 1435 1436<h3><a href="/article/4865/1">“Not quite the plan, but here we are”: NASA ritual and the reintegration of the Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts</a></h3> 1437<p class="info">After 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 30, 2024</span></p> 1438 1439<h3><a href="/article/4864/1">Isle of Wight aerospace: flying boats, rocket interceptors, hovercraft, and launch vehicles (part 2)</a></h3> 1440<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 30, 2024</span></p> 1441 1442<h3><a href="/article/4863/1">Review: Sharing Space</a></h3> 1443<p class="info">Cady 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 30, 2024</span></p> 1444 1445<h3><a href="/article/4862/1">HEXAGON vs. Kirov: American satellite reconnaissance and the Soviet Union’s most powerful warship</a></h3> 1446<p class="info">During 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 23, 2024</span></p> 1447 1448<h3><a href="/article/4861/1">“Pending regulatory approval”: launch companies struggle with licensing</a></h3> 1449<p class="info">SpaceX 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 23, 2024</span></p> 1450 1451<h3><a href="/article/4860/1">Isle of Wight aerospace: flying boats, rocket interceptors, hovercraft, and launch vehicles (part 1)</a></h3> 1452<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 23, 2024</span></p> 1453 1454<h3><a href="/article/4859/1">What will happen in the first space hostage crisis?</a></h3> 1455<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 23, 2024</span></p> 1456 1457<h3><a href="/article/4858/1">Navigating new frontiers: Assessing the opportunity for US entities to launch and return space missions in Australia</a></h3> 1458<p class="info">A 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 16, 2024</span></p> 1459 1460<h3><a href="/article/4857/1">Still waiting for liftoff in the UK</a></h3> 1461<p class="info">Six 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 16, 2024</span></p> 1462 1463<h3><a href="/article/4856/1">Framing the success of the Polaris Dawn mission</a></h3> 1464<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 16, 2024</span></p> 1465 1466<h3><a href="/article/4855/1">Mercantilism in outer space: discussing a political-economic approach for the Global South</a></h3> 1467<p class="info">As major space powers accelerate their activities, developing countries w
1467orry about being left behind. Aritra Ghosh argues that such emerging space nations need to take care of their own interests in space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 16, 2024</span></p> 1468 1469<h3><a href="/article/4854/1">Whither Starliner?</a></h3> 1470<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 9, 2024</span></p> 1471 1472<h3><a href="/article/4853/1">Starliner stranding: commercial space partnerships and international law</a></h3> 1473<p class="info">NASA’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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 9, 2024</span></p> 1474 1475<h3><a href="/article/4852/1">NASA and safety: more is better</a></h3> 1476<p class="info">NASA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 9, 2024</span></p> 1477 1478<h3><a href="/article/4851/1">Review: The Wrong Stuff</a></h3> 1479<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 9, 2024</span></p> 1480 1481<h3><a href="/article/4850/1">Polaris’s dawn</a></h3> 1482<p class="info">As 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.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 3, 2024</span></p> 1483 1484<h3><a href="/article/4849/1">Measuring the depth of India’s space program</a></h3> 1485<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 3, 2024</span></p> 1486 1487<h3><a href="/article/4848/1">To guard against cyberattacks in space, researchers ask “what if?”</a></h3> 1488<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 3, 2024</span></p> 1489 1490<h3><a href="/article/4847/1">Review: Accidental Astronomy</a></h3> 1491<p class="info">Astronomical 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.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 3, 2024</span></p> 1492 1493<h3><a href="/article/4846/1">The new Moon race: Assessing Chinese and US strategies</a></h3> 1494<p class="info">There 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 19, 2024</span></p> 1495 1496<h3><a href="/article/4845/1">Outgrowing smallsats</a></h3> 1497<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 19, 2024</span></p> 1498 1499<h3><a href="/article/4844/1">An alternative Mars Sample Return program</a></h3> 1500<p class="info">
1500NASA 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 19, 2024</span></p> 1501 1502<h3><a href="/article/4843/1">Galactic governance: From the Outer Space Treaty to modern regulations</a></h3> 1503<p class="info">Modern 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 19, 2024</span></p> 1504 1505<h3><a href="/article/4842/1">Starliner’s uncertain future</a></h3> 1506<p class="info">Boeing’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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 12, 2024</span></p> 1507 1508<h3><a href="/article/4841/1">Carriers from space (part 2): Contemporary use of satellite imagery for open source intelligence</a></h3> 1509<p class="info">Using 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 12, 2024</span></p> 1510 1511<h3><a href="/article/4840/1">The Military Test Space Station (MTSS)</a></h3> 1512<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 12, 2024</span></p> 1513 1514<h3><a href="/article/4839/1">The case for an International Space Artifacts Museum</a></h3> 1515<p class="info">NASA’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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 12, 2024</span></p> 1516 1517<h3><a href="/article/4838/1">Is the United States doing enough to engage with China on space policy?</a></h3> 1518<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 29, 2024</span></p> 1519 1520<h3><a href="/article/4837/1">Cleaning up the mess in LEO</a></h3> 1521<p class="info">Both 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 29, 2024</span></p> 1522 1523<h3><a href="/article/4836/1">For the ISS, to be or not to be?</a></h3> 1524<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 29, 2024</span></p> 1525 1526<h3><a href="/article/4835/1">No more space for the press?</a></h3> 1527<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 29, 2024</span></p> 1528 1529<h3><a href="/article/4834/1">Review: Creature Comforts in Space</a></h3> 1530<p class="info">Living 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 29, 2024</span></p> 1531 1532<h3><a href="/article/4833/1">Snakebit rover</a></h3> 1533<p class="info">NASA 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 c
1533ommercial lunar landers. 1534<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 22, 2024</span></p> 1535 1536<h3><a href="/article/4832/1">Staying on course: The vital role of GPS backup systems</a></h3> 1537<p class="info">There 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 22, 2024</span></p> 1538 1539<h3><a href="/article/4831/1">The threat from China and Russia’s space-based SIGINT satellites</a></h3> 1540<p class="info">Both 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 22, 2024</span></p> 1541 1542<h3><a href="/article/4830/1">Review: Challenger</a></h3> 1543<p class="info">The 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 22, 2024</span></p> 1544 1545<h3><a href="/article/4829/1">When a workhorse falters</a></h3> 1546<p class="info">After 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 15, 2024</span></p> 1547 1548<h3><a href="/article/4828/1">Carriers from space (part 1)</a></h3> 1549<p class="info">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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 15, 2024</span></p> 1550 1551<h3><a href="/article/4827/1">Taking the thumb off the scale: Chevron Deference, its repeal, and the effect on regulation of orbital debris</a></h3> 1552<p class="info">One 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 15, 2024</span></p> 1553 1554<h3><a href="/article/4826/1">The significance of Bulgaria joining the Artemis Accords</a></h3> 1555<p class="info">When 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 15, 2024</span></p> 1556 1557<h3><a href="/article/4825/1">Coping with Starship</a></h3> 1558<p class="info">As 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.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 8, 2024</span></p> 1559 1560<h3><a href="/article/4824/1">The <strike>little</strike> rocket that could: Thor in the early days at Vandenberg (part 3)</a></h3> 1561<p class="info">In the conclusion of his examination of the Thor rocket’s legacy at Vandenberg, Dwayne Day provides a gallery of launches of that rocket from there in the early Space Age.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 8, 2024</span></p> 1562 1563<h3><a href="/article/4823/1">Welcome to the age of space skepticism and a growing revolt against elites</a></h3> 1564<p class="info">Commercial space activities have opened new opportunities, but also created a backlash. Tony Milligan discu
1564sses how those activities, and the people behind them, have sparked criticism from people who see spaceflight as only an “elite pastime” that should be curtailed.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 8, 2024</span></p> 1565 1566<h3><a href="/article/4822/1">Remembering Starfish Prime</a></h3> 1567<p class="info">This week marks the 62nd anniversary of Starfish Prime, a US nuclear weapons test in space that had impacts both on satellites and the ground. Ajey Lele notes this anniversary carries renewed interest given claims Russia is developing a space nuclear weapon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 8, 2024</span></p> 1568 1569<h3><a href="/article/4821/1">Starliner struggles</a></h3> 1570<p class="info">Original plans called for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner to spend as little as eight days at the International Space Station, but its stay is now likely to last well over a month. Jeff Foust reports on the issues causing the extension and the difficulties communicating them to the public.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 1, 2024</span></p> 1571 1572<h3><a href="/article/4820/1">The <strike>little</strike> rocket that could: Thor in the early days at Vandenberg (part 2)</a></h3> 1573<p class="info">In the second part of a series about the Thor rocket, Dwayne Day looks at operations of the Thor at Vandenberg Air Force Base and its legacy as a workhorse of the American space program for decades.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 1, 2024</span></p> 1574 1575<h3><a href="/article/4819/1">The overlap between the space and longevity industries</a></h3> 1576<p class="info">NASA and others are doing research on the space station to improve the health of astronauts for long stays in space. Dylan Taylor notes such research has potential benefits extending the lives of people on Earth.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 1, 2024</span></p> 1577 1578<h3><a href="/article/4818/1">Review: Space Feminisms</a></h3> 1579<p class="info">The space community has become more diverse, and brings with it new viewpoints and concepts. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers an eclectic collection of essays on the topic of space and feminism, from art and architecture to astronaut interviews.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 1, 2024</span></p> 1580 1581<h3><a href="/article/4817/1">Suborbital spaceflight’s crossroads</a></h3> 1582<p class="info">Last week marked the 20th anniversary of the first commercial suborbital human spaceflight by SpaceShipOne, a milestone that at the time appeared to open a new era. Jeff Foust reports on how instead the field faces an uncertain future as spaceflight goes in other directions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 24, 2024</span></p> 1583 1584<h3><a href="/article/4816/1">The <strike>little</strike> rocket that could: Thor in the early days at Vandenberg (part 1)</a></h3> 1585<p class="info">The Thor missile turned into a workhorse launch vehicle for the Air Force in the early years of the space program, evolving into the Delta. Dwayne Day describes those initial operations of Thor at Vandenberg Air Force Base thanks to new images of activities there.