The CSSS Space Exploration and Space Development Article Reference Guide is an index to the articles that appear on this website in support of our mission of educating the public about the technical and political issues associated with advancing human civilization across the Solar System.
Articles about the Exploration of Mars
↑ TopNASA Mars 2020 Helicopter Ingenuity Review
The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter proved the feasibility of powered flight on another planet by completing 72 flights over a three-year span. This review highlights its transition from a technology demonstration to an essential aerial scout for the Perseverance rover.
The Prospects for Mars Space Tourism
Despite significant interest from wealthy individuals, the multi-year duration of a round-trip to Mars remains a primary obstacle for a viable tourism market. This analysis suggests that Martian tourism will not provide substantial near-term revenue for a Martian colony’s economy.
Nuclear Propulsion for Manned Mars Missions
Nuclear thermal rockets could slash Mars transit times from years to just three months, significantly reducing astronaut exposure to harmful deep-space radiation. This technology is presented as a critical solution for preventing the long-term cognitive impairments associated with extended space travel.
Material Selection and Structural Strategies for a Multi-Rotating Cylindrical Martian Space Settlement
This article evaluates the engineering requirements and material choices necessary to build large, rotating cylindrical habitats in the Martian orbit. It focuses on balancing structural integrity with the need for artificial gravity to support long-term human habitation.
Automation and Internet Services of a Martian Large Orbital Settlement
This article discusses the necessity of advanced autonomous systems and local internet infrastructure to manage the complex operations of a large-scale orbital colony. It explores how digital services must be adapted to handle the latency and connectivity challenges inherent in the Martian system.
Mass-Efficiency Tradeoffs in Chemical and Electric Propulsion for Mars Cargo Transfers
This essay compares the benefits of high-thrust chemical rockets versus high-efficiency electric propulsion for transporting cargo to Mars. The essay’s conclusion is that the choice depends heavily on mission priority, specifically the trade-off between transit speed and payload capacity.
Articles about Lunar Exploration and the Development of the Moon
↑ TopBeyond Flags and Footprints: Policy and Infrastructure for a Sustainable Cislunar Economy and Lunar Base Development
The author outlines the regulatory and economic frameworks required to foster a sustainable commercial environment between the Earth and the Moon. It emphasizes that clear policy and infrastructure investment are the foundations for long-term lunar development.
Back to the Moon for Good – Google LUNAR XPRIZE Video
This is an overview of the X-Prize Foundation planetarium program Back To the Moon for Good which addresses the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition and its role in incentivizing private lunar exploration.
Strategies For A Permanent Lunar Base
This paper reviews the logistical and environmental strategies essential for maintaining a continuous human presence on the Moon. It covers topics ranging from resource utilization to habitat shielding against radiation and micrometeoroids.
Testimony on the Commercial Development of Lunar Resources
The testimony of Apollo astronaut Harrison Schmitt to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space on November 06, 2003.
Factors Impacting the Sustainability of a Lunar Economy
Sustainability in lunar development is examined through the lens of supply chain logistics, cost reduction, and the creation of local markets. The article argues that the Moon’s economic success depends on its ability to provide a range of services to lunar operations, the Earth, and future deep-space missions.
Lunar Solar Power Stations vs. The O’Neill Proposal
A look at the feasibility of harvesting solar power from lunar-based stations against the orbiting space colony model proposed by Gerard O’Neill. The essay evaluates each approach based on construction complexity and the potential for large-scale energy export to Earth.
Building Dreams From Moondust
This article explores the use of lunar regolith as a primary construction material for building habitats and infrastructure on the Moon. It highlights 3D printing and sintering technologies as keys to minimizing the cost of transporting building materials from Earth.
Articles about Space Policy
↑ TopSpace Policy Blitz Results 2016
This report summarizes the outcomes of Chicago Society for Space Studies advocacy efforts where our team met with members of Congress to promote long-term space development goals. It details the specific legislative priorities discussed, including NASA funding and commercial space support.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and the Delusions of Space Enthusiasts
The article critiques Neil deGrasse Tyson’s perspectives on the economic drivers of space exploration, particularly his skepticism toward private-sector-led colonization. It addresses the debate over whether government or commercial interests are best suited to lead the expansion into the solar system.
A Space Policy Discussion with Libertarian Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson
This essay is a summary of the space policy views presented by the author to Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party’s candidate for President of the U.S.
