Ad Astra
The magazine of the National Space Society
Volume 19, Number 1 Spring 2007
Return to Back Issue Index
Featured Articles:
16
SHUTTLE LAUNCH EXPERIENCE TO BLAST OFF FROM KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
A new attraction in Cape Canaveral is the first in a decade-long, $160 million expansion of the space center’s Visitor Complex.
By Jim Banke
18
PAROM:
RUSSIA’S RESPONSE TO A RETIRING SHUTTLE FLEET
As NASA moves to retire the shuttle fleet, Russia takes a serious look at creating a new workhorse for low Earth orbit.
By James Oberg
20
A CHANGING OF THE GUARD
The changes in the United States Congress means more oversight and new challenges for NASA
By Brian Berger
27
RECLAIMING THE MOON:
THE FIRST STEP
First the Moon, then Mars, then beyond.
by Richard Godwin
28
MOON BASE:
THE NEXT STEP IN THE EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
The United States is returning to the Moon, and this time it intends to stay there.
By Jeff Foust
32
LUNAR OBSERVATORIES:
GRAND PLANS VS. CLEAR PROBLEMS
Humans will return to the Moon no later than 2020, paving the way for treks to Mars and beyond. When liftoff happens, astronomers don’t want to be left in the dust.
By Jeanna Bryner
36
BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Our lives, and our civilization, have been enriched by NASA’s ability to turn dreams into machines. I only want NASA to choose its dreams wisely.
By Andrew Chaikin
38
SPACE SHUTTLE REVISITED, RE-ENVISIONED
If NASA can use the success of the Apollo-era space designs to return to the Moon, a reusable, fixed-wing orbiter might deserve a second look.
By Benjamin P. Martin
Departments:
5
LETTER FROM
HEADQUARTERS
Participatory Exploration and the Future of Our Space Program
By George Whitesides, NSS Executive Director
24
OPINION
Zero G, Zero Tax: Enabling Private Space Enterprise Through Tax Incentives
By Dennis Wingo
42
REVIEW
Space on Earth
Reviewed by Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides
43
COMMUNITY
Why the Moon?
By Gary Barnhard, Chairman of the Executive Committee
44
SPOTLIGHT: NSS NEWS
Students: Submit Your Entries Now to the NSS-NASA Ames Student Space Settlement Design Contest.
45
CHAPTER LISTINGS
48
SIGNING OFF
China’s Space Leadership: Decades in the Making
Thirty-five years ago China entered the space race, but as the new century dawns its intentions become unclear.
By Leonard David