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 24, 2024</span></p> 1586 1587<h3><a href="/article/4815/1">The mirage at the core of space commerce, space stations, and other options</a></h3> 1588<p class="info">There remains optimism for future commercial space markets, from commercial space stations to mining space resources. Roger Handberg argues those plans ignore the fact that the space industry has been built on providing data services to Earth.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 24, 2024</span></p> 1589 1590<h3><a href="/article/4814/1">Review: The People’s Spaceship</a></h3> 1591<p class="info">The space shuttle represented not just a change in accessing space but also how NASA interacted with the public. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines how the agency sought to involve the public more in spaceflight to help secure its support.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 24, 2024</span></p> 1592 1593<h3><a href="/article/4813/1">Things that almost go boom</a></h3> 1594<p class="info">In early 1959, crews were preparing for what was to be the first orbital launch attempt from Vandenberg Air Force Base when things went wrong, with nearly tragic results. Dwayne Day examines the near-explosion on the pad and how it shaped the Air Force’s space engineering processes. <br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 17, 2024</span></p> 1595 1596<h3><a href="/article/4812/1">Artemis Accords lift off</a></h3> 1597<p class="info">Ten countries have signed the Artemis Accords so far this year, as many as signed all of last year. Jeff Foust reports on what is driving the growing interest in the document outlining best practices for responsible space exploration.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 17, 2024</span></p> 1598 1599<h3><a href="/article/4811/1">The rush to return humans to the Moon and build lunar bases could threaten opportunities for astronomy</a></h3> 1600<p class="info">A new surge of government and commercial space activity is opening up the Moon for exploration and development. But, Martin Elvis warns, that activity would interfere with aspects of the Moon that make it an ideal outpost for astronomy.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 17, 2024</span></p> 1601 1602<h3><a href="/article/4810/1">Reviews: space documentaries of the past and present</a></h3> 1603<p class="info">The history of spaceflight offers plenty of material for makers of documentaries, but so does the frenzied modern era. Jeff Foust reviews two documentaries screened at a recent film festival, one on Apollo 13 and the other on the commercial space race of today.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 17, 2024</span></p> 1604 1605<h3><a href="/article/4809/1">National Reconnaissance Program crisis photography concepts, part 3: Axumite</a></h3> 1606<p class="info">During the Cold War, the NRO explored options for obtaining reconnaissance photos rapidly in a crisis, most of which relied on existing launch systems. Joseph Page discusses one concept that would have instead involved a “Franken-rocket”
1606 launched from a fighter jet.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 10, 2024</span></p> 1607 1608<h3><a href="/article/4808/1">Hubble limps along</a></h3> 1609<p class="info">NASA announced last week it is changing how it operates the Hubble Space Telescope after one of its three remaining gyros malfunctioned. Jeff Foust reports on efforts to keep the telescope running as long as possible as the debate about a private servicing mission reached a crescendo.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 10, 2024</span></p> 1610 1611<h3><a href="/article/4807/1">Challenges for India’s emerging commercial launch industry</a></h3> 1612<p class="info">An Indian startup successfully carried out a suborbital test of a launch vehicle last month. Jatan Mehta cautions that, despite this milestone, Indian companies face many obstacles entering the commercial launch industry.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 10, 2024</span></p> 1613 1614<h3><a href="/article/4806/1">Prospects for orbital data centers</a></h3> 1615<p class="info">There is a growing interest among some companies in setting up power-intensive data centers in orbit. Lawrence Furnival examines some of the technical and financial issues regarding the concept.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 10, 2024</span></p> 1616 1617<h3><a href="/article/4805/1">Star-crossed liner</a></h3> 1618<p class="info">After years of delays, Boeing and NASA appeared ready to finally launch astronauts on the company’s Starliner spacecraft, until they ran into another set of problems. Jeff Foust reports on the latest delays for a program that has suffered more than its share of problems.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 3, 2024</span></p> 1619 1620<h3><a href="/article/4804/1">Power politics transcends space security</a></h3> 1621<p class="info">There has been little progress at the United Nations on space security issues, as seen in a pair of recent Security Council debates. Ajey Lele argues that space security is being held hostage to geopolitics among China, Russia, and the United States.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 3, 2024</span></p> 1622 1623<h3><a href="/article/4803/1">Space Resources 2024: In search of the Grand Bargain</a></h3> 1624<p class="info">Two meetings earlier this year examined governance issues regarding space resources. Dennis O’Brien offers his notes from those meetings and the potential for coming to agreement on a regime covering their use.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 3, 2024</span></p> 1625 1626<h3><a href="/article/4802/1">Review: USS Hornet Chronological Pictorial History</a></h3> 1627<p class="info">The World War II-era carrier <i>USS Hornet</i> played a role in space history by serving as the recovery ship for Apollo 11 and 12. Dwayne Day reviews a book about the carrier that includes rare photos of its work on those missions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, June 3, 2024</span></p> 1628 1629<h3><a href="/article/4801/1">Starlink’s disruption of the space industry</a></h3> 1630<p class="info">Last week marked the fifth anniversary of the first SpaceX launch dedicated to its Starlink constellation, which now has more than 6,000 satellites in orbit. Jeff Foust reports on how Starlink has, over those five years, had impacts from business to geopolitics.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 28, 2024</span></p> 1631 1632<h3><a href="/article/4800/1">Columbia retold, and untold</a></h3> 1633<p class="info">A recent four-part documentary examined the shuttle Columbia accident and its aftermath. Dwayne Day discusses how that show overlooked one key aspect of it: the investigation into the accident that uncovered its technical and other causes.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 28, 2024</span></p> 1634 1635<h3><a href="/article/4799/1">Ed Dwight: The first Black astronaut?</a></h3> 1636<p class="info">When Ed Dwight flew on a Blue Origin suborbital flight earlier this month, it was billed as the fulfillment of a quest that started more than six decades ago. John Logsdon examines Dwight’s role as what many have called the first Black astronaut candidate.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 28, 2024</span></p> 1637 1638<h3><a href="/article/4798/1">Why planetary protection matters to the future of space exploration</a></h3> 1639<p class="info">Some have argued that planetary protection protocols, designed to prevent humans from contaminating other worlds and vice versa, are outdated. Dylan Taylor argues that planetary protection remains vital even in a new era of space exploration.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, May 28, 2024</span></p> 1640 1641<h3><a href="/article/4797/1">Russian research on space nukes and alternative counterspace weapons (part 2)</a></h3> 1642<p class="info">In the second part of his examination of Russian research into counterspace weapons, Bart Hendrickx examines work on alternative concepts like plasma and electromagnetic pulse weapons.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 20, 2024</span></p> 1643 1644<h3><a href="/article/4796/1">
1644Architecting lunar infrastructure</a></h3> 1645<p class="info">What sort of infrastructure is needed on the Moon to enable visions of a lunar economy? Jeff Foust reports on a DARPA study that brought together companies to develop an ecosystem of lunar services, although who will pay for it is less certain.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 20, 2024</span></p> 1646 1647<h3><a href="/article/4795/1">Assigning an identification to a satellite</a></h3> 1648<p class="info">Objects in satellite catalogs can be lost and recovered, making it a challenge to identify which object came from which launch. Charles Phillips describes one approach that uses one aspect of an object’s orbital elements to help identify it.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 20, 2024</span></p> 1649 1650<h3><a href="/article/4794/1">Review: Weapons in Space</a></h3> 1651<p class="info">The Strategic Defense Initiative was a controversial program decades ago to develop a space-based missile defense system. Jeff Foust reviews a book that provides a new history of SDI and lessons it offers to today’s debates about missile defense and anti-satellite weapons.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 20, 2024</span></p> 1652 1653<h3><a href="/article/4793/1">Russian research on space nukes and alternative counterspace weapons (part 1)</a></h3> 1654<p class="info">US government officials revealed in February that Russia was developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon of some kind, but offered few details. Bart Hendrickx examines the state of Russian research on the potential use of nuclear weapons in orbit as anti-satellite devices.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 13, 2024</span></p> 1655 1656<h3><a href="/article/4792/1">Is it time for space to come out from under the FAA’s wings?</a></h3> 1657<p class="info">As commercial launch activity continues to increase, the FAA office regulating launches is straining to keep up. Jeff Foust reports that some in industry, as well as an FAA advisory committee, think part of the solution is to move that office out of the FAA.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 13, 2024</span></p> 1658 1659<h3><a href="/article/4791/1">Spaceplanes: why we need them, why they have failed, and how they can succeed</a></h3> 1660<p class="info">Launch vehicles that can take off from and land on runways have long been a dream for space engineers and enthusiasts, but have never gotten off the ground. John Hollaway describes why they remain essential and how they might be developed.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 13, 2024</span></p> 1661 1662<h3><a href="/article/4790/1">Review: Alien Earths</a></h3> 1663<p class="info">Astronomers have discovered thousands of exoplanets over the last three decades, a remarkable menagerie of worlds. Jeff Foust reviews a book by one scientists that describes the efforts to both search for exoplanets and look for one that may be inhabitable or inhabited.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 13, 2024</span></p> 1664 1665<h3><a href="/article/4789/1">Europe looks to end its launcher crisis</a></h3> 1666<p class="info">Ongoing space access problems forced Europe to use a Falcon 9 to launch a pair of Galileo navigation satellites recently. Jeff Foust reports that the “launcher crisis” plaguing Europe shows signs of ending.