Category Archives: Space transportation

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

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

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

Jack Schmitt’s Lunar Memories

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Paul Spudis

Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot and Geologist Harrison H. (Jack) Schmitt has posted a new item on his web site: the beginning of a reminiscence of his historic flight, which departed for the Moon 44 years and 11 months ago … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, space technology, Space transportation | 4 Comments

Why We Go To The Moon – A Mission Statement

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Paul Spudis

I have a new blog post up at Air & Space on the need for a “mission statement” for our return to the lunar surface.  I advocated this during the VSE days, but lost that argument.  I believe this to … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, Philosophy of science, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 17 Comments

Flight of the Space Turkey

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Paul Spudis

Throwing a wrench into NASA’s engine of progress may not have been the intent of Vice President Pence’s first meeting of the National Space Council with his announcement that a human return to the lunar surface is the new direction … Continue reading →

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, space industry, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 26 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

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

Eclipse Happens

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Paul Spudis

I have a new post up over at Air & Space discussing the upcoming total solar eclipse, mainly as a vehicle to proselytize for lunar return.  Enjoy the spectacle next Monday!

Posted in Lunar development, Lunar exploration, space industry, space policy, space technology, Space transportation | 7 Comments

A Timely and Excellent Production: Destination Moon

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Paul Spudis

The internet video streaming channel CuriosityStream has released a documentary about a return to the Moon produced by Chris Haws.  The five-part, hour-long production nicely outlines the rationale and approach for going back to the Moon to find, develop and … Continue reading →

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