Ad Astra Volume 20 Number 1 – Spring 2008

ad astra magazine spring 2008

Ad Astra Volume 20 Number 1 – Spring 2008

On The Cover: A solar power satellite orbits 22,240 miles above the Earth, collecting the sun’s energy and transmitting it safely to the surface in this illustration from artist Kris Holland.

Additional information on Space-Based Solar Power is available on our website.

Featured Articles:

  • Note: The entire Special Report on Space-Based Solar Power (comprising the first five articles listed below) is available as a PDF file [1.5 MB]. The links below provide additional information.
  • 18
    ENERGY FROM ORBIT
    The technology now exists to place great orbiting platforms in space, where they can capture solar energy and redirect it to receivers the size of airports on Earth.
    By John C. Mankins
  • 26
    AN ENERGY PIONEER LOOKS BACK
    The man known as the “father of solar power satellites” reflects on the beginning of it all. An interview with Dr. Peter Glaser.
    By William Ledbetter
  • 28
    STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
    Solar power from space can help keep the peace on Earth.
    By the Space-Based Solar
    Power Study Group-the Caballeros
    See the full report on Space-Based Solar Power As an Opportunity for Strategic Security
  • 32
    A NEW COALITION
    The NSS announces the Space Solar Power Alliance.
    By Arthur Smith
    Correction for end of article on page 33: Gen. Armor is called a “past president” instead of “former director” of NSSO.
  • 34
    ON THE MOON
    Lunar materials can play a major role in the development and launch of solar power satellites.
    By Al Globus
  • 38
    50 AND COUNTING
    NASA celebrates five decades and Ad Astra joins in with a timeline that includes landmarks in NSS history.
    By Katherine Brick, Marianne Dyson, David Brandt-Erichsen, and Mark Hopkins
  • 46
    MIXED SIGNALS FOR ARECIBO
    The world’s largest radio telescope is still vital 45 years after it began
    operations.
    By Joan C. Horvath
  • 9
    LETTER FROM
    HEADQUARTERS
    Priorities for 2008
    By George Whitesides, NSS Executive Director
  • 11
    LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
    Looking Up
    By Mark Mayfield
  • 13
    NSS ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • 14
    SPACE SETTLEMENT
    Space Settlement Broadly Defined
    By Mark Hopkins
  • 51
    LETTER FROM THE
    EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
    Space & Energy: A Catalyst for Creating a Positive Future
    By Gary Barnhard, Chairman of the Executive Committee
  • 52
    SPACE POLICY
    Promises and Perils of Political Prospects
    By Greg Allison, Chair of the Policy Committee
  • 54
    PROFILE
    David Brandt-Erichsen
    Getting the Word Out Worldwide

Ad Astra Volume 20 Number 1 – Spring 2008

On The Cover: A solar power satellite orbits 22,240 miles above the Earth, collecting the sun’s energy and transmitting it safely to the surface in this illustration from artist Kris Holland.

Additional information on Space-Based Solar Power is available on our website.

Featured Articles:

  • Note: The entire Special Report on Space-Based Solar Power (comprising the first five articles listed below) is available as a PDF file [1.5 MB]. The links below provide additional information.
  • 18
    ENERGY FROM ORBIT
    The technology now exists to place great orbiting platforms in space, where they can capture solar energy and redirect it to receivers the size of airports on Earth.
    By John C. Mankins
  • 26
    AN ENERGY PIONEER LOOKS BACK
    The man known as the “father of solar power satellites” reflects on the beginning of it all. An interview with Dr. Peter Glaser.
    By William Ledbetter
  • 28
    STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
    Solar power from space can help keep the peace on Earth.
    By the Space-Based Solar
    Power Study Group-the Caballeros
    See the full report on Space-Based Solar Power As an Opportunity for Strategic Security
  • 32
    A NEW COALITION
    The NSS announces the Space Solar Power Alliance.
    By Arthur Smith
    Correction for end of article on page 33: Gen. Armor is called a “past president” instead of “former director” of NSSO.
  • 34
    ON THE MOON
    Lunar materials can play a major role in the development and launch of solar power satellites.
    By Al Globus
  • 38
    50 AND COUNTING
    NASA celebrates five decades and Ad Astra joins in with a timeline that includes landmarks in NSS history.
    By Katherine Brick, Marianne Dyson, David Brandt-Erichsen, and Mark Hopkins
  • 46
    MIXED SIGNALS FOR ARECIBO
    The world’s largest radio telescope is still vital 45 years after it began
    operations.
    By Joan C. Horvath
  • 9
    LETTER FROM
    HEADQUARTERS
    Priorities for 2008
    By George Whitesides, NSS Executive Director
  • 11
    LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
    Looking Up
    By Mark Mayfield
  • 13
    NSS ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • 14
    SPACE SETTLEMENT
    Space Settlement Broadly Defined
    By Mark Hopkins
  • 51
    LETTER FROM THE
    EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
    Space & Energy: A Catalyst for Creating a Positive Future
    By Gary Barnhard, Chairman of the Executive Committee
  • 52
    SPACE POLICY
    Promises and Perils of Political Prospects
    By Greg Allison, Chair of the Policy Committee
  • 54
    PROFILE
    David Brandt-Erichsen
    Getting the Word Out Worldwide