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 6, 2024</span></p> 1667 1668<h3><a href="/article/4788/1">Boeing’s Starliner, an important milestone for commercial spaceflight</a></h3> 1669<p class="info">As soon as Monday night Boeing will launch its CST-100 Starliner on its first crewed flight. Wendy Whitman Cobb discusses why this long-delayed flight is nonetheless a key development for commercial spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 6, 2024</span></p> 1670 1671<h3><a href="/article/4787/1">The rising flood of space junk is a risk to us on Earth</a></h3> 1672<p class="info">A piece of debris jettisoned from the International Space Station hit a house in Florida in March. Thomas Cheney describes how space debris can play a growing risk not just in orbit but also on the ground, testing international space law.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 6, 2024</span></p> 1673 1674<h3><a href="/article/4786/1">Review: The Asteroid Hunter</a></h3> 1675<p class="info">Last September NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, seven years after its launch. Jeff Foust reviews a book by the mission’s principal investigator that describes the long effort to develop the mission and how it overcame obstacles along the way.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, May 6, 2024</span></p> 1676 1677<h3><a href="/article/4785/1">NASA looks for an MSR lifeline</a></h3> 1678<p class="info">Mars scientists hoped they would have a better idea of when and how they would get samples back from Mars after NASA completed an internal study of the Mars Sample Return program. Instead, as Jeff Foust reports, NASA is now turning to industry for help on how to reduce the costs and accelerate the schedule of MSR.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 29, 2024</span></p> 1679 1680<h3><a href="/article/4784/1">Lazy Cat on a mountaintop</a></h3> 1681<p class="info">In the 1970s, US intelligence analysts were concerned about Soviet lasers intended to illuminate American satellites. Dwayne Day examines how the CIA attempted to study those efforts with a telescope in Iran, only to be thwarted by the revolution there.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 29, 2024</span></p> 1682 1683<h3><a href="/article/4783/1">China’
1683s interest in the far side of the Moon: scientific, military, or economic?</a></h3> 1684<p class="info">China is scheduled to launch later this week Chang’e-6, the first mission to attempt to return samples from the far side of the Moon. Carlos Alatorre explores what is driving the country’s efforts to go to lunar farside and bring back samples.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 29, 2024</span></p> 1685 1686<h3><a href="/article/4782/1">Review: Who Owns the Moon?</a></h3> 1687<p class="info">Some argue that the Outer Space Treaty, drafted at the height of the Cold War, is outdated in an era where there are more countries and companies operating in space. Jeff Foust reviews a book that tries to make that case, turning to history and treaties in other fields.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 29, 2024</span></p> 1688 1689<h3><a href="/article/4781/1">The ongoing triumph of Ingenuity</a></h3> 1690<p class="info">NASA sent its final commands to the Ingenuity Mars helicopter last week, three months after the helicopter’s final flight. Will Pomerantz describes the remarkable achievements of Ingenuity and its influence on future missions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 22, 2024</span></p> 1691 1692<h3><a href="/article/4780/1">NASA’s strategy for space sustainability</a></h3> 1693<p class="info">Earlier this month NASA announced a new Space Sustainability Strategy that outlines how the agency would address the growing threats posed by orbital debris. Jeff Foust reports on the strategy, which initially emphasizes getting a grasp on the problem rather than technological solutions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 22, 2024</span></p> 1694 1695<h3><a href="/article/4779/1">Tintin, the first man in space and on the Moon</a></h3> 1696<p class="info">Years before Yuri Gagarin went into orbit or Neil Armstrong walked on the Moon, the Belgian cartoon character Tintin did the same. Anusuya Datta looks at Tintin’s exploits and how the cartoonist Hergé was able to make the journey realistic. 1697<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 22, 2024</span></p> 1698 1699<h3><a href="/article/4778/1">Review: Still As Bright</a></h3> 1700<p class="info">The Moon continues to compel our interest, both individually and as a society, even as our knowledge of it changes. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers a history of our studies of the Moon intertwined with the author’s own experiences with our celestial neighbor.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 22, 2024</span></p> 1701 1702<h3><a href="/article/4777/1">Lunar rover racing</a></h3> 1703<p class="info">Astronauts on the first Artemis landing missions will be on foot, but later on could have their choice of vehicles to roam across the lunar terrain. Jeff Foust reports on the latest milestones in the development of lunar rovers with commercial and international partners.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 15, 2024</span></p> 1704 1705<h3><a href="/article/4776/1">FARRAH, the superstar satellite</a></h3> 1706<p class="info">Decades ago, FARRAH was not just the name of a famous actress but also of a classified satellite program. Dwayne Day examines what is known about FARRAH (the satellite) after a model of it appeared at a museum.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 15, 2024</span></p> 1707 1708<h3><a href="/article/4775/1">Zero-gravity regulations</a></h3> 1709<p class="info">A “learning period” that has restricted regulation of commercial human spaceflight in the US for nearly two decades could soon be ending. David Gillette and Emma Rohrbach argue that the learning period supported innovation in ways that could be extended to other fields.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 15, 2024</span></p> 1710 1711<h3><a href="/article/4774/1">Nukes in space: a bad idea in the 1960s and an even worse one now</a></h3> 1712<p class="info">In the early 1960s, the United States and Soviet Union tested nuclear weapons in space, with disastrous results for many satellites in orbit at the time. Michael Mulvihill discusses those tests and why they show the perils of a potential Russian nuclear ASAT weapon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 15, 2024</span></p> 1713 1714<h3><a href="/article/4773/1">GAMBIT vs KENNEN: The persistence of film reconnaissance in the digital age</a></h3> 1715<p class="info">While the US started operating electro-optical reconnaissance satellites in the mid-1970s, it continued to launch film-return satellites for another decade. Dwayne Day examines why those systems overlapped based on newly declassified documents.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 8, 2024</span></p> 1716 1717<h3><a href="/article/4772/1">A North Korean satellite starts showing signs of life (part 2)</a></h3> 1718<p class="info">Recent observations showed a North Korean satellite launched last year has changed its orbit, demonstrating it is operational. Marco Langbroek shows how those observations indicate that the maneuvers are being commanded by a specific facility in North Korea.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 8, 2024</span></p> 1719 1720<h3><a href="/article/4771/1">Strategic implications of China winning the space rescue race (part 2)</a></h3> 1721<p class="info">In the concluding part of their examination of space rescue capabilities, Benjamin Johnis and Peter Garretson offer some space rescue scenarios and policy recommendations to ensure US leadership in this emerging area.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 8, 2024</span></p> 1722 1723<h3><a href="/article/4770/1">Review: The Music of Space</a></h3> 1724<p class="info">Sound may not travel through the vacuum of space, but music is at the heart of many movies and shows about spaceflight. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines the history of space soundtracks as well as real music in space.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 8, 2024</span></p> 1725 1726<h3><a href="/article/4769/1">A space telescope’s cloudy future</a></h3> 1727<p class="info">NASA’s fiscal year 2025 budget request released last month proposed delays and cutbacks for a number of science missions, including the long-running Chandra and Hubble space telescopes. Jeff Foust reports on how astronomers are worried that the proposed cuts to Chandra in particular could threaten the future of both the telescope and X-ray astronomy.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 1, 2024</span></p> 1728 1729<h3><a href="/article/4768/1">Touching space</a></h3> 1730<p class="info">Europe’
1730s Euclid space telescope launched last year includes an artwork featuring the literal fingerprints of hundreds who worked on the mission. Artist Lisa Pettibone describes the creation of that piece and the value of combining art and science.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 1, 2024</span></p> 1731 1732<h3><a href="/article/4767/1">Strategic implications of China winning the space rescue race (part 1)</a></h3> 1733<p class="info">As human activities grow in space, there will be requirements to rescue personnel just as on Earth. Benjamin Johnis and Peter Garretson describe why it is vital for the US military to start examining its roles in space rescue now before China establishes its rules.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 1, 2024</span></p> 1734 1735<h3><a href="/article/4766/1">Review: Our Moon</a></h3> 1736<p class="info">Next week, millions across North America will watch a total solar eclipse, which means they’ll be watching the Moon. Jeff Foust review a book that offers an expansive exploration of the Moon and its effects on our planet and ourselves.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, April 1, 2024</span></p> 1737 1738<h3><a href="/article/4765/1">Lessons from the first CLPS lunar landing missions</a></h3> 1739<p class="info">With the first two commercial lunar lander missions by US companies in the books, NASA and industry are taking stock of what worked and what didn’t. Jeff Foust reports on those analyses as NASA charts the future of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 25, 2024</span></p> 1740 1741<h3><a href="/article/4764/1">“A rose, by any other name”: Proposing a national naming competition for our lunar exploration program (part 2)</a></h3> 1742<p class="info">In the concluding portion of his two-part essay, Cody Knipfer examines the potential benefits, and drawbacks, of a naming competition for elements of NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration campaign.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 25, 2024</span></p> 1743 1744<h3><a href="/article/4763/1">Preventing a “Space Pearl Harbor”: Rep. Turner leads the charge</a></h3> 1745<p class="info">Comments last month by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee led to revelations that Russia was developing some kind of nuclear antisatellite weapon. Brian Chow argues similar awareness is needed among policymakers about growing Chinese antisatellite capabilities.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 25, 2024</span></p> 1746 1747<h3><a href="/article/4762/1">“For All Mankind”: space drama’s alternate history constructs a better vision of NASA</a></h3> 1748<p class="info">Through four seasons, the television show “For All Mankind” has crafted a very different history of NASA and space exploration. Val Nolan describes how it also serves as a vehicle for telling very personal stories.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 25, 2024</span></p> 1749 1750<h3><a href="/article/4761/1">Accelerating Starship</a></h3> 1751<p class="info">SpaceX conducted the third integrated test flight of its Starship/Super Heavy vehicle last week, going further and faster than before. Jeff Foust reports on the company’s progress on the vehicle but also its need to move even faster in its development.