A lunar return, a Jupiter moon, the most powerful rocket ever built and the James Webb Space Telescope – space missions to watch in the coming months

With about 200 orbital launches scheduled and ambitious missions on everything from lunar bases to the search for life in the works, there’s a lot to watch in 2022. An astronomer explains the highlights.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
Jan. 28, 2022 • ~9 min

Fifty years ago, humans took the first full photo of Earth from space – the climate crisis means it's time for another

Photographing the full Earth from space could provide a profound and timely reminder of its vulnerability in the face of climate change.

Robert Poole, Professor of History, University of Central Lancashire • conversation
Nov. 5, 2021 • ~7 min

50 years ago, humans took the first full photo of Earth from space – the climate crisis means it's time for another

Photographing the full Earth from space could provide a profound and timely reminder of its vulnerability in the face of climate change.

Robert Poole, Professor of History, University of Central Lancashire • conversation
Nov. 5, 2021 • ~7 min

Musk v Bezos: real rivals or fake feud? Our research gives a clue

Many Silicon Valley entrepreneurs cooperate closely behind the scenes.

Ben Little, Lecturer in Media and Cultural Politics, University of East Anglia • conversation
Oct. 25, 2021 • ~7 min

Space travel for billionaires is the surprise topic with bipartisan American support – but not from Gen Z

According to a new poll, people across political and demographic lines think the private space race is good for the future but still just an ego trip for the billionaires involved.

Joseph Cabosky, Associate Professor of Public Relations, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • conversation
Aug. 6, 2021 • ~7 min

Space tourism: rockets emit 100 times more CO₂ per passenger than flights – imagine a whole industry

Here's what a space tourism industry led by Branson, Bezos and Musk might mean for the planet.

Eloise Marais, Associate Professor in Physical Geography, UCL • conversation
July 19, 2021 • ~5 min

What's a suborbital flight? An aerospace engineer explains

Both Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are sending spacecrafts – and their billionaire founders – into suborbital flight. But what differentiates a suborbital flight from a trip around Earth?

John M. Horack, Neil Armstrong Chair and Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University • conversation
July 9, 2021 • ~4 min

Space tourism is here – 20 years after the first stellar tourist, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin plans to send civilians to space

The first space tourist left Earth 20 years ago aboard a Russian rocket. Now, private companies like Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin are offering trips to the stars for those who can pay.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies • conversation
May 7, 2021 • ~9 min

Space tourism – 20 years in the making – is finally ready for launch

The first space tourist left Earth 20 years ago aboard a Russian rocket. Now, private companies are on the cusp of offering trips off Earth for those who can pay.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies • conversation
April 28, 2021 • ~8 min

Why billionaire climate philanthropists will always be part of the problem

Jeff Bezos $10 billion pledge is great, but is no match for a properly democratic transition.

Heather Alberro, Associate Lecturer/PhD Candidate in Political Ecology, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
March 2, 2020 • ~5 min

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