Category Archives: Uncategorized

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

Lowering the Cost of Human Spaceflight

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Paul Spudis

Three approaches, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.  My new post up at Air&Space, for your consideration.  Comment here, if desired.

Posted in Lunar development, space industry, space policy, space technology, Space transportation, Uncategorized | 45 Comments

Yutu on the Moon and the Cost of Mars

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Paul Spudis

A couple of new posts on other sites that might be of interest to the readers of this blog. Over at Air & Space, I discuss the new science results from the Chang’E-3 Yutu rover investigations.  Comment here, if you … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 32 Comments

The Flight of Orion

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Paul Spudis

New post up at “Once and Future Moon” on the Orion spacecraft, its upcoming test flight this week, and some observations on the program in general.  Comment here if you are so inclined.

Posted in Lunar exploration, Lunar Science, planetary exploration, space policy, space technology, Space transportation, Uncategorized | 11 Comments

A Lunar Road Trip

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Paul Spudis

I have a new post up at Air & Space that describes an imaginary road trip across the surface of the Moon sometime in the no doubt distant future.  Comment here, if so inclined.

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

New post at Air & Space: Gordon Swann, Geology Teacher to the Astronauts

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Paul Spudis

I have a new post over at Smithsonian Air & Space about my good friend, Gordon Swann, who passed away last week.  Gordon was the PI of the field geology team for the Apollo 13, 14 and 15 missions and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The Promise of Astronomy on the Moon

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Paul Spudis

In a new post over at Air & Space, I consider the history of efforts to conduct astronomical observations from the lunar surface.  Comment here if so inclined.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

You too, Yutu?

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Paul Spudis

Some thoughts on the possible state of the Chang’E 3 mission to the Moon are posted at Air & Space, for your consideration and reading pleasure.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on You too, Yutu?

Lunar Forensic Files: Studying Life’s Processes and Origin on the Moon

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Paul Spudis

Astrobiology on the Moon?  I have a new blog post up at the (newly re-designed) Air & Space magazine that discusses the study of pre-biotic organic geochemistry in the lunar polar volatile deposits.  Comment here if so inclined.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Mining the Moon, Fueling the Future

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Paul Spudis

Some thoughts on the meaning of “mining” in the context of lunar return over at the other blog at Air & Space magazine.  Comment here if you want.

Posted in Uncategorized | 57 Comments