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 18, 2024</span></p> 1752 1753<h3><a href="/article/4760/1">Texas Space Commissions, from Conestoga to Starship</a></h3> 1754<p class="info">The Texas state government has reestablished a space commission more than two decades after the previous one was shut down. Thomas Matula argues that a priority for the new commission should be to establish a launch site for the state’s growing space industry.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 18, 2024</span></p> 1755 1756<h3><a href="/article/4759/1">“A rose, by any other name”: Proposing a national naming competition for our lunar exploration program (part 1)</a></h3> 1757<p class="info">Names carry with them meanings, be they for people or spaceflight programs. In the first of two-part essay, Cody Knipfer looks at the history of how NASA has named its various programs and missions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 18, 2024</span></p> 1758 1759<h3><a href="/article/4758/1">Review: Space: The Longest Goodbye</a></h3> 1760<p class="info">NASA and others have studied the effects of isolation and confinement in long-duration spaceflight. Jeff Foust reviews a documentary that examines the subject from the perspectives of astronauts and others interested in eventually going to Mars.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 18, 2024</span></p> 1761 1762<h3><a href="/article/4757/1">The difficult early life of the Centaur upper stage</a></h3> 1763<p class="info">The Centaur upper stage has become a key element for a series of launch vehicles, most recently the Vulcan. But as Trevor Williams describes, it suffered problems during its origins more than six decades ago.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 11, 2024</span></p> 1764 1765<h3><a href="/article/4756/1">India unveils its first set of Gaganyaan astronauts</a></h3> 1766<p class="info">The Indian government last month revealed the identities of the four test pilots who have been training for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Jatan Mehta provides an update on the state of that program.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 11, 2024</span></p> 1767 1768<h3><a href="/article/4755/1">The psychological challenges of a long voyage to Mars</a></h3> 1769<p class="info">Going to Mars involves many technical challenges, but another set of issues involves how crews will work together in confined spaces far from Earth for years at a time. Nick Kanas examines some of those problems and potential solutions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 11, 2024</span></p> 1770 1771<h3><a href="/article/4754/1">Review: The New World on Mars</a></h3> 1772<p class="info">SpaceX is developing Starship with the long-term goal of transporting people to Mars, but what happens once they get there? Jeff Foust reviews a book by a long-time Mars settlement advocate that tries to explain how and why people would live on Mars.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 11, 2024</span></p> 1773 1774<h3><a href="/article/4753/1">A North Korean satellite starts showing signs of life</a></h3> 1775<p class="info">
1775Many in the West had written off a North Korean reconnaissance satellite launched last November as a failure. Marco Langbroek describes how the satellite appears to be alive after recent maneuvers.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 4, 2024</span></p> 1776 1777<h3><a href="/article/4752/1">Squinting at the universe</a></h3> 1778<p class="info">While current telescopes, on the ground and in space, are revealing new insights about the universe, astronomers have plans for even more ambitious observatories. Jeff Foust reports on the progress and problems those efforts face.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 4, 2024</span></p> 1779 1780<h3><a href="/article/4751/1">Taking stock of the US space program</a></h3> 1781<p class="info">The United States has by far the largest government space program, but is not without its challenges. Namrata Goswami examines the current states of government space policies and strategies, as well as problems and missed opportunities.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 4, 2024</span></p> 1782 1783<h3><a href="/article/4750/1">Ode to Engle and Truly</a></h3> 1784<p class="info">Richard Truly, a former NASA astronaut and, later, administrator, passed away last week. Emily Carney recalls his life from the perspective of seeing his first shuttle launch.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, March 4, 2024</span></p> 1785 1786<h3><a href="/article/4749/1">The phases of lunar lander success, revisited</a></h3> 1787<p class="info">Last week Intuitive Machines became the first company to land a spacecraft on the surface of the Moon, but the spacecraft ended up on its side with limited power and communications. Jeff Foust reports on the landing and in what ways it can be considered a success.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 26, 2024</span></p> 1788 1789<h3><a href="/article/4748/1">The middle of No and Where: Johnston Island and the US Air Force’s nuclear anti-satellite weapon</a></h3> 1790<p class="info">During much of the Cold War a US Air Force unit operated a nuclear ASAT installation on distant Johnston Island. Dwayne Day examines the history of that facility as revealed in a newly uncovered set of images.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 26, 2024</span></p> 1791 1792<h3><a href="/article/4747/1">Cybersecurity for satellites is a growing challenge</a></h3> 1793<p class="info">As society makes greater use of space-based capabilities, those satellites become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Sylvester Kaczmarek discusses evolving space cyber threats and the need for global cooperation to address them.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 26, 2024</span></p> 1794 1795<h3><a href="/article/4746/1">Review: The Battle Beyond</a></h3> 1796<p class="info">Concerns about the prospects of space warfare grew earlier this month amid reports that Russia was developing some kind of nuclear ASAT. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines the concepts of war in space using an approach likely best appreciated by those in the military.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 26, 2024</span></p> 1797 1798<h3><a href="/article/4745/1">Delivering a business case for rocket cargo</a></h3> 1799<p class="info">Some in the space industry have long believed that reusable rockets could tap a large market for high-speed point-to-point transportation. Jeff Foust reports on how the US military is exploring a “Rocket Cargo” program that could do just that, if it can overcome technical and other obstacles.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 19, 2024</span></p> 1800 1801<h3><a href="/article/4744/1">From Southwest Regional Spaceport to Spaceport America</a></h3> 1802<p class="info">New Mexico’s Spaceport America is facing a lull in activity when Virgin Galactic stops VSS Unity flights later this year while developing a new line of suborbital spaceplanes. Thomas Matula argues this shows the flaws in the approach the state took to develop the spaceport as compared to the original visions for the site.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 19, 2024</span></p> 1803 1804<h3><a href="/article/4743/1">The evolution of India’s weather satellite programs</a></h3> 1805<p class="info">On Saturday, India launched its latest geosynchronous orbit weather satellite. Ajey Lele describes the evolution of India’s weather satellites over the last several decades and whether the country’s current capabilities are sufficient.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 19, 2024</span></p> 1806 1807<h3><a href="/article/4742/1">Review: The Space Race</a></h3> 1808<p class="info">It’s been more than 40 years since Guy Bluford became the first Black American in space, the culmination of efforts dating back more than two decades. Jeff Foust reviews a new documentary that profiles some of the first Black men who sought to become NASA astronauts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 19, 2024</span></p> 1809 1810<h3><a href="/article/4741/1">MSR at serious risk</a></h3> 1811<p class="info">Concerns about the budget and plans for NASA’s Mars Sample Return (MSR) program came to a head last week when JPL laid off more than 500 employees, citing budget uncertainty about the program. Jeff Foust reports on the issues that have put the future of MSR into question for some.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 12, 2024</span></p> 1812 1813<h3><a href="/article/4740/1">Nuclear Transit: nuclear-powered navigation satellites in the early 1960s</a></h3> 1814<p class="info">A precursor to GPS was the Transit series of navigation satellites, dating back more than 60 years. Dwayne Day discusses some of the early Transit satellites that used nuclear rather than solar power.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 12, 2024</span></p> 1815 1816<h3><a href="/article/4739/1">Lunar science is entering a new active phase with commercial launches of landers</a></h3> 1817<p class="info">The first lunar lander by Intuitive Machines is scheduled to launch this week, carrying NASA and commercial payloads. Jack Burns describes one of the NASA instruments on the IM-1 lander and the value of commercial access to the lunar surface.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 12, 2024</span></p> 1818 1819<h3><a href="/article/4738/1">Review: Dark Star</a></h3> 1820<p class="info">The Space Shuttle was the biggest effort to develop a spaceplane that sough to make spaceflight as routine as aviation. Jeff Foust reviews a new history of the shuttle program that puts the vehicle into that broader context.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 12, 2024</span></p> 1821 1822<h3><a href="/article/4737/1">Did a NASA study pull the plug on space solar power?</a></h3> 1823<p class="info">NASA released last month a long-awaited economic assessment of space-based solar power, concluding that it would be far more expensive than terrestrial alternatives. Jeff Foust reports on how some in space solar power community are pushing back against those conclusions, concerned it will have a chilling effect on the field.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 5, 2024</span></p> 1824 1825<h3><a href="/article/4736/1">The Missing Link: Found</a></h3> 1826<p class="info">Jodrell Bank Observatory in England has been used for radio astronomy and, on occasion, listening for Soviet spacecraft. Dwayne Day describes how it was also used to help search for a “missing link” in Soviet spacecraft communications.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 5, 2024</span></p> 1827 1828<h3><a href="/article/4735/1">The case for a fleet of Martian helicopters</a></h3> 1829<p class="info">Ingenuity, whose mission ended last month, was a first-of-its-kind Mars helicopter with no guarantees more will follow soon. Ari Allyn-Feuer discusses how sending a large number of similar helicopters could advance Martian exploration in novel ways.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 5, 2024</span></p> 1830 1831<h3><a href="/article/4734/1">Review: NASA’s Discovery Program</a></h3> 1832<p class="info">NASA started its Discovery program more than three decades ago to fund a line of lower cost, higher risk planetary science missions. Jeff Foust reviews a NA
