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December 2020:From TACSAT to JUMPSEAT: Hughes and the top secret Gyrostat satellite gambleIn the late 1960s, Hughes was becoming a major player in satellite communications, but was looking to get into intelligence satellites. Dwayne Day and Nicholas Watkins describe how the company leveraged its technology for one project to combine signals intelligence and infrared missile tracking payloads. Twilight for Trump space policyThe Trump Administration is in its final weeks, but its efforts in space policy have not been slowing down. Jeff Foust reports on the release this month of both a new national space policy and a national strategy for space nuclear power and propulsion. Candy CORN: analyzing the CORONA concrete crosses mythSeveral years ago, a news report claimed that unusual sets of concrete crosses found in the Arizona desert were calibration targets for the CORONA spy satellites. Joseph T. Page II discusses why that explanation doesn’t hold up. Creating an inspector “mascot” satellite for JWSTThe James Webb Space Telescope is one of the most complex scientific spacecraft yet built, with dozens of deployments required after launch. Philip Horzempa explains why it would be wise to have a small satellite accompany JWST to watch over those deployments and troubleshoot any issues. Review: Cosmic OdysseyFor much of the latter half of the 20th century, Palomar Observatory was at the leading edge of observational astronomy, thanks to its 200-inch main telescope and several smaller ones. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines the astronomy that those telescopes enabled, from the solar system to distant galaxies. Big bird, little bird: chasing Soviet anti-ballistic missile radars in the 1960sIn the 1960s there was concern in the US intelligence community that the Soviet Union was establishing a new anti-ballistic missile capability. Dwayne Day describes the role the NRO played by developing satellites to look for radars that would be used by those missile systems. Starship contradictionsLast week, a SpaceX Starship prototype flew its first high-altitude test flight, which was either a major success or an explosive failure, depending on your point of view. Jeff Foust reports on how Starship is full of contradictions. Beyond Apollo: guiding the next Moon landingNASA is working with companies to develop landers to return humans to the Moon for the first time since Apollo. Alan Campbell explains why those new landers will have capabilities far greater than those used on the Apollo missions. More space on the ground: trendy analogues vs. an unpleasant realityThere’s been a increase in interest in recent years in “analogue” missions, where people practice Moon or Mars missions on Earth. Ilaria Cinelli cautions that, if not properly designed, such missions can do little to advance actual space exploration. Review: How to AstronautWhile many astronauts follow familiar paths in telling their life stories, others take a less conventional approach. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a former NASA astronaut who discusses his career through a series of short essays on various spaceflight topics. The future of Mars exploration, from sample return to human missionsWith Mars 2020 en route to the Red Planet, NASA and ESA are moving ahead with future sample return missions. Jeff Foust reports on the challenges that effort faces, along with other issues for future robotic and human Mars missions. The cloth of doom: The weird, doomed ride of Ariane Flight 36In 1990, an Ariane rocket failed when a cloth left behind in a coolant tube caused an engine to malfunction. Francis Castanos describes how that was just one of many strange turn of events that doomed that mission and its satellite payload. Learning from Chandrayaan 2 for IndiaWith the Chang’e-5 mission, China has now landed three times on the Moon successfully, while India’s only attempt crashed last year. Ajay Kothari discusses how India can learn from that failure on its next mission to the Moon. Review: The Art of NASANASA and the companies working for the agency have long produced art depicting various missions. Christopher Cokinos reviews one book that compiles some of the most stunning examples of artwork involving spacecraft of the past and future. Review: Operation MoonglowThe early Space Age featured not just a race to the Moon between the United States and the Soviet Union but also an effort to win hearts and minds around the world. