Featured

Declassification of the Manned Orbital Laboratory: An Analysis of Materials Released by the NRO

The Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL) was a major initiative by the U.S. Air Force in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) during the 1960s. MOL was a secretive yet highly significant chapter in the annals of space exploration history. Despite its cancellation in 1969, the MOL program has remained a subject of intrigue for researchers and historians due to its classified nature. Over the years, the NRO has declassified a considerable amount of information about the MOL, providing an intriguing look into the Cold War era’s covert space operations.

Read More Declassification of the Manned Orbital Laboratory: An Analysis of Materials Released by the NRO
Featured

Redefining Space Missions: The Disaggregation of Satellite Functionalities

In the realm of space technology, a significant shift is underway: the disaggregation of satellite functionalities. This approach deconstructs traditional satellite capabilities into smaller, specialized units. It marks a departure from the ‘one satellite, many functions’ principle towards a model where multiple smaller satellites, each dedicated to a specific function, collaborate to accomplish a common mission.

Read More Redefining Space Missions: The Disaggregation of Satellite Functionalities
Featured

The VentureStar Project: NASA’s Abandoned Hope for Reusable Spacecraft

The VentureStar project was one of NASA’s most ambitious programs aimed at creating a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) reusable spacecraft. Conceptualized in the mid-1990s, the VentureStar was intended to replace the aging Space Shuttle fleet, promoting cost-efficiency, safety, and frequent access to space. However, despite its innovative vision, VentureStar never made it past the prototype stage due to technical challenges and budget constraints.

Read More The VentureStar Project: NASA’s Abandoned Hope for Reusable Spacecraft

Report: Large Constellations of Low-Altitude Satellites: A Primer (CBO 2023)

In this report, the Congressional Budget Office provides an introduction to the advantages of and challenges for constellations of low-altitude satellites. In particular, the report describes the effects that orbital altitude has on the design of satellites and constellations of those satellites, focusing on DoD’s Earth-observation and communications missions.

Read More Report: Large Constellations of Low-Altitude Satellites: A Primer (CBO 2023)
Featured

Single-Stage-to-Orbit (SSTO): Pioneering the Future of Space Exploration

Ever since the advent of space exploration, human beings have employed similar types of vehicles to journey beyond the confines of our planet. The concept of Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) vehicles represents a significant shift in our approach to space travel. This fascinating technology has the potential to revolutionize space exploration by offering a more cost-effective and efficient means of reaching orbit.

Read More Single-Stage-to-Orbit (SSTO): Pioneering the Future of Space Exploration

Report: Space Sustainability Isn’t Just About Space Debris – on the Atmospheric Impact of Space Launches (MIT 2022)

Throughout their life cycle, space launch vehicles impact their local and global environments on Earth and in space. Given the space industry’s projected growth, recent literature suggests that the atmospheric consequences of these activities are understudied and insufficiently addressed.

Read More Report: Space Sustainability Isn’t Just About Space Debris – on the Atmospheric Impact of Space Launches (MIT 2022)
Featured

Time in Space: A Review of Typical Milestones and NET/NLT Designations in Space Projects

Timing is paramount, particularly in the sphere of space exploration. Each mission can be likened to a complex puzzle, requiring each piece to slot perfectly into place for the broader picture to emerge. To ensure all parts align just right, there are two significant types of checkpoints used: ‘No Earlier Than’ (NET) and ‘No Later Than’ (NLT). These terms effectively bracket the ‘earliest’ and ‘latest’ dates for task completion. This article reviews these critical markers relative to their importance in maintaining the timely progression of space missions and ensuring the successful attainment of their objectives.

Read More Time in Space: A Review of Typical Milestones and NET/NLT Designations in Space Projects
Featured

The New Space Race: Counterspace Capabilities and Satellite Defense

Satellite counterspace capabilities have become increasingly important in the modern world, as space has become an integral part of various sectors, such as communication, navigation, military, and scientific research. With nations vying for dominance in the space domain, this article provides an overview of the various counterspace capabilities and reviews satellite counterspace defensive options.

Read More The New Space Race: Counterspace Capabilities and Satellite Defense

Press Release: Conference Board of Canada Report Confirms Economic Potential of Commercial Space Launch Innovator, Maritime Launch Services (MLS, May 2023)

“Once Spaceport Nova Scotia fully ramps up operations, the Conference Board of Canada projects it will add $300 million to Canada’s GDP annually, boost revenue to governments by more than $100 million, and create 1,000 full time jobs”

Read More Press Release: Conference Board of Canada Report Confirms Economic Potential of Commercial Space Launch Innovator, Maritime Launch Services (MLS, May 2023)
Featured

The Fusion of Entertainment and the Space Economy

The entertainment industry within the space economy is a multifaceted sector that merges technology, innovation, and creative storytelling to deliver entertaining content related to space activities and exploration. It is an emerging market segment, providing audiences worldwide with an array of experiences and knowledge about the universe beyond our planet. This article explores several key aspects of the space economy’s impact on the entertainment industry.

Read More The Fusion of Entertainment and the Space Economy
Featured

The US Air Force Manned Orbital Laboratory: A Legacy of Innovation

The Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL), an ambitious project by the U.S. Air Force, remains an important footnote in the history of human space exploration. This program, which ran from 1963 to 1969, aimed to develop a manned space station with a dual purpose: scientific research and military reconnaissance. Although the MOL never reached operational status, its advances and the human capital it developed made significant contributions to America’s subsequent space endeavors.

Read More The US Air Force Manned Orbital Laboratory: A Legacy of Innovation