Category Archives: planetary exploration

The New NASA Budget and “Hurrying” Back to the Moon

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Paul Spudis

When new budgets are issued, our first instinct is to see how much we were allocated and then moan about why it isn’t enough. It’s no different with the new NASA budget, and so the predictable responses have started. Budgets … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, planetary exploration, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 15 Comments

Humans and Robots — Again

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Paul Spudis

I continue my musings on this perennial topic (and its relevance to the recent Presidential announcement) in a new post at Air & Space.  Comment here, if desired.

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, Philosophy of science, planetary exploration, space policy, space technology | 15 Comments

Are Humans Needed on the Moon?

Posted on November 26, 2017 by Paul Spudis

During my recent appearance on The Space Show, a caller questioned the need for people on the Moon. If teleoperated robots can be used to mine resources, manufacture useful products, and set up a lunar outpost, as I have proposed, … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, Philosophy of science, planetary exploration, space policy, space technology | 23 Comments

A Pioneering NASA Administrator

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Paul Spudis

I have new post up at Air & Space discussing the “Pioneering Doctrine” devised by Rep. Jim Bridenstine as part of his American Space Renaissance Act (ASRA).  Although not yet a passed law, this doctrine is informative about his thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, planetary exploration, space industry, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 15 Comments

The Space “Field of Dreams”

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Paul Spudis

Over at Air & Space, some musings on the space program (real and faux) as inspiration.  Comment here, if so inclined.

Posted in Lunar exploration, planetary exploration, space policy, Space transportation | 34 Comments

Thoughts on National Geographic’s Mars mini-series

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Paul Spudis

Well, this thing has set back the cause of space advocacy another 50 years. We have now been subjected to six, 45-minute episodes of this dreary exercise in clueless propaganda. I expressed my initial reactions to the first episode previously … Continue reading →

Posted in planetary exploration, space industry, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 16 Comments

The National Geographic Society’s “Mars” – Nova Fabula

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Paul Spudis

For me, a child of the Sixties, the National Geographic Society (NGS, or “Society”) provided an amazing window into the wonderful world of discovery. Founded in 1888, the Society has produced an enormous catalogue of books, TV programs and movies. … Continue reading →

Posted in planetary exploration, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 19 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

Delusions of a Mars Colonist

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Paul Spudis

A perennial talking point promoted by the space media is the belief that to save humanity, we must make a beeline to Mars. Supposedly, Mars is so “Earth-like” that it is the natural second home for humanity in space, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, planetary exploration, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 34 Comments

Lunar Resources: Beyond the Fringe

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Paul Spudis

A new, somewhat philosophical post up at Air & Space on the recent Royal Astronomical Society meeting in London on using space resources.  By the way, that great, appropriate title (alluding to the British comedy group) was a suggestion of … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, planetary exploration, space industry, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 13 Comments