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines how the US used the space program as a tool of public diplomacy. November 2020:Rolling the dice on Apollo: Prospects for US-Soviet cooperation in the Moon programPresident Kennedy surprised many in 1963 when, in a UN speech, he proposed cooperating with the Soviet Union on sending humans to the Moon. Dwayne Day examines a report written not long after that speech for insights into that sudden, but short-lived, shift from competition to cooperation. The case for ApophisIn April 2029, the asteroid Apophis will pass close to the Earth, posing no threat of impact but instead offering an opportunity for scientists. Jeff Foust reports on discussions at a recent workshop on the potential missions that could be flown during the flyby and the rationales for them. A 4G network on the Moon is bad news for radio astronomyNASA recently awarded a contract to Nokia to study the development of a 4G wireless network on the Moon. Emma Alexander warns that such a network might benefit exploration but could harm radio astronomy. Chesley Bonestell and his vision of the futureChesley Bonestell is widely known in the space community for his spaceflight art at the dawn of the Space Age, but for much of his career he was known for other kinds of artwork. A biography of Bonestell now streaming, Jeff Foust notes, offers an overview of his life and the artwork that inspired many. Review: Black Hole Survival GuideOdds are you’ll never encounter a black hole, but it never hurts to be prepared. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers a “survival guide” to black holes as a means to help people understand these enigmatic objects. We were heroes once: National Geographic’s “The Right Stuff” and the deflation of the astronautA new version of “The Right Stuff” is now on the streaming service Disney+, telling the story of the Mercury 7 in a new way. Dwayne Day discusses how the series differs from the original book and movie, and what it says about our views of astronauts and heroes. An iconic observatory faces its demiseThe National Science Foundation announced last week it would seek a “controlled decommissioning” of the giant Arecibo radio telescope after it suffered damage in recent months. Jeff Foust reports on the rationale behind that decision and the telescope’s legacy. The space resources debate pivots from asteroids to the MoonFive years ago this week, President Obama signed into law a bill that granted companies rights to space resources they extracted. Jeff Foust describes how that effort, intended to enable asteroid mining, has evolved to support the use of lunar resources as part of Artemis and related initiatives. In the new spectrum of space law, will Biden favor the Moon Treaty?How might the Biden Administration deal with issues like the Artemis Accords and rights to space resources? Dennis O’Brien examines the proceedings of a recent conference, and Biden’s views on an analogous issue, for insights. Review: Spacepower AscendantThis week’s launch of the Chang’e-5 lunar sample return mission by China will likely reinvigorate arguments of a space race between China and the United States, one that some see the US losing. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers a theory of space development and applies it to that competition to offer approaches for the US to win. From development to operations, at long lastOn Sunday night, a Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying four NASA and JAXA astronauts lifted off on the first “operational” commercial crew mission to the International Space Station. Jeff Foust reports that the launch, and some paperwork days earlier, marked a long-awaited transition in commercial spaceflight. Spooks and satellites: the role of intelligence in Cold War American space policyIntelligence about Soviet efforts to develop anti-satellite weapons shaped US space policy in the 1970s and 1980s. Aaron Bateman examines what’s known from archival materials about how that intelligence is linked to US decisions on ASAT development and the Strategic Defense Initiative. Lunar commerce: a question of semantics?Many space advocates envision a future of commercial space activities on the Moon, but what does that really mean? Derek Webber discusses what lunar markets might have government versus commercial customers in the near and long term. The need for US leadership in remediating space debrisWhile most people agree that something should be done to remove orbital debris, there’s a lack of consensus about how it should be done. Jessica Duronio argues that it’s time for the US to take a leadership role on the issue. George Low made the hard choices on Apollo: a review of “The Ultimate Engineer”One of the key, yet underappreciated, figures in the Apollo program was NASA’s George Low. Emily Carney and Dwayne Day review a biography of Low that also serves as a leadership primer. Moon 2020-somethingThe Trump Administration called for a human return to the Moon by 2024, a goal that many were skeptical about before the election and now seems increasingly unlikely. Jeff Foust reports on how plans to return humans to the Moon might change under a new administration. Closing the business caseAs the Biden administration prepares to take office, it faces decisions on its next steps in space policy. Robert Oler discusses why it should focus on measures to close the business case for human spaceflight. How ISRO handled the pandemicIndia conducted its first launch of 2020 on Saturday after a long hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Ajey Lele argues India’s space agency did not handle the pandemic as well as its counterparts in other nations. Russia looks for actress to steal Tom Cruise space movie thunderTom Cruise