1832SA history of the program’s origins and how, over time, its missions became more expensive and risk-averse.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, February 5, 2024</span></p> 1833 1834<h3><a href="/article/4733/1">The sacred Moon: Navigating diverse cultural beliefs in lunar missions</a></h3> 1835<p class="info">The presence of cremated remains on the Peregrine lunar lander sparked controversy after the Navajo Nation expressed its objections. Deana Weibel examines the varying beliefs regarding the Moon and the challenges navigating them that entities planning lunar missions face.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 29, 2024</span></p> 1836 1837<h3><a href="/article/4732/1">The ingenuity of technology demos</a></h3> 1838<p class="info">NASA announced last week the the Ingenuity Mars helicopter’s mission had come to an end after it was damaged on a flight earlier this month. Jeff Foust reports on the success of Ingenuity and its implications for Mars exploration and future technology demonstrations.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 29, 2024</span></p> 1839 1840<h3><a href="/article/4731/1">Space-related incidents during Taiwan’s elections</a></h3> 1841<p class="info">A Chinese launch earlier this month had repercussions for an ongoing election in Taiwan. Ajey Lele discusses that incident and related ones in a contentious part of the world.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 29, 2024</span></p> 1842 1843<h3><a href="/article/4730/1">Review: Good Luck Have Fun</a></h3> 1844<p class="info">Relativity Space launched its first Terran 1 rocket last year, then promptly retired it to focus on a larger vehicle. Jeff Foust reviews a book where the company offers a look at the development of both the startup and the rocket.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 29, 2024</span></p> 1845 1846<h3><a href="/article/4729/1">The phases of lunar lander success</a></h3> 1847<p class="info">On Friday, Japan landed its SLIM spacecraft on the Moon, a day after Astrobotic bid farewell to its Peregrine lander. Jeff Foust reports on how the two missions have measured varying degrees of success amid problems they encountered.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 22, 2024</span></p> 1848 1849<h3><a href="/article/4728/1">Turnover and retention: an unspoken cost center affecting space companies</a></h3> 1850<p class="info">Many space companies struggle to fill open positions as the best workers seek new opportunities. Joseph Horvath argues that companies should instead look to other industries to find new employees.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 22, 2024</span></p> 1851 1852<h3><a href="/article/4727/1">What do Australians think about space?</a></h3> 1853<p class="info">Australia has established a space agency and is working to build up a space industry in the country, but what does the public there think about space? Four researchers describe the results of the first-of-its-kind opinion survey on space in Australia.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 22, 2024</span></p> 1854 1855<h3><a href="/article/4726/1">Review: Things That Go Bump in the Universe</a></h3> 1856<p class="info">The universe, once thought to be fairly static, is instead turning out to be dynamic and violent, with supernova explosions and gamma-ray bursts, among other phenomena. Jeff Foust reviews a book that tries to make sense of a chaotic cosmos.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 22, 2024</span></p> 1857 1858<h3><a href="/article/4725/1">Twenty years of chasing the Moon</a></h3> 1859<p class="info">In January 2004, President George W. Bush announced the Vision for Space Exploration, which included a goal of landing humans back on the Moon by 2020. Jeff Foust reports on how, despite missing that deadline and recent setbacks, the effort to return to the Moon may be on firmer ground than at any time in the last two decades.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 15, 2024</span></p> 1860 1861<h3><a href="/article/4724/1">How we’re searching for alien life at previously unexplored frequencies</a></h3> 1862<p class="info">Many of the efforts in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence over the years have focused on radio searches in specific frequency bands. Owen Johnson describes a new project focused at much lower frequencies.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 15, 2024</span></p> 1863 1864<h3><a href="/article/4723/1">A unified theory of suborbital docking and refueling</a></h3> 1865<p class="info">Past studies have looked at doing suborbital refueling or docking for reusable launch vehicles. Francis Chastaing puts those studies together to offer a new approach.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 15, 2024</span></p> 1866 1867<h3><a href="/article/4722/1">Review: The Little Book of Aliens</a></h3> 1868<p class="info">The search for evidence of life beyond Earth has taken many paths of varying degrees of scientific rigor. Jeff Foust reviews a book by an astrophysicist who examines those approaches, from looking for biosignatures on other planets to observations of UAPs.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 15, 2024</span></p> 1869 1870<h3><a href="/article/4721/1">Success and setbacks</a></h3> 1871<p class="info">The first launch of a new rocket carried the first lunar lander developed by a startup. Jeff Foust reports on how ULA’
1871s Vulcan finally soared while Astrobotic’s Peregrine unfortunately stumbled.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 8, 2024</span></p> 1872 1873<h3><a href="/article/4720/1">India’s mission for understanding the dynamics of the Sun</a></h3> 1874<p class="info">An Indian spacecraft, Aditya-L1, reached its orbit around the Earth-Sun L1 point over the weekend to carry out a mission of observing the Sun. Ajey Lele discusses the importance of the mission for both space science and India.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 8, 2024</span></p> 1875 1876<h3><a href="/article/4719/1">NewSpace, satcom, and heavy rockets</a></h3> 1877<p class="info">Last week, the commercial arm of India’s space agency ISRO announced it would launch a communications satellite not on one of India’s own rockets but instead with SpaceX. Aditya Chaturvedi examines the implications of that decision.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 8, 2024</span></p> 1878 1879<h3><a href="/article/4718/1">Review: Orbital</a></h3> 1880<p class="info">The International Space Station has been the setting for movies featuring conflicts and disasters. Jeff Foust reviews a novel that instead offers a day in the life of a fictional crew on the station.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, January 8, 2024</span></p> 1881 1882<h3><a href="/article/4717/1">Diamonds and DORIANS: program troubles, operations, cancellation, and legacy (part 3)</a></h3> 1883<p class="info">In the concluding part of their examination of American and Soviet military space station programs, Bart Hendrickx and Dwayne A. Day examine the factors that led to their downfall and the legacies of each effort.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, January 2, 2024</span></p> 1884 1885<h3><a href="/article/4716/1">The year new launch vehicles finally lift off</a></h3> 1886<p class="info">A new year brings with it new hopes for new launch vehicles. Jeff Foust reports on the launch vehicles making the first (or second) flights this year after extended delays.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, January 2, 2024</span></p> 1887 1888<h3><a href="/article/4715/1">The longstanding mystery of the moons of Mars and the mission that could solve it</a></h3> 1889<p class="info">Were the moons of Mars captured by the planet or created from collisions? Ben Rider-Stokes discusses that mystery and a Japanese mission that could provide a way to solve it.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, January 2, 2024</span></p> 1890 1891<h3><a href="/article/4714/1">Review: Inside the Star Factory</a></h3> 1892<p class="info">For the last year and a half, the James Webb Space Telescope has provided stunning images of the universe. Jeff Foust review a book that features stunning images of JWST taken during its long development.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, January 2, 2024</span></p> 1893 1894<h3><a href="/article/4713/1">Diamonds and DORIANS: MOL and Almaz enter active development (part 2)</a></h3> 1895<p class="info">In the second part of their study of military space station programs, Dwayne Day and Bart Hendrickx examine the progress the US made on MOL and the USSR on Almaz in the late 1960s.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 18, 2023</span></p> 1896 1897<h3><a href="/article/4712/1">An extended mission for authorization</a></h3> 1898<p class="info">Industry and government in the US have been working for years to develop a procedure for “mission authorization” or the oversight of commercial spacecraft not currently licensed. Jeff Foust reports that dueling proposals from Congress and the White House may mean that debate is far from over.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 18, 2023</span></p> 1899 1900<h3><a href="/article/4711/1">SpaceX Starship in lunar development</a></h3> 1901<p class="info">EBesides serving as a launch vehicle, SpaceX is working on a lunar lander version of Starship. Thomas Matula discusses how Starship will be valuable not just for transporting large amounts of cargo to the Moon but also through providing infrastructure.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 18, 2023</span></p> 1902 1903<h3><a href="/article/4710/1">Space sensemaking and space domain understanding: enabling data-centric AI for space flight safety</a></h3> 1904<p class="info">The growing population of objects in Earth orbit, along with increasing threats, has become a major issue for satellite operators. Brien Flewelling discusses how automation and artificial intelligence can respond more quickly to a dynamic environment.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 18, 2023</span></p> 1905 1906<h3><a href="/article/4709/1">Review: Moonshot</a></h3> 1907<p class="info">Astronauts may seem like the closest people to perfection, but even they make mistakes. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers life lessons based on the mistakes and setbacks experienced by one former astronaut.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 18, 2023</span></p> 1908 1909<h3><a href="/article/4708/1">Diamonds and DORIANS: The Soviet Union’s Almaz and the United States’ Manned Orbiting Laboratory military space stations (part 1)</a></h3> 1910<p class="info">In the 1960s the Soviet Union and the United States embarked on efforts to develop military space stations. Bart Hendrickx and Dwayne Day examine the origins of both the Manned Orbiting Laboratory and Almaz programs.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 11, 2023</span></p> 1911 1912<h3><a href="/article/4707/1">Creating a Venus exploration program</a></h3> 1913<p class="info">External budget pressures and problems with some missions have put new pressures on NASA’s planetary science program. Despite those difficulties, Jeff Foust reports on how advocates for Venus exploration are seeking to build supp
