Category Archives: space policy

An Architecture for Direct Lunar Return Using SLS and Orion

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Paul Spudis

I have been asked recently by several people to lay out an architecture for direct lunar return.  This includes what is required (e.g. LOP-G or no LOP-G?), how the pieces fit together and the likely outcome of such a program.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, space industry, space policy, space technology, Space transportation, Uncategorized | 11 Comments

Will Lunar Return Harm the Moon?

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Paul Spudis

I have some thoughts at the Air and Space site about the possible environmental impact of lunar development.  Have a look and comment, if desired.

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, space industry, space policy, space technology | 6 Comments

A Foothold, Not Just Footprints

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Paul Spudis

New post up at Air and Space, where I look at the rationale and reasons for lunar return.  Are we on track to do the right thing?

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, space policy, space technology | 7 Comments

Jim Bridenstine confirmed as NASA Administrator

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Paul Spudis

New post up at Air & Space discussing today’s confirmation of Rep. Jim Bridenstine as the 12th Administrator of NASA and some of the challenges he faces in plotting a course back to the Moon.  Comment here, if desired.

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

Have We Lost the Moon?

Posted on April 8, 2018 by Paul Spudis

There was real excitement in the lunar community last fall when Vice President Mike Pence announced, during a meeting of the reconstituted National Space Council, that the next step in human spaceflight would be our return to the Moon. Advocates … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, space industry, space policy | 36 Comments

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

The Lunar Anthropic Principle

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Paul Spudis

New post over at Air & Space on what I am calling the “Lunar Anthropic Principle.”  Is humanity destined to live on the Moon?  Comment here, if desired.

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Philosophy of science, space policy | 9 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

Take a Step on Another World

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Paul Spudis

I have a new piece up at Air & Space on what it will be like to live and work on the Moon.  Comments welcome.

Posted in Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, space policy, space technology | 11 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