Ad Astra
The magazine of the National Space Society
Volume 16, Number 1 Jan-Feb-March 2004
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ON THE COVER: Space shuttle Endeavor over Cook Strait, New Zealand, during approach to the International Space Station on November 25, 2002. Photo: NASA.
Featured Articles:
16
REKINDLING THE DREAM
President George W. Bush outlines an initiative that puts us back on the Moon by 2020. And from there, on to Mars…
By Frank Sietzen, Jr.
18
THE VISION THING
After floundering for decades, the U.S. space program has a new mission and a broader vision. But will it be enough to get us where we want to go?
By Jeff Foust
22
IN SEARCH OF PLANETS AND LIFE
When it comes to stars like our sun, planets may be the rule rather than the exception. A new flock of space telescopes will help scientists home in on the Earth-like worlds.
By Erik Baard
26
THE CASE FOR SOLAR POWER FROM SPACE
There’s an awful lot of energy to be had out in space. Why we should be looking to solve Earth’s energy crisis by harvesting power from the sun.
By Arthur P. Smith
34
AMERICA’S NEW SPACE CATHEDRAL
The expansion of the Smithsonian Air and Space Musuem in Dulles, Virginia, is a space buff’s dream. A look inside the new museum.
By Keith Cowing, photos by Jeff Foust
Modules:
4
LAUNCH PAD
New Directions
By Greg Allison, Chairman of the Executive Committee
6
MISSION CONTROL
13
POLICY INSIGHT
Getting Unstuck, by Clifford R. McMurray, NSS Executive Vice President
14
GUEST SPACE
Lunar Sample Return Mission Deserves Top Flight
By Donald F. Robertson
15
COUNTDOWN
The Winds of Change
By Irene Mona Klotz, Editor in Chief
38
SPACE COMMUNITY
Cultures Meld at Youth Space Summit in Turkey, by Larry Evans
NSS Chapters and Projects
48
LIFTING OFF
Paving a New Road to Space
By Brian E. Chase, NSS Executive Director