1913ort for a long-term series of missions there.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 11, 2023</span></p> 1914 1915<h3><a href="/article/4706/1">Four key points regarding Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal from the Moon Agreement</a></h3> 1916<p class="info">Saudi Arabia announced early this year it would withdraw from the Moon Treaty, only about a decade after acceding to it. Michael Listner explores the reasons why an emerging space nation would seek to back out of that treaty.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 11, 2023</span></p> 1917 1918<h3><a href="/article/4705/1">Review: The Future of Geography</a></h3> 1919<p class="info">Many people argue that there is a new “space race” underway among the US, China, and others to control the Moon. Jeff Foust reviews a book that tried to make that argument but suffers from serious flaws.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 11, 2023</span></p> 1920 1921<h3><a href="/article/4704/1">Europe’s tentative step towards human spaceflight</a></h3> 1922<p class="info">After months of discussion, ESA member states agreed last month to start a commercial cargo program as a prelude to a potential human spaceflight effort. Jeff Foust reports on the new initiative and the challenges it faces.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 4, 2023</span></p> 1923 1924<h3><a href="/article/4703/1">All-UK astronaut mission shows that private enterprise is vital to the future of space exploration</a></h3> 1925<p class="info">The UK government announced this fall an agreement with Axiom Space that could lead to a private mission flown entirely by British astronauts. Simonetta Di Pippo discusses why this is an important milestone in the role of companies in human spaceflight in Europe and beyond.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 4, 2023</span></p> 1926 1927<h3><a href="/article/4702/1">Enter India, the fifth great space power</a></h3> 1928<p class="info">Successfully landing a spacecraft on the Moon helped raise the profile of India’s space capabilities. Daniel Duchaine argues that it also made India a global space power, and brings with it potential geopolitical ramifications.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 4, 2023</span></p> 1929 1930<h3><a href="/article/4701/1">Review: Dreamland</a></h3> 1931<p class="info">The secret aircraft testing base known as Area 51 has been the subject of fascination, and of conspiracies, for decades. Dwayne Day reviews a new book that offers the most authoritative look yet at the work performed at Groom Lake.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, December 4, 2023</span></p> 1932 1933<h3><a href="/article/4700/1">Europe turns to competition to improve its launch industry’s competitiveness</a></h3> 1934<p class="info">At a European Space Summit earlier this month, ESA member states agreed to both support existing launch vehicles and open the door to future competition. Jeff Foust reports on how government and industry officials in Europe are viewing the prospects for new competition for launch services.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 27, 2023</span></p> 1935 1936<h3><a href="/article/4699/1">Olimp and Yenisei-2: Russia’s secretive eavesdropping satellites (part 2)</a></h3> 1937<p class="info">Russia has two GEO satellites that are eavesdropping on commercial communications satellites. Bart Hendrickx examines who in Russia is operating those satellites and what their future plans might be.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 27, 2023</span></p> 1938 1939<h3><a href="/article/4698/1">Searching for the ice hidden on the Moon</a></h3> 1940<p class="info">India’s Chandryaan-3 lander marked the beginning of a new wave of missions focused on studying the Moon’s south polar region, thought to contain water ice. Paul Hayne describes how future missions will help better identify the presence and accessibility of that ice.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 27, 2023</span></p> 1941 1942<h3><a href="/article/4697/1">Oxygen for Mars</a></h3> 1943<p class="info">Any proposal for the terraforming of Mars requires the production of huge volumes of oxygen. John Strickland examines just how much effort would be required to create that oxygen.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 27, 2023</span></p> 1944 1945<h3><a href="/article/4696/1">Olimp and Yenisei-2: Russia’s secretive eavesdropping satellites (part 1)</a></h3> 1946<p class="info">A Russian satellite known as Luch has been drifting in the GEO belt for nearly a decade, eavesdropping on commercial communications satellites. Bart Hendrickx discusses what is known about that spacecraft and a similar satellite launched earlier this year.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 20, 2023</span></p> 1947 1948<h3><a href="/article/4695/1">Starship flies again</a></h3> 1949<p class="info">On Saturday, SpaceX launched its Starship/Super Heavy vehicle for a second time. Jeff Foust reports on the progress the company demonstrated with that launch and NASA’s concerns about the rate of that progress towards returning humans to the Moon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 20, 2023</span></p> 1950 1951<h3><a href="/article/4694/1">Why you should care about life beyond Earth</a></h3> 1952<p class="info">One argument for space settlement has been to make life multiplanetary. Tyler Bender examines the threats to life on Earth that make it necessary to expand life beyond Earth to ensure its survival.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 20, 2023</span></p> 1953 1954<h3><a href="/article/4693/1">My suborbital life, part 10: Looking Up, WAY Up</a></h3> 1955<p class="info">In his final essay about his suborbital spaceflight, Alan Stern reflects on his accomplishment and what it means for the future of commercial spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, November 14, 2023</span></p> 1956 1957<h3><a href="/article/4692/1">Something goes boom in the night: the explosion of a Cold War secret</a></h3> 1958<p class="info">A Soviet crewed launch to the Salyut-7 space station suffered a launch failure in the fall of 1983, with the launch abort system on the Soyuz spacecraft saving the crew. Dwayne Day and Asif Siddiqi describe what is now known about that failure and how the United States discovered it happened.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 13, 2023</span></p> 1959 1960<h3><a href="/article/4691/1">A small step forward for space-based solar power technology</a></h3> 1961<p class="info">Space-based solar power has been a topic of debate for decades without much progress on the feasibility of the technology required. Jeff Foust reports on a Caltech project that is wrapping up testing in orbit of three specific technologies needed for it.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 13, 2023</span></p> 1962 1963<h3><a href="/article/4690/1">Review: A City on Mars</a></h3> 1964<p class="info">There are plenty of books that have taken an optimistic view of the prospects of humans living and working permanently in space, but far fewer critical assessments. Jeff Foust reviews a book that does take a more skeptical view of space settlements based on the reasons for building them and the challenges they face.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 13, 2023</span></p> 1965 1966<h3><a href="/article/4689/1">
1966My suborbital life, part 9: Anticipation, revealed</a></h3> 1967<p class="info">Before his suborbital spaceflight last week, Alan Stern had a number of questions about the experience. He returns with answers to them.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, November 7, 2023</span></p> 1968 1969<h3><a href="/article/4688/1">Big rockets for big science?</a></h3> 1970<p class="info">There is a growing push among developers of large science missions to make use of new heavy-lift launch vehicles that offer increased mass and volume at potentially lower costs. Jeff Foust reports on the benefits of that approach as well as its challenges.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 6, 2023</span></p> 1971 1972<h3><a href="/article/4687/1">The FCC’s authority in regulating orbital debris</a></h3> 1973<p class="info">The FCC last month issued its first-ever fine to a company for failing to properly dispose of a satellite after the end of its life. Leighton Brown and Paul Stimers discuss the FCC’s action and the agency’s legal basis for regulating orbital debris.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, November 6, 2023</span></p> 1974 1975<h3><a href="/article/4686/1">My suborbital life, part 8: Welcome to space!</a></h3> 1976<p class="info">On Thursday, Alan Stern successfully completed his first suborbital spaceflight with Virgin Galactic. He describes some of important, but little-discussed, aspects of the experience.<br><span class="datetime">Saturday, November 4, 2023</span></p> 1977 1978<h3><a href="/article/4685/1">My suborbital life, part 7: Of risk and reward</a></h3> 1979<p class="info">Some final thoughts from Alan Stern about risk and reward before he goes on his suborbital spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Thursday, November 2, 2023</span></p> 1980 1981<h3><a href="/article/4684/1">My suborbital life, part 6: Anticipation</a></h3> 1982<p class="info">With a day to go before his suborbital spaceflight, Alan Stern ponders what the experience will be like.<br><span class="datetime">Wednesday, November 1, 2023</span></p> 1983 1984<h3><a href="/article/4683/1">My suborbital life, part 5: Hi Five!</a></h3> 1985<p class="info">Alan Stern describes the symbolism behind the patches associated with his upcoming suborbital spaceflight as well as what mementos he is taking with him on the trip.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, October 31, 2023</span></p> 1986 1987<h3><a href="/article/4682/1">Roads not taken in satellite photo-reconnaissance: Part 2, the 1970s</a></h3> 1988<p class="info">The 1970s saw a new wave of proposals for satellite photo-reconnaissance that didn’t advance beyond the drawing board. Dwayne Day examines what is known about those concepts, from “crisis reconnaissance” to systems that took advantage of the shuttle.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 30, 2023</span></p> 1989 1990<h3><a href="/article/4681/1">Shaking up the commercial space station industry</a></h3> 1991<p class="info">While it is still years before commercial space stations start operations, there are already changes in the relationships of the companies involved in those efforts. Jeff Foust reports on the formation and potential breaking up of partnerships as those companies face new fiscal pressures.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 30, 2023</span></p> 1992 1993<h3><a href="/article/4680/1">Review: Deep Sky</a></h3> 1994<p class="info">Given the success of the mission and the stunning images it is producing, it’s little surprise the James Webb Space Telescope is the subject of an IMAX documentary. Jeff Foust reviews the film and compares it to another recent documentary about the mission.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 30, 2023</span></p> 1995 1996<h3><a href="/article/4679/1">My suborbital life, part 4: My research spaceflight training countdown to launch</a></h3> 1997<p class="info">Training for a suborbital research mission is different from what space tourists go through, as Alan Stern explains in his latest essay about his upcoming Virgin Galactic flight.<br><span class="datetime">Saturday, October 28, 2023</span></p> 1998 1999<h3><a href="/article/4678/1">My suborbital life, part 3: The suborbital revolution is here</a></h3> 2000<p class="info">In the third of his series of essays about his upcoming suborbital flight, Alan Stern describes how commercial suborbital vehicles can revolutionize research and education.<br><span class="datetime">Friday, October 27, 2023</span></p> 2001 2002<h3><a href="/article/4677/1">The launch industry strains launch licensing</a></h3> 2003<p class="info">As commercial launch activity increases, it puts pressure on regulators to keep up while maintaining safety. Jeff Foust reports on those tensions between companies and the US government that came up at a recent congressional hearing.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 23, 2023</span></p> 2004 2005<h3><a href="/article/4676/1">My suborbital life, part 2: Objectives, timeline, training</a></h3> 2006<p class="info">In the second of his essays about his upcoming suborbital flight, Alan Stern outlines the objectives of the mission and its second-by-second research timeline.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 23, 2023</span></p> 2007 2008<h3><a href="/article/4675/1">My suborbital life, part 1: Childhood’s end, perseverance pays</a></h3> 2009<p class="info">After decades of dreaming and striving to go to space, Alan Stern will go on a Virgin Galactic suborbital research flight next week. In a first in a series of essays, he describes his lifelong ambitions about spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 23, 2023</span></p> 2010 2011<h3><a href="/article/4674/1">ISRO develops its agenda for the future</a></h3> 2012<p class="info">In the days before the Gaganyaan abort test, India’s prime minister announced ambitious new goals for the country, including landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. Ajey Lele examines those goals and their feasibility.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 23, 2023</span></p> 2013 2014<h3><a href="/article/4673/1">ISRO prepares for human spaceflight</a></h3> 2015<p class="info">India’s space agency successfully tested a launch escape system for its Gaganyaan crewed spacecraft program on S
