Ad Astra
The magazine of the National Space Society
Volume 16, Number 2 April-May-June 2004
ON THE COVER: Nightfall on Titan seas, as imagined by Slovenian artist Gregor Kervina. Saturn’s largest moon is a primary focus of the Huygens-Cassini mission, scheduled to begin in July. The image depicts the Huygens probe floating in a methane/ethane lake believed to exist beneath the hazy atmosphere of Titan. Photo: NASA.
Featured Articles:
16
DITCHING HUBBLE BODES POORLY FOR FUTURE SPACE EXPLORATIONS
NASA’s decision to end servicing missions to the Hubble Space Telescope ignites a wave of controversy over the meaning of acceptable risk.
By Robert Zubrin
19
PARTISAN POLITICS SHATTERING SPACE DREAM
Democrats take issue with Bush space initiative.
By Frank Sietzen, Jr.
20
SCIENTISTS READY TO HOP ABOARD MANNED MOON INITIATIVE
With the new Moon initiative researchers can break new ground on lunar studies.
By Larry O’Hanlon
23
SAILING AT SATURN
A seven-year space voyage ends in July with the arrival of NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and Europe’s Huygens probe at Saturn.
By Kurt Hayes
27
REMEMBERING COLUMBIA?
The new vision could end up being a first step in the long-term development of space, and hence the best tribute imaginable to Columbia.
By Joan Johnson-Freese
Modules:
5
LAUNCH PAD
Fighting for the Future
By Greg Allison, Chairman of the Executive Committee
6
MISSION CONTROL
14
GUEST SPACE
Future Earth Prosperity Will Depend on Resources in Space
By Mark Hopkins
15
COUNTDOWN
A Hornet’s Nest
By Irene Mona Klotz, Editor in Chief
30
NSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION
40
POLICY INSIGHT
More Than One Battle, by Clifford R. McMurray, NSS Executive Vice President
43
SPACE COMMUNITY
Rockets for Schools, by G. G. Leatherwood
NSS Chapters and Projects
48
LIFTING OFF
Setting the Stage for a New Reach in Space
By Brian E. Chase and George T. Whitesides, NSS Executive Director