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The Kardashev Scale: A Cosmic Measure of Civilizational Progress

In our quest to understand our position in the cosmos and to speculate about the potential existence of extraterrestrial life, one tool stands out as both a gauge and a roadmap: the Kardashev Scale. This scale, proposed by the Russian astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev in 1964, offers a theoretical framework to measure the technological advancement of a civilization based on energy consumption.

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Exoplanets: The Next Frontier in Space Exploration

Exoplanets, or extrasolar planets, are planets that orbit stars outside of our solar system. These celestial objects were, until recently, the stuff of science fiction. The idea that other star systems could host planets similar to ours—or dramatically different—stirred both scientific and popular imagination. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that scientists confirmed their existence, forever changing our understanding of the universe.

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The Fermi Paradox: Unveiling the Mystery of the Silent Cosmos

In the seemingly boundless universe, teeming with billions of galaxies, each holding billions of stars and potentially even more planets, a thought-provoking question arises: If there are so many potential homes for life, where is everybody? This question is at the heart of what’s known as the Fermi Paradox.

Voyager’s Golden Records: A Time Capsule from Earth

Among the most iconic artifacts of human civilization in space are the Golden Records affixed to the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft, both launched in 1977. Designed as a sort of time capsule intended to communicate the story of our world to extraterrestrials, the Golden Records are a testament to human culture and technological achievements.

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The Drake Equation: Unraveling the Probability of Extraterrestrial Life

The search for extraterrestrial life has intrigued humanity for centuries. In the vast expanse of the universe, with its billions upon billions of stars and potentially habitable planets, it seems statistically unlikely that we are alone. A method used to quantify this probability is the Drake Equation.

Report: NASA’s Management of the Space Launch System Booster and Engine Contracts (NASA 2023)

NASA continues to experience significant scope growth, cost increases, and schedule delays on its booster and RS-25 engine contracts, resulting in approximately $6 billion in cost increases and over 6 years in schedule delays above NASA’s original projections.

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The Skylab Program: Pioneering NASA’s Human Spaceflight

The Skylab Program, announced by NASA in 1970, marked a significant chapter in the history of human spaceflight. It was America’s first experimental space station, designed for humans to live and work in for extended periods. The program’s ambitious scope aimed to expand our understanding of life in space; and ultimately ended up establishing the foundation for future international space stations.

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The Union of Concerned Scientists: Relevance and Contributions to the Space Economy

This article reviews the role and relevance of the UCS to the growing space economy.

Paper: CubeSat Mission From Design to Operation (2019)

This paper discusses the structured life-cycle of a CubeSat project, using as a reference the authors’ recent experience of developing and operating a 2U CubeSat, called qbee50-LTU-OC, as part of the QB50 mission. This paper also provides a critique of some of the current poor practices and methodologies while carrying out CubeSat projects.

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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.

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The Space Economy: Understanding its Economic Multiplier

What is the “economic multiplier” and how is the relevant to the space economy?

Into the Unknown Together: The DOD, NASA, and Early Spaceflight – Free e-book

Published by Air University 2005

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The Philippines Space Strategy: Rising to the Cosmic Challenge

A decade ago, the idea of the Philippines venturing into space exploration might have seemed like a distant dream. But with the establishment of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in 2019 and the launch of several microsatellites before and after that, the country is taking a leap forward into the final frontier.

Report: Blue Origin Selection Statement (NASA 2023)

Overview of NASA RFP selection process and rationale for selection of Blue Origin.

Press Release: NASA Selects Blue Origin as Second Artemis Lunar Lander Provider

To develop a human landing system for the agency’s Artemis V mission to the Moon, NASA has selected Blue Origin of Kent, Washington. Through Artemis, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before, uncovering more scientific discoveries, and preparing for future astronaut missions to Mars.

Press Release: May 22 Event – NASA Begins Feedback Process for Moon to Mars Architecture

May 22, 2023 event hosted by NASA

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The Rise of CubeSats: Democratizing Space Exploration

Space, once the exclusive domain of government agencies and large corporations, is becoming increasingly accessible, thanks in no small part to a class of miniature satellites known as CubeSats. Born from an academic idea to a tool driving a new era in space science, the rise of CubeSats marks a significant chapter in the story of space exploration.

NACA to NASA to Now: The Frontiers of Air and Space in the American Century – Free e-book

NACA to NASA to Now: The Frontiers of Air and Space in the American Century tells the story of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and its successor, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The NACA and NASA facilitated the advance of technology for flight in air and space throughout the 20th and into the 21st century. This book explores how and why aerospace technology took the course it did, discusses some of the key people who drove aerospace science and technology development, and examines the political, economic, managerial, international, and cultural contexts in which the events of flight have unfolded.

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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.

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What Happens if There is an Emergency in Space and Astronauts are Stranded?

If astronauts are stranded in space due to an emergency, their safety and survival depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the emergency, the resources available to the astronauts, and the proximity of any other spacecraft or stations that could provide assistance.

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Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators: Powering Space Exploration

Space exploration and subsequent economic activities have always been deeply intertwined with technological advancements. Of these, power generation technology has been a cornerstone. One such technology that has long been a reliable workhorse in space exploration is the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG). RTGs have been instrumental in powering some of the most ambitious space missions and continue to be relevant in the burgeoning space economy. This article discusses the functioning of RTGs, their use in space missions, and their relevance to the space economy.

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Exploring the Space Economy Through the Lens of the Business Environment Canvas

A Business Environment Canvas is a visual framework or tool used by entrepreneurs and business professionals to understand, analyze, and map the various internal and external factors that can influence the success of a business. The canvas helps to identify opportunities and risks, as well as develop strategies to address them.

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Report: NASA Strategic Technology Roadmaps (consolidated as of April 2023)

NASA’s strategic technology roadmaps are comprehensive, long-term plans that outline the agency’s priorities and goals in technology development to support its missions in space exploration, science, and aeronautics. This article provides a consolidated document including all strategic technology roadmaps as of April 2023.

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Report: Demand Drivers of the Lunar Cislunar Economy (IDA 2020)

To ascertain whether private sector demand could support commercial lunar activities, NASA requested that the IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) examine the present contours and future scale of demand drivers of lunar and cislunar activities through 2040, with a focus on non-NASA commercial demand. This report summarizes STPI’s assessment of demand from civil and commercial sources for lunar and cislunar activities, including the factors that drive that demand.

Report: Robotics and Automation on Earth and in Space Roadmap 2021 to 2030 (Australian Space Agency 2022)

The application of robotics, especially remote operations and autonomous systems, to support humanity’s exploration and use of space has reached a signinicant intlection point. The Robotics and Automation on Earth and in Space Roadmap captures this opportunitv and provides a bold vision, tocused ambition and aspirational capability targets to support the growth of a globally respected and thriving industry in Australia.

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Report: NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture (NASA 2023)

NASA is leading a global, peaceful endeavor for human-led exploration and scientific discovery in deep space. This is a summary of NASA’s recent body of architectural planning that sets the stage for a new era of exploration at the Moon and Mars.