Tag Archives: International Space Station

“Space Oddity” Sung by Chris Hadfield


This is really fun! Chris Hadfield, Commander of the International Space Station sings “Space Oddity” written by David Bowie to the world.

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Comment on Story: “How the Air Force and SpaceX Saved Dragon from Doom”


Yesterday Ken Kremer published a story on-line at universetoday.com entitled “How the Air Force and SpaceX Saved Dragon from Doom.” He quoted liberally from an e-mail I had sent to Nancy Atkinson on March 5, 2013, when she contacted me about … Continue reading

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Are Humans or Robots the Future of Space Travel?


On February 20 I participated in a NASA “Social,” an event for space observers who tweet, blog, and otherwise electronically communicate to the world about what they see. I talked about the two robots we have in the National Air … Continue reading

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How Do Space Activities Contribute to Our Daily Lives?


I was recently asked this question, how do space activities contribute to our daily lives? I must confess that I have been asked it many times previously. Virtually every time this question is asked, however, it is because the person … Continue reading

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What is the Space Shuttle’s Place in Modern American History?


It began with the desire to ensure a continuous human presence in Earth orbit during the post-Moon landing era. The result of this effort has required a continued access to orbit with the Space Shuttle, giving humans the experience of … Continue reading

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A Chronology of Space Anniversaries for 2013


Many people have asked what anniversaries are upcoming in 2013 in space history. Here is a quick list. Are there items that I should add to this accounting? 1923—90 years ago December: Die Rakete zu den Planetenräumen (The Rocket into … Continue reading

Posted in Apollo, Cold War Competition, History, International Space Station, Lunar Exploration, Personal, Politics, Science, Space, Space Shuttle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Roger Launius Interviewed on “The Space Show,” November 30, 2012


On Friday, November 30, 2012, I participated in an interview about the history of spaceflight on “The Space Show,” hosted by Dr. David Livingston. We talked about my new book, Coming Home: Reentry and Recovery from Space, co-written with Dennis … Continue reading

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New Study Available: “Toward a History of the Space Shuttle: An Annotated Bibliography Part 2, 1992–2011″


Twenty years ago I compiled with Aaron Gillette an annotated bibliography of the Space Shuttle program entitled Toward a History of the Space Shuttle. We intended it as a starting point for serious historical investigation into the program’s history. At … Continue reading

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Announcing the Space Policy and History Forum #6: “Earth-Moon Space: The Art of the Possible, 2012-2022″


Announcing the sixth Space Policy and History Forum, “Earth-Moon Space: The Art of the Possible, 2012-2022,” presented by Thomas Jones on December 10 (Monday), 4:00-5:00 P.M., at the National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C. Abstract: As the threat of … Continue reading

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Humanity and the Extreme Environment of Space


There is reason to believe that some forms of microbial life might survive the extreme conditions of space. For Homo sapien sapiens, however, the space environment is a remarkably dangerous place. One space life scientist, Vadim Rygalov, remarked that ensuring human life … Continue reading

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