is reportedly interested in filming a movie on the International Space Station as soon as next fall, but a Russian project could get there first. Tony Quine examines what is known about this Russian movie set to film on the station next year, including the unusual approach the project is taking to select its lead actress. Review: Luna CognitaIt might seem difficult to write a single definitive book about the Moon. Joseph Page II reviews one book that tries to do so, even if it spans three volumes. A dynamic ISS prepares for its future, and its endToday marks the 20th anniversary of a continuous human presence on the International Space Station, a milestone hailed by NASA and its partners. But, as Jeff Foust reports, it’s unlikely the ISS will be around for 20 more years, putting pressure on NASA and the space industry to make the transition to commercial space stations. Russia gears up for electronic warfare in space (part 2)In the conclusion of his two-part study of Russian space electronic warfare efforts, Bart Hendrickx examines proposals to conduct electronic warfare from space and efforts to protect Russian satellites from such attacks. US space missions require bipartisan support for optimal long-term successA potential change administrations raises questions about the future of NASA’s Artemis program and other space initiatives. Namrata Goswami says that the US needs to maintain bipartisan support for those efforts to remain competitive. The Green New Deal for spaceA Biden Administration might push for a “Green New Deal” to combat climate change. Mike Pavelec argues that spaceflight can support those efforts by opening up access to new resources and reducing the use of greenhouse gases. Review: Star CrossedOne of the most notorious incidents in the history of NASA’s astronaut corps took place more than a decade ago when Lisa Nowak confronted a romantic rival in an airport parking lot. Jeff Foust reviews a book that offers a comprehensive, but not complete, accounting of what happened. October 2020:Russia gears up for electronic warfare in space (part 1)The Russian military has been developing a series of systems designed to counter American and other satellites through electronic warfare. Bart Hendrickx describes what we know about some of these capabilities in the first of a two-part report. Swords into plowshares: the top secret PERCHERON projectIn the 1960s, a company doing work for the NRO sought permission to offer some of those spacecraft systems to NASA. Dwayne Day describes that effort, and how it ended badly. The Artemis Accords take shapeEarlier this month seven countries joined the United States as the first to sign the Artemis Accords. Jeff Foust reports on what’s in the accords and some of the praise and criticism they’ve received. From the Truman Proclamation to the Artemis Accords: steps toward establishing a bottom-up framework for governance in spaceThe signing of the Artemis Accords comes as others seek to push for alternative approaches, like the Moon Agreement. Alfred B. Anzaldúa and Cristin Finnigan discuss whether a bottom-up or top-down approach to governance works best to enable sustainable lunar exploration. If we are going forward to the Moon, don’t go back to ApolloNASA administrator Jim Bridenstine recently suggested that the first human lunar landing since Apollo might not go to the south pole of the Moon but instead to an Apollo site. Christopher Cokinos argues that, if the south pole is ruled out, there are better places to go than somewhere we’ve already been. Applied witchcraft: American communications intelligence satellites during the 1960sStarting in the early 1960s, the National Reconnaissance Office flew a series of missions to perform what’s known as communications intelligence, seeking to understand patterns of communications within the Soviet Union. Dwayne Day examines what’s known about those early missions. TAG, Bennu, you’re itOn Tuesday, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will attempt to touch down on the surface of asteroid Bennu and collect samples for return to Earth. Jeff Foust reports on how this effort, already technically challenging, has turned out to be even more difficult than originally expected. Rock-solid (Blue) Cube: Galileo and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakeThirty-one years ago, the Loma Prieta earthquake shook the San Francisco Bay Area, including a military space control center. Joseph Page II recounts how that facility still managed to remain operational to support a shuttle launch the next day. Is the New Zealand commercial space success story a model for other countries?New Zealand has in recent years developed a small but growing space industry in fields from Earth observation to launch. Marçal Sanmartí explores if the factors that supported that growth can be replicated in other countries. Review: Canadarm and CollaborationMore than anything else, Canada’s space program is known for its series of robotic arms for the shuttle, space station, and soon the lunar Gateway. Jeff Foust reviews a book that describes how those Canadarms also helped create and shape a human