Space

John M. Logsdon reviews Amy Paige Kaminsky’s book about the development of and justification for NASA’s space shuttle program.

Brent Blevins is a senior congressional staffer and staff director of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, which is part of the US House of Representatives’ Committee on Space, Science, and Technology. On this installment of Science Policy IRL, he explains what staffers in the House and Senate do in the science policy world, and his unusual path into science policy.

Carolyn Russo explores how artists’ depictions of space exploration over the years bridged gaps between scientific, sociopolitical, and cultural viewpoints, inspiring the nation to dream bigger and reach for the stars.

For space exploration to benefit all of humanity, it needs a philosophy—a rigorous engagement on values, impact, and meaning.

On April 8, 2024, North America will experience something that will not be visible from the continent for another 20 years: a total solar eclipse. Celestial events such as these are awe-inspiring, but public engagement opportunities like these are often seen as separate from the work of actual scientists. On this episode, we talk to astronomer Douglas Duncan about how he has worked to bridge this gap and invite the public into the joy of science.

Space is filling with more satellites and commercial ventures, all threatened by orbital debris. It’s time to clarify which agencies have authority to act.

When NASA collaborated with social scientists to engage the public in two-way conversations about the agency’s Asteroid Initiative, the outcome surprised everyone.

The problem of orbital debris—a.k.a. space junk—worsens as more countries and companies get involved in space. Classifying space junk as pollution could help define a path forward.

Is the sudden flowering of space programs good news? Space expansionists certainly think so. But, Daniel Deudney notes in his book, “it is remarkable—and disturbing—how little critical scrutiny these projects and their rationales have received.”

NASA came to see the public as instrumental in accomplishing its mission. What does this mean for other R&D agencies trying to create societal value, relevance, and connection?

Lindy Elkins-Tanton talks about the limitations of “hero science” and how she’s using a more inclusive model of collaboration.