2015aturday. Gurbir Singh discusses the importance of that test in the context of India’s human spaceflight ambitions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 23, 2023</span></p> 2016 2017<h3><a href="/article/4672/1">Phil Pressel</a></h3> 2018<p class="info">Phil Pressel, who helped design the cameras used on the HEXAGON reconnaissance satellites, passed away last week at the age of 86. Dwayne Day offers an obituary of Pressel.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 23, 2023</span></p> 2019 2020<h3><a href="/article/4671/1">Roads not taken in satellite photo-reconnaissance: Part 1, the 1960s</a></h3> 2021<p class="info">During the 1960s there were many proposals for reconnaissance satellites that never got much beyond the concept stage. Dwayne Day examines what is known about some of those ideas for photo-reconnaissance space systems.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 16, 2023</span></p> 2022 2023<h3><a href="/article/4670/1">Commercial lunar landers prepare for liftoff</a></h3> 2024<p class="info">After years of development, the first commercial landers developed as part of a NASA program are finally ready for launch. Jeff Foust reports on the progress of those landers and whether they can beat the odds.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 16, 2023</span></p> 2025 2026<h3><a href="/article/4669/1">The brave new world of space</a></h3> 2027<p class="info">The new space race emerging among countries and companies draws comparisons to the original space race of the 1960s. Aditya Chaturvedi examines changing geopolitics amid the growing importance of space..<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 16, 2023</span></p> 2028 2029<h3><a href="/article/4668/1">Maybe space shouldn’t be for all</a></h3> 2030<p class="info">Space advocates have long attempted to attract as wide an audience as possible to their positions. A.J. Mackenzie argues that approach should have some limits, as demonstrated by two recent events.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 16, 2023</span></p> 2031 2032<h3><a href="/article/4667/1">Getting a new civil space traffic management system on track</a></h3> 2033<p class="info">It’s been more than five years since a space policy document directed a transfer of US civil space traffic management work from the Defense Department to the Commerce Department. Jeff Foust reports that, after a slow start, Commerce is making progress on establishing its own space traffic management capability.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 9, 2023</span></p> 2034 2035<h3><a href="/article/4666/1">NASA’s Mars rovers could inspire a more ethical future for AI</a></h3> 2036<p class="info">The rise of artificial intelligence has stoked fears about the impact of the technology on the society. Janet Vertesi argues that an example of how NASA uses AI shows the future need not be dystopian.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 9, 2023</span></p> 2037 2038<h3><a href="/article/4665/1">With a tweet, America has joined the race to develop astroelectricity—hopefully!</a></h3> 2039<p class="info">A social media post last month from the Secretary of Energy appeared to show support for space solar power. Mike Snead argues it’s time for the US to get serious about this technology.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 9, 2023</span></p> 2040 2041<h3><a href="/article/4664/1">Review: A Million Miles Away</a></h3> 2042<p class="info">Many astronauts have written memoirs, but few have become movies. Jeff Foust reviews one such film that dramatizes the rise of a son of migrant farmworkers to shuttle astronaut.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 9, 2023</span></p> 2043 2044<h3><a href="/article/4663/1">Crisis in space: The 1973 Yom Kippur War and “crisis reconnaissance”</a></h3> 2045<p class="info">This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, whose start took both the United States and Israel by surprise. Dwayne Day notes that surprise was exacerbated by decisions made years earlier that limited the ability of the US to obtain satellite reconnaissance of the region.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 2, 2023</span></p> 2046 2047<h3><a href="/article/4662/1">Secrets of ExoMars</a></h3> 2048<p class="info">Just a few days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, ESA announced it was cancelling its partnership with Roscosmos on the ExoMars mission. Brian Harvey describes how ESA, and its member states, have offered little explanation about how they reached that decision, and so quickly.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 2, 2023</span></p> 2049 2050<h3><a href="/article/4661/1">An ambitious decadal survey for research in space</a></h3> 2051<p class="info">The National Academies published last month a new decadal survey for biological and physical sciences research in space. Jeff Foust reports on the study, which has an ambitious goal of increasing NASA funding of such work by a factor of ten.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 2, 2023</span></p> 2052 2053<h3><a href="/article/4660/1">How orbital refueling will unlock humanity’s potential in space</a></h3> 2054<p class="info">Several companies are pursuing technologies to enable satellites to be refueled in orbit. Manny Shar discusses why that technology is worth the effort.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 2, 2023</span></p> 2055 2056<h3><a href="/article/4659/1">Review: Elon Musk</a></h3> 2057<p class="info">Most people know of the founder of SpaceX, but how well do people know Elon Musk? Jeff Foust reviews a new biography that attempts to not just recount Musk’s life but also what makes him tick.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, October 2, 2023</span></p> 2058 2059 2060<h3><a href="/article/4658/1">A capsule’s fall marks the start of Asteroid Autumn</a></h3> 2061<p class="info">On Sunday, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft returned to Earth, dropping off a capsule containing samples collected from the asteroid Bennu. Jeff Foust reports on the success of the first part of NASA’s “Asteroid Autumn” that includes a launch and a flyby.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 25, 2023</span></p> 2062 2063<h3><a href="/article/4657/1">Honoring and dishonoring the dead in outer space</a></h3> 2064<p class="info">One of the customers on a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight earlier this month took with him fossils from two potential ancestor species to humanity, sparking outrage among some anthropologists. Deana Weibel explores the incident as well as the relationships between the living and the dead when it comes to spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 25, 2023</span></p> 2065 2066<h3><a href="/article/4656/1">Hiding in plain sight: Is China’s spaceplane a co-orbital ASAT in disguise?</a></h3> 2067<p class="info">China has tested a spaceplane similar in concept to the American X-37B. Carlos Alatorre examines if that vehicle could be, or support the development of, an anti-satellite weapon.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 25, 2023</span></p> 2068 2069<h3><a href="/article/4655/1">
2069Security dimensions of space economics and finance</a></h3> 2070<p class="info">The growing space economy creates new opportunities for financing companies, but also new risks. Jana Robinson warns how some Western funds may be helping finance Chinese and Russian space efforts.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 25, 2023</span></p> 2071 2072<h3><a href="/article/4654/1">Live, from orbit: the Manned Orbiting Laboratory’s top-secret film-readout system</a></h3> 2073<p class="info">The Air Force’s Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program in the 1960s would take high-resolution images, but how could those images be quickly returned to Earth? Dwayne Day examines proposals to include film-readout systems on MOL.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 18, 2023</span></p> 2074 2075<h3><a href="/article/4653/1">SpaceX launches a debate on monopolies</a></h3> 2076<p class="info">At a major space industry conference last week, much of the discussion was about the dominance SpaceX has in the launch industry today. Jeff Foust report on perceptions that SpaceX has a monopoly on commercial launch and implications for other companies developing competing satellite systems.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 18, 2023</span></p> 2077 2078<h3><a href="/article/4652/1">How to land a space gig</a></h3> 2079<p class="info">How do you get your foot in the door in the space industry if you’re not seeking a technical position? Daniel Duchaine describes his experience networking across companies, think tanks, and Capitol Hill trying to find a job.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 18, 2023</span></p> 2080 2081<h3><a href="/article/4651/1">Review: The Six</a></h3> 2082<p class="info">The first women to become NASA astronauts have been the subject of many books, articles, and other accounts over the 45 years since their selection. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers a group portrait of those six women, who were more “trusted coworkers” than friends or rivals.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 18, 2023</span></p> 2083 2084<h3><a href="/article/4650/1">China, Article V, Starlink, and hybrid warfare: An assessment of a lawfare operation</a></h3> 2085<p class="info">Nearly two years ago, China complained about close approaches of Starlink satellites to its space station, claims that the US denied. Michael Listner argues that the format of a complaint was a “lawfare” maneuver by China as part of great power competition.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 11, 2023</span></p> 2086 2087<h3><a href="/article/4649/1">Putting the private into private spaceflight</a></h3> 2088<p class="info">A Virgin Galactic suborbital launch last week was remarkable not for what happened but what didn’t: a lot of publicity. Jeff Foust discusses how the low profile of the flight is a step on the long road to more routine spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 11, 2023</span></p> 2089 2090<h3><a href="/article/4648/1">Key issues for the Japanese government regarding exploration and development of space resources</a></h3> 2091<p class="info">Japan is one of a few countries with a space resources law on the books and is planning a mission to prospect for water ice on the Moon. Akira Saito outlines some of the issues facing the Japanese government as it considers using lunar ice resources.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 11, 2023</span></p> 2092 2093<h3><a href="/article/4647/1">Review: Interstellar</a></h3> 2094<p class="info">Last month, a paper claimed to have found evidence for interstellar meteorites at the bottom of the Pacific, a claim other scientists have treated skeptically. Jeff Foust review a book by the scientist who is the lead author of that study and other efforts using science to look for interstellar visitors.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, September 11, 2023</span></p> 2095 2096<h3><a href="/article/4646/1">Soviet television reconnaissance satellites</a></h3> 2097<p class="info">The Soviet Union attempted to develop reconnaissance satellites that could electronically transmit images using television technologies starting in the 1960s. Bart Hendrickx examines those efforts and the setbacks they faced over the decades.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 5, 2023</span></p> 2098 2099<h3><a href="/article/4645/1">India is on the Moon, but needs to avoid the “Moon Race” trap</a></h3> 2100<p class="info">India successfully landed on the Moon for the first time last month with the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Ajey Lele says the mission is a major milestone for India’s space program, but should not be seen as part of a race with other nations.