spaceflight program in the country. Semantics in lexicon: Moving away from the term “salvage” in outer spaceIt’s not uncommon to hear proposals for the “salvage” of derelict satellites and debris. Michael Listner explains why that term is not accurate for space, and offers an alternative. The three administratorsLast week, three former NASA administrators gathered for a rare discussion about some of the issues facing the agency. Jeff Foust recaps the discussions on topics ranging from cooperation with China to the challenges of commercialization. In the paler moonlight: the future’s past in “For All Mankind”The second season of the alternative history TV series “For All Mankind” jumps forward a decade to a time when the US and USSR have dueling lunar bases. Dwayne Day discusses how the show can illuminate modern-day issues, but also has its limitations. Space entrepreneurs need to look to the stars but keep their feet on the groundMany in the space industry are motivated primarily by technologies, be they satellites or launch vehicles. Nicholas Borroz argues that, for space startups to be successful, they have to avoid pursuing technologies simply because they are interesting and instead use them to solve problems. Review: Neutron StarsBlack holes may have won the Nobel Prize in Physics last week, but neutron stars are just as important to understanding the universe, and just as enigmatic as well. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines what we know, and don’t know, about these objects. Mars ain’t the kind of place to take your kid: Netflix’s “Away”The new Netflix series “Away” is about the first human mission to Mars. Or rather, as Dwayne Day describes, it’s more like a Lifetime movie in space, one where the Red Planet gets little more than a cameo. Battle of the Titans (part 2)Around the time the Air Force was moving ahead with what would become the Titan IV, it was making plans to bring back another Titan vehicle. Wayne Eleazer examines how converting the Titan II from ICBMs to space launch vehicles turned out to be more expensive than promised. Commercial space, and space commercialization, weather the pandemicWhile the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has severely hurt many industries, space has avoided the worst of those effects. Jeff Foust reports on how the industry has fared, including how new initiatives have continued amid the crisis. Why addressing the environmental crisis should be the space industry’s top priorityThe theme of World Space Week, being celebrated this week, is “Satellites Improve Life”. Loïs Miraux argues that the space industry will have to adapt to remain relevant in a future where climate change and other environmental issues play an increasingly central role. Review: Space Is Open for BusinessThere’s been a surge of space startups in recent years that have benefited from investment despite uncertainty about the size and sustainability of their markets. Jeff Foust reviews a book by an advocate of, and investor in, space startups who makes the argument there’s a bright future ahead for commercial space. September 2020:India’s Mars orbiter completes six years at the red planet, but where is the science?Six years ago, India’s first Mars mission, known as Mangalyaan, successfully entered orbit around Mars, a major achievement for the country’s space program. Jatan Mehta describes how, since then, the mission has been a scientific disappointment. Reality bitesA reality TV show is reportedly in the works that would send the winner to the International Space Station. Dwayne Day notes this is a latest in a long line of such ventures, which so far have all failed to send anyone into space. Battle of the Titans (part 1)In the 1980s, the Air Force pursued a new launch vehicle as a backup to the Space Shuttle. As Wayne Eleazer recounts, what would become the Titan IV had its challenges both before and after it won the competition. Photons and phosphineA month ago, Rocket Lab not only returned its Electron rocket to flight, but also flew its first Photon satellite. Jeff Foust reports on the development of the spacecraft and how it could enable plans for a privately backed mission to Venus. Review: China in SpaceChina’s space ambitions have been the subject of much speculation, and sometimes hyperbole, in the West over the years. Dwayne Day reviews a book that provides a clear assessment of what the country is doing in space and plans to do in the coming years. Where will Artemis 3 land? And when?Last week, NASA officials appeared to suggest they were considering alternatives to the south pole of the Moon as the Artemis 3 landing site. Jeff Foust reports that while the agency now says that was a misunderstanding, it’s still facing a challenge to keep the mission funded and on schedule. Why the detection of phosphine in the clouds of Venus is a big dealLast week, scientists announced they had detected phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus, a finding that could be evidence of life there. Paul Byrne explains why the discovery can be a catalyst for a new round of exploration of the planet. Venus: science and