As space companies like SpaceX expand satellite constellations and others pursue more frequent heavy-lift launches, what practical benefits and drawbacks are materializing for communications, Earth observation, and the growing volume of objects in low Earth orbit?

Jacksonville, Florida I spend enough time around a port to have become suspicious of the word seamless. A terminal operator will tell you a shipment is visible from end to end, a carrier will promise real-time tracking, and somebody in a conference room will call the whole arrangement an integrated platform. Meanwhile, a truck sits … Continue reading As space companies like SpaceX expand satellite constellations and others pursue more frequent heavy-lift launches, what practical benefits and drawbacks are materializing for communications, Earth observation, and the growing volume of objects in low Earth orbit?

2014 Symposium: Is it time to re-think a space program?

Raleigh: Since the times of Cold War when the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. have engaged into fierce military and non-military competition, the development of space programs was crucial for both of these countries. Consequently, both countries (and later some other countries) have devoted significant financial and human resources to developing space programs. For the United … Continue reading 2014 Symposium: Is it time to re-think a space program?

Is It Time to Colonize Another Planet?

From Thinking Outside the Boxe’s Sydney Correspondent By now there is an overwhelming scientific consensus that anthropogenic climate climate change has the potential to wreak havoc on our planet, and irrevocably change the way we live our lives. Low lying pacific island nations are already seeing the effects first hand and are being confronted with … Continue reading Is It Time to Colonize Another Planet?