Category Archives: Lunar Science

Thoughts on the Job of NASA Administrator

Posted on September 3, 2017 by Paul Spudis

The White House announcement of the nomination of Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R- OK) for NASA Administrator drew some immediate and rather surprising (to me, anyway) reactions. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL), whose state is critically involved in … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, space policy, Space transportation | 18 Comments

Ashes and Water

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Paul Spudis

Lots of media coverage this week on newly analyzed spectra showing elevated amounts of water in lunar dark mantling (pyroclastic) ash deposits.  I discuss the new finding and what it might mean in a new post over at Air & … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science | 13 Comments

Virtues of the 90-Day Study

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Paul Spudis

Broach the topic of the “90-Day Study” with almost any random person involved with space for more than 25 years and you’re likely to provoke a reaction akin to showing Dracula a crucifix. This document is now offered as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, planetary exploration, space industry, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 32 Comments

Mysterious Moon Sounds

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Paul Spudis

I have a new post up at Air & Space discussing the recent flurry of news stories concerning the old “music of the spheres” chestnut about strange sounds heard in lunar orbit.  The coverage seemed a bit too credulous for … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, space technology | 10 Comments

Another Way to Land on the Moon

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Paul Spudis

New post up at Air & Space in which I describe my idea for a robotic mission to the lunar poles that uses multiple hard landing probes to measure water contents.  Comment on the idea here, if so inclined.

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, planetary exploration, space technology, Space transportation | 18 Comments

The Colorado Plateau – An Impact Feature?

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Paul Spudis

Some geological thoughts while driving across the country.  Could the Colorado Plateau Be an Ancient Impact Scar?  Comments welcome.

Posted in Lunar Science, planetary exploration | 9 Comments

Under the Double Eagle

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Paul Spudis

I have a new post up at Air & Space on an old proposed mission from the SDI days, the Double Eagle Space Experiment.  This mission was to have used active remote sensing to map the Moon’s composition with high … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, planetary exploration, space technology | 24 Comments

Drones on the Moon

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Paul Spudis

In a new post over at Air & Space, I consider some of the advantages and drawbacks to the possible use of robotic drones in the exploration and prospecting of the Moon.  Comment here is desired.

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, space technology, Space transportation | 25 Comments

Swirling Controversy

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Paul Spudis

I have a new post at Air & Space on the mystery and problem of swirls on the lunar surface.  Readers are invited to comment on this topic here, if so inclined.

Posted in Lunar exploration, Lunar Science | 1 Comment

Dusty Space Around the Moon

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Paul Spudis

A new post up at Air & Space on LADEE results for the lunar dust exosphere.  Space is not empty!  Comment here, if desired.

Posted in Lunar exploration, Lunar Science | 6 Comments