politicsEven the discovery of a potential biosignature in the atmosphere of Venus cannot escape geopolitics. Ajey Lele discusses a claim made after the discovery by the head of Roscosmos that Venus is a “Russian planet.” Review: Orphans in SpaceLost among the major documentaries and blockbuster films are many small films about space that might easily be lost. Glen Swanson explore a two-DVD set that assembled an obscure set of short films, from early computer-generated imagery to in-house company footage. Review: The Last StargazersAstronomy has changed dramatically over the last century, from astronomers peering into eyepieces in cold observatory domes to managing observations from the comfort of their homes. Jeff Foust reviews a book that examines those changes, and what might be lost among those advances. Moon and Mars advocates find peaceFor decades, space advocates have battled over whether humans should first return to the Moon or instead go directly to Mars. Jeff Foust reports there’s growing agreement on a Moon-to-Mars strategy, if it can maintain political support. Launch failures: fill ’er up?Just as a car can run out of gas, some launch failures can be traced to running out of propellant before reaching orbit. Wayne Eleazer discusses why that can happen for some vehicles, or why, in other cases, failures can be traced to having too much fuel. Star children: can humans be fruitful and multiply off-planet?Human reproduction is one of the key issues for a long-term human presence beyond Earth, but is also a topic space agencies have been reticent to study. Fred Nadis examines what research has been done, including an unusual recent private initiative. The West needs bold, sustainable, and inclusive space programs and visions, or elseChina is developing a comprehensive vision for human exploration of the Moon and utilization of its resources. Giulio Prisco argues it’s time for the US and its international partners to develop their own bold, inclusive vision of space or risk losing the future. Review: Space DogsLaika is famous for being the first dog in space, but died not long after reaching orbit. Jeff Foust reviews a film that attempts to tell the story of Soviet flights of dogs mixed with contemporary scenes of strays like Laika. The future on hold: America’s need to redefine its space paradigmAmerican economic growth in recent decades has been very different than what the country enjoyed in the previous century. Stephen Kostes argues that space exploration and commercialization can help restore that traditional, stronger growth. Making the transition from the ISSNASA is emphasizing its low Earth orbit commercialization effort in order to create commercial facilities that can one day succeed the International Space Station. Jeff Foust reports that effort faces challenges, including concerns some might seek to end the ISS too soon. The Artemis Accords: a shared framework for space explorationNASA’s Artemis Accords have attracted attention and, in some cases, controversy. Paul Stimers and Abby Dinegar explains why the accords should be seen as an essential part of international cooperation in space exploration. Walking through the doors of history: unlocking a space traditionFor decades, astronauts launching on NASA missions have walked through the same doorway at a Kennedy Space Center building, one that has become adorned with stickers from those missions. Kirby Kahler examines that lineup of logos, including those missions that are missing and some of the mysterious patches found there. Review: The Smallest Lights in the UniverseScientists studying the universe are also people whose personal struggles shapes their lives and careers. Jeff Foust reviews a memoir by one astronomer balancing a study of exoplanets with a life turned upside down by a tragedy. August 2020:Pick an agency, any agencySpace Policy Directive 3 gave the Commerce Department responsibilities for civil space traffic management in 2018, but congressional disagreements have kept the agency from making much progress. Jeff Foust reports on a new report, requested by Congress, that affirms the administration’s decision. Outer space needs private lawNASA’s proposed Artemis Accords, a means to enforce good behavior among partners in the Artemis program, has attracted controversy. Alexander William Salter describes an alternative to space governance that doesn’t require governments. Collaboration is the cornerstone of space explorationWhile competition drove the original Space Race, there’s a growing emphasis now on cooperation in space exploration. Dylan Taylor discusses how cooperation can be leveraged to enable the exploration of Mars and much more. From SSA to space recon: Setting the conditions to prevail in astrodynamic combatThe US military has shifted from discussing “space situational awareness” to “space domain awareness” recently, reflecting growing concerns about threats to military assets in orbit. James Kirby argues that a “space reconnaissance” mindset is now needed in order to properly react to those threats. Review: The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)Many astronomers study