2100<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 5, 2023</span></p> 2101 2102<h3><a href="/article/4644/1">The opportunities and challenges for science at NASA and ESA</a></h3> 2103<p class="info">Earlier this year, NASA and ESA selected new leaders of their respective science programs. Jeff Foust talked with those two people about their first few months on the job and their top issues.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 5, 2023</span></p> 2104 2105<h3><a href="/article/4643/1">It’s not easy being a Martian</a></h3> 2106<p class="info">The Fox reality TV series “Stars on Mars” wrapped up recently with one “celebronaut” crowned as winner. The series, Dwayne Day explains, also provided useful lessons for real missions to the Red Planet.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 5, 2023</span></p> 2107 2108<h3><a href="/article/4642/1">The international community is not prepared for a future in space</a></h3> 2109<p class="info">As more countries and companies undertake space activities, existing international agreements are put to the test. Austin Albin describes those challenges and proposes potential solutions.<br><span class="datetime">Tuesday, September 5, 2023</span></p> 2110 2111<h3><a href="/article/4641/1">Despite the Luna-25 failure, Russia is not a declining space power</a></h3> 2112<p class="info">Russia’s first mission to the Moon in nearly half a century crashed over the weekend, days before its scheduled landing, prompting a new wave of commentary abut the state of Russia’s space program. Daniel Duchaine cautions that, even with the failure of Luna-25, other, more worrisome aspects of its space activities continue to grow.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 21, 2023</span></p> 2113 2114<h3><a href="/article/4640/1">For smallsats, two ways to orbit</a></h3> 2115<p class="info">In some respects, it’s never been easier to get smallsats into orbit, even though the options for doing so are limited. Jeff Foust reports that, for most smallsat operators today, it’s a choice between hitching a ride with SpaceX or buying a launch from Rocket Lab.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 21, 2023</span></p> 2116 2117<h3><a href="/article/4639/1">The fault in our Mars settlement plans</a></h3> 2118<p class="info">Some in the space community say we’re ready to send humans to Mars now. Isabella Cisneros argues it’s time for a Red Planet reality check because of serious, often overlooked technical, societal, and other challenges such efforts face.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 21, 2023</span></p> 2119 2120<h3><a href="/article/4638/1">1569 and 2023</a></h3> 2121<p class="info">Space advocates have used a wide range of historical analogies over the years to justify their support for space development. Bob Werb offers a new one to explain what the public needs to know to better appreciate and support space activities.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 21, 2023</span></p> 2122 2123<h3><a href="/article/4637/1">Review: How Space Physics Really Works</a></h3> 2124<p class="info">For some people, inaccurate science can ruin a science fiction story. Jeff Foust reviews a book that used good examples from sci-fi to teach concepts associated with spaceflight.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 21, 2023</span></p> 2125 2126<h3><a href="/article/4636/1">Minding the space station gap</a></h3> 2127<p class="info">Even as the International Space Station is reaching its peak potential as a research outpost, its retirement is becoming a key issue. Jeff Foust reports on the issues discussed at a recent meeting about transferring work done on the ISS to future commercial space stations.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 7, 2023</span></p> 2128 2129<h3><a href="/article/4635/1">Debate and hopes for consensus at UN space resource meetings</a></h3> 2130<p class="info">The United Nations’ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space has started discussions about setting up frameworks for the use of space resources. Dennis O’Brien examines what is known about those closed-door meetings and prospects for reaching consensus.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 7, 2023</span></p> 2131 2132<h3><a href="/article/4634/1">Effect of upgrades to Starlink Generation 2 satellites on visual brightness</a></h3> 2133<p class="info">SpaceX has been working to reduce the brightness of its Starlink satellites to mitigate their effect on astronomers, but how effective has that effort been? Brad Young and Jay Respler discuss observations of newer Starlink satellites to see how those larger spacecraft compare to smaller versions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 7, 2023</span></p> 2134 2135<h3><a href="/article/4633/1">Meanwhile, on Mars…</a></h3> 2136<p class="info">The show of the summer, at least for space enthusiasts, has been Fox’s “Stars on Mars” reality TV series. Dwayne Day updates the progress of the show and how, in some respects, it offers better drama than some dramatic series set on Mars.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 7, 2023</span></p> 2137 2138<h3><a href="/article/4632/1">Review: Cosmonaut: A Cultural History</a></h3> 2139<p class="info">The cultural impact of astronauts on American society is well documented, but how cosmonauts were treated in Soviet and Russian culture is less well known. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines the public image of cosmonauts and “The Red Stuff.”<br><span class="datetime">Monday, August 7, 2023</span></p> 2140 2141<h3><a href="/article/4631/1">Nuclear space gets hot</a></h3> 2142<p class="info">The value of nuclear systems to provide power and propulsion in space has been recognized for years, but until recently there has been little progress on new capabilities. Jeff Foust reports on new efforts to develop space nuclear technologies.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 31, 2023</span></p> 2143 2144<h3><a href="/article/4630/1">The highs and lows of extreme tourism: The <i>Titan</i> accident and commercial expeditions to space and the deep sea</a></h3> 2145<p class="info">While commercial deep-sea and space travel seems novel, they are just part of a long line of journeys that mix tourism and research. Deana Weibel examines the connections between the space and ocean travel, and between tourism and research expeditions.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 31, 2023</span></p> 2146 2147<h3><a href="/article/4629/1">Should the loss of the <i>Titan</i> submersible impact space tourism?</a></h3> 2148<p class="info">The loss of the <i>Titan</i> has prompted discussions about parallels with space tourism, which is also lightly regulated for passenger safety. Dale Skran argues against a rush to regulate commercial human spaceflight because of what happened in the depths of the oceans.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 31, 2023</span></p> 2149 2150<h3><a href="/article/4628/1">Is China’s rise in space over? Indexing space power for the next space age</a></h3> 2151<p class="info">The 21st century has been marked in space by the rise of China as a leading space power. Daniel Duchaine examines if that rise can continue at the expense of other leading space nations.
2151<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 31, 2023</span></p> 2152 2153<h3><a href="/article/4627/1">Review: Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine</a></h3> 2154<p class="info">The James Webb Space Telescope continues to dazzle more than a year after the release of its first science images. Jeff Foust reviews a new documentary that reminds viewers of the technical obstacles that had to be overcome for it to become a scientific success.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 31, 2023</span></p> 2155 2156<h3><a href="/article/4626/1">The new era of heavy launch </a></h3> 2157<p class="info">Within the next few years, heavy-lift vehicles like New Glenn, Starship, and Vulcan will enter service. Gary Oleson describes how the combination of price and performance of those rockets could reshape the space industry.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 24, 2023</span></p> 2158 2159<h3><a href="/article/4625/1">The value of public interest in spaceflight</a></h3> 2160<p class="info">A survey released last week provided mixed messages for advocates of NASA, particularly on the public’s priorities for the agency. Jeff Foust examines the survey and just how important public support for NASA is for the agency to achieve its goals.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 24, 2023</span></p> 2161 2162<h3><a href="/article/4624/1">Another technique to identify “unknown” satellites</a></h3> 2163<p class="info">Some satellites are not listed in public catalogs, but there are ways to track and identify them. Charles Phillips describes one approach based on orbital elements to help identify some classes of satellites.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 24, 2023</span></p> 2164 2165<h3><a href="/article/4623/1">Access to Venus</a></h3> 2166<p class="info">The thick, hot, toxic atmosphere of Venus rules out any kind of human exploration of the planet for the foreseeable future. John Strickland examines what could be done, someday, to make Venus a more tolerable world to visit.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 24, 2023</span></p> 2167 2168<h3><a href="/article/4622/1">Smashing satellites as part of the Delta 180 Strategic Defense Initiative mission</a></h3> 2169<p class="info">In 1986, the Strategic Defense Initiative conducted an in-orbit test where two spacecraft collided with each other. Dwayne Day describes the development of that rapid, low-cost mission and the effect it could have had on arms control negotiations.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 17, 2023</span></p> 2170 2171<h3><a href="/article/4621/1">For Mars Sample Return, more serious repercussions</a></h3> 2172<p class="info">A Senate appropriations bill released last week would slash funding for NASA’s Mars Sample Return program and threaten it with cancellation. Jeff Foust reports on the new fiscal challenges that efforts to return samples from Mars have encountered.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 17, 2023</span></p> 2173 2174<h3><a href="/article/4620/1">The Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon is underway</a></h3> 2175<p class="info">India launched its second robotic lunar lander mission last week. Ajey Lele examines the mission and the lessons learned from India’s first, failed lunar lander mission.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 17, 2023</span></p> 2176 2177<h3><a href="/article/4619/1">Could a 500-year-old treaty hold the key to peace in space?</a></h3> 2178<p class="info">The growing number of countries involved in space exploration raise
2178s the risk of conflict among them. Daniel Duchaine explores some possible scenarios for avoiding conflict depending on how plentiful and valuable space resources turn out to be.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 17, 2023</span></p> 2179 2180<h3><a href="/article/4618/1">A crisis and an opportunity for European space access</a></h3> 2181<p class="info">The final Ariane 5 launched last week, temporarily depriving Europe of independent access to space because of launch failures and vehicle delays. Jeff Foust reports on how Europe reached that state and how it is turning to a commercial rival to get through a near-term crisis.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 10, 2023</span></p> 2182 2183<h3><a href="/article/4617/1">Don’t jeopardize national security in the name of competition</a></h3> 2184<p class="info">The Space Force is preparing for a new round of launch contracts that will open up opportunities for additional launch providers. Jonathan Ward, though, warns against one proposed congressional change to that approach that he fears could put key missions at risk.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 10, 2023</span></p> 2185 2186<h3><a href="/article/4616/1">Reality is underrated: Fox’s “Stars on Mars” takes off</a></h3> 2187<p class="info">Expectations were low about a reality TV series set on a fake Mars. However, Dwayne Day describes how he was pleasantly surprised by how the show and its cast of C-list celebrities have handled the challenges of life on “Mars”.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 10, 2023</span></p> 2188 2189<h3><a href="/article/4615/1">Review: Matariki: The Star of the Year</a></h3> 2190<p class="info">Many books about the night sky are written from the perspective of the Northern Hemisphere. Joseph T. Page II reviews a book that examines a familiar star cluster as perceived by the peoples of Oceana.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 10, 2023</span></p> 2191 2192<h3><a href="/article/4614/1">Spinning towards the future: crisis response from space</a></h3> 2193<p class="info">American intelligence agencies studied several proposals for “crisis reconnaissance” satellites in the 1960s and 1970s, but never built any of them. Dwayne Day discusses new details about one such proposal that came closer to development than any other concept.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 3, 2023</span></p> 2194 2195<h3><a href="/article/4613/1">Regulating a maturing commercial spaceflight industry</a></h3> 2196<p class="info">Virgin Galactic performed its first commercial SpaceShipTwo suborbital flight last week as Blue Origin prepares to resume New Shepard launches. Jeff Foust reports that, as commercial human spaceflight activity finally ramps up, the industry is facing new regulatory challenges.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 3, 2023</span></p> 2197 2198<h3><a href="/article/4612/1">What does the People’s Republic of China’s space program mean for Great Britain and the West? </a></h3> 2199<p class="info">China’s space capabilities, in both military and civil realms, have grown significantly in recent years. Four experts examine the implications of those developments for Western nations and lessons it offers those countries.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 3, 2023</span></p> 2200 2201<h3><a href="/article/4611/1">A subtle symphony of ripples in spacetime</a></h3> 2202<p class="info">Astronomers announced last week the discovery of a background of gravitational waves that pervades the cosmos. Chris Impey describes this discovery and its significance in understanding the evolution of the universe.<br><span class="datetime">Monday, July 3, 2023</span></p> 2203 2204 2205 2206 2207 2208 2209 2210<h3>Visit the <a href="/archive.html">Archive</a> for additional articles.</h3> 2211 2212 2213</td> 2214<td width="20%" valign="top"> 2215<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->�<link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/slim-081711.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">�<style type="text/css">� #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Trebuchet MS,Trebuchet,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }� /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.� We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */�</style>�<div id="mc_embed_signup">�<form action="//thespacereview.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=91458affe0c184943282161c4&id=37c8e26e61" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate>� <div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll">
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