how the universe began, but others are curious about how it might end some day. Jeff Foust reviews a book that looks at the various potential fates of the universe in the (mostly) far future. Losers and (sore) winnersEarlier this month the Air Force announced it was awarding a new round of launch contracts for national security payloads to SpaceX and United Launch Alliance. Jeff Foust reports that, despite winning an award, SpaceX is still unhappy with how the competition unfolded. The National Aeronautics and Space and Arms Control Administration (NASACA)?As NASA achieved the Apollo program’s goal of landing astronauts on the Moon, it was concerned about its future. Dwayne Day uncovers a proposal in historical documents where NASA sought to play a role in arms control. NASA’s Artemis Accords: the path to a united space law or a divided one?The proposed Artemis Accords for countries that want to cooperate on NASA’s lunar exploration plans has attracted interest, but also some criticism. Guoyu Wang examines the various elements of the accords and the effect they could have on international space law. Reaching for the stars: structural reform in the private space sector in IndiaThe Indian government has announced a series of initiatives to support the development of a private space industry in the country. Anirudh Rastogi and Varun Baliga discuss what the government has announced, and what more it needs to do. Review: Shuttle, HoustonNASA’s Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center has developed expertise over the decades in managing human spaceflight. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a longtime flight director there who recalls his experiences in Mission Control and the wisdom gained from that experience. Upgrading Russia’s fleet of optical reconnaissance satellitesRussia has few operational reconnaissance satellites today, and those in service are thought to be beyond their design life. Bart Hendrickx examines efforts in Russia to develop a new generation of imaging satellites. After the fire: a long-lost transcript from the Apollo 1 fire investigationThere were conspiracy theories surrounding the Apollo 1 accident, particularly after one worker who testified to Congress about problems later died and his testimony lost. Dwayne Day provides a copy of that testimony, uncovered two decades ago during production of a radio program. Virgin Galactic, still awaiting liftoff, spreads its wingsIn recent weeks Virgin Galactic has announced a number of new initiatives, from the design of a supersonic aircraft to orbital spaceflight. Jeff Foust reports that these projects come despite the fact that the company has yet to complete development of its core business, suborbital spaceflight. Orbital space tourism set for rebirth in 2021It’s been more than a decade since a space tourist flew to orbit. Tony Quine explains why that dry spell is likely to end next year as two companies plan three different commercial missions, assuming they have customers for them. Review: War in SpaceIncreased antisatellite testing has raised new concerns about conflict breaking out in space. Jeff Foust reviews a new book that offers a new model for thinking about “spacepower” and how it relates to policy, and war, on Earth. Captured flagOn Sunday afternoon, the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft completed its Demo-2 mission with a splashdown that successfully returned two NASA astronauts to Earth. Jeff Foust reports on the end of a mission that was a long-awaited milestone for NASA’s commercial crew program. How the “Department of Exploration” supports Mars 2020 and moreNASA’s Mars 2020 mission that launched last week included a role for the Department of Energy, both for the rover’s power supply and its instruments. Paul Dabbar explains how his department supports Mars 2020 and other space science and exploration missions. Propelling Perseverance: The legacy of Viking is helping NASA get to MarsNASA’s latest mission to Mars has an unexpected link to the first NASA mission to land on the planet nearly 45 years ago. Joe Cassady describes how a thruster used on Viking is still in demand on Mars missions today. Mars race rhetoricThe wave of missions launched to Mars in recent weeks have led some to claim there’s a new “race” involving the Red Planet. Ajey Lele argues that the countries embarking on Mars missions are doing so for different reasons and with different capabilities that rules out any real competition. Sending Washington to the Moon: an interview with Richard PaulThe radio show “Washington Goes to the Moon” two decades ago shed new light on the political battles around the Apollo program, and provided a wealth of material for later historians. Dwayne Day interviews the man who wrote and produced the show. July 2020:Irregular disorder and the NASA budgetThe House is scheduled to vote this week on a “minibus” appropriations bill that would provide NASA with the same overall funding as 2020. Jeff Foust reports that the bill’s limited funding for lunar lander development puts the goal of returning humans to the Moon by 2024 into question. National spaceports: the futureOversight of the Eastern and Western Ranges will now be a responsibility of the Space Force. Wayne Eleazer argues the new service may finally be able to give spaceports the attention the Air Force never could. Highway to the Danger Zone: The National Reconnaissance Office and a downed F-14 Tomcat in IraqThe NRO is usually associated with collecting satellite imagery, but it once helped in the rescue of naval aviators. Dwayne Day recounts the NRO’s role in that rescue during Operation Iraqi Freedom. What you should learn from Comet NEOWISEThe passing Comet NEOWISE, on display in the night sky in recent weeks, can seem like little more than a brief diversion from our problems on Earth today. Hariharan Karthikeyan argues it’s a reminder to look up and think big. Review: Promise DeniedOne of the reusable launch vehicle programs NASA was pursuing a quarter-century ago was the X-34, but that program was overshadowed by the failure of the larger, more expensive X-33. Jeff Foust reviews a new NASA history of the X-34, which was cancelled by NASA just as it was getting ready for a first flight. Handshakes and histories: The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, 45 years laterFor the 45th anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, Roscosmos released documents about Soviet preparations for the mission. Asif Siddiqi and Dwayne Day examine the insights the documents provide that help put the mission into a new perspective. The pandemic’s effect on NASA scienceLast week, NASA announced another delay in the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, which the agency said was at least in part because of the coronavirus pandemic. Jeff Foust reports that JWST is not the only NASA science mission or research program affected by the pandemic. Tracking off-the-books satellites with low perigeesSome objects in orbit aren’t included in an official Defense Department catalog, even those that can pose a reentry risk. Charles Phillips discusses efforts to track those objects with low perigees to see when they might reenter. Review: Once Upon a Time I Lived on MarsPlanning for human missions to Mars goes beyond the development of key technologies. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a participant in a Mars analog mission in Hawaii who examines issues ranging from isolation and boredom to what they’ll eat. What’s in a name when it comes to an “accord”?Two months ago, NASA announced the Artemis Accords, a set of agreements countries would have to sign on to in order to participate in the Artemis program. Jeff Foust reports on the purpose of the accords and the various issues some in the space community have raised about them. CSI: Rocket ScienceWhat happens when a rocket test goes awry? Jeff Smith uses the example of a problem during a test last year of a solid rocket motor being developed for Northrop Grumman’s OmegA rocket of how such problems are investigated and resolved. Not so dark skiesA recent book makes the argument that space settlement could be so detrimental to humanity it shouldn’t be attempted. Al Globus makes the case that the book’s analysis, done correctly, should reach just the opposite conclusion. Enhancing space deterrence thinking for nuclear threshold threats (part 3)In the conclusion of his analysis of space deterrence strategy, Christopher Stone offers recommendations for how the United States should respond to emerging space threats. Review: The Sirens of MarsA new fleet of spacecraft launching to Mars this month is propelled, in a sense, by the desire to know if Mars once had, or might still today have, life. Jeff Foust reviews a book by a planetary scientist who combined the history of those studies with her own personal journey. National spaceports: the pastThe Defense Department is considering concepts for “national spaceports” at the existing launch ranges in Florida and California. Wayne Eleazer looks at how the ranges were managed in the past as a guide for the future. It’s (small) rocket science, after allRocket Lab, the leader among small launch vehicle startups, suffered a setback over the weekend when an Electron launch failed. Jeff Foust reports other small launcher companies have also struggled technically, even as US government agencies offer new contract opportunities for them. “Artemis 8” using DragonCould a Crew Dragon spacecraft be sent to the Moon? Robert Zubrin lays out the case for how a version of the Apollo 8 mission could be done with existing spacecraft and launch vehicles. Enhancing space deterrence thinking for nuclear threshold threats (part 2)In the second part of his examination of space deterrence strategy, Christopher Stone uses the example of North Korea as a way to explore the threats facing the US, and US space systems in particular. Review: The Little Book of CosmologyCosmology can be a complex, intimidating subject, but it’s possible to discuss it in a concise, straightforward manner. Jeff Foust reviews one book that does so by explaining how the cosmic microwave background sheds light on the origins of the universe. Home |
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