U.S. Space Policy Meeting with U.S. Congressional Candidate Chris Dargis
This report is a summary of the meeting held by the author with Congressional candidate Chris Dargis. The focus of the discussion was on the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in space through support for both traditional NASA programs and the emerging commercial sector.
Articles about Commercial Space and the Space Economy
↑ TopSpace Business Plan Competition Insights
An exploration of the author’s judging of a space business plan competition. This article provides advice on creating business models for the orbital and lunar markets. It highlights the importance of identifying clear customer bases and realistic revenue streams in the high-risk space industry.
Porters Five Forces Model Analysis of the Market for Commercial Space Stations
This analysis applies Porter’s classic business framework to the emerging market for private space stations to assess competition and profitability. It examines each of the factors of Porter’s Five Forces Model and concludes with a summary of the private space station market in terms of Porter’s model.
Dylan Taylor Makes Seven Predictions About Future Space Developments at ISDC
Space investor Dylan Taylor outlines his vision for the next decade, including the rise of the cislunar economy and the democratization of space access. The article summarizes his key predictions for technological and commercial growth in the space industry.
Articles about Space Settlement
↑ TopA Case for AI-Driven Robotic Space Development
This essay makes the case that artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous robots should take the lead in the initial development of space infrastructure in order to reduce costs and risk to human life while expediting the development of a space economy that includes construction, resource extraction, and mining operations.
Roadmap to the Stars: Space Development Master Plan
This extended essay presents a comprehensive long-term vision for human expansion into the solar system, starting with low Earth orbit and extending to the asteroids. It outlines the technological and economic milestones necessary to achieve a multi-planetary civilization.
Averting Armageddon with ROI
This article argues that space settlement provides a critical safety net for humanity while offering a substantial return on investment through new technologies.
Space Settlement FAQ
This resource provides answers to a variety of common questions regarding the mechanics, costs, and motivations behind living in space. It serves as a foundational guide for those curious about the practicalities of orbital colonies and planetary settlement.
Are We Alone In the Galaxy? The View from the High Frontier
This article explores how the creation of massive space habitats might change our perspective on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. It suggests that advanced civilizations may reside in constructed habitats rather than on planetary surfaces.
The Advantages of Space Living Over Planetary Living
Comparing planetary surfaces to orbital habitats, the author argues that the controlled environments and constant solar energy available to space colonies offers superior living conditions to those of planetary surfaces. It emphasizes the flexibility of artificial gravity and the proximity to space-based resources.
Crossroads
This editorial examines the then current state of space exploration and the choices that would determine whether humanity suceeds in becoming a spacefaring species. It highlights the tension between short-term political goals and the long-term requirements for permanent settlement.
Been There, but Have We Really Done That?
The article critiques the slow progress in returning humans to the Moon and moving on towards Mars, contrasting current efforts with the rapid pace of the Apollo era. The author calls for a shift in focus from short-term missions to the establishment of permanent, self-sustaining habitats.
Somewhere Else Entirely
This article discusses the cultural and psychological shifts that will occur as humans move away from Earth and settle elsewhere in the solar system. It considers how new environments will inevitably lead to the development of new social and political structures.
Space Settlement and The Case For Space
The author presents the case for space exploration based on economic growth, scientific discovery, and the long-term survival of the human race.
Space Settlement and Dumb Wannabe Colonists
This article addresses the misconceptions and lack of preparation many pro-space enthusiasts have regarding the harsh realities of space colonization. The author advocates for a more rigorous, engineering-based approach to the challenges of extraterrestrial living.
Space Settlement and Orbital Space Colonies
The author presents excerpts from the work of Al Globus detailing the design and feasibility of small, equatorial orbital colonies that could be built with near-term technology. The focus is on finding the most cost-effective and low-radiation paths to establishing permanent residences in space.
Space Colonies: The High Frontier by Gerard O’Neill
This summary honors Gerard O’Neill’s book ‘The High Frontier,’ which introduced the concept of massive rotating space colonies at Lagrange points. It outlines O’Neill’s vision for moving heavy industry off-planet in order to preserve the Earth’s environment while expanding human civilization outward.
Optimal Solar System Locations for Orbital Habitats
This article evaluates different regions of the solar system to determine the best locations for human settlements based on resource availability and transit times. It specifically looks at the benefits of Lagrange points, lunar orbits, and the asteroid belt.
Articles about Space Solar Power, aka Space Based Solar Power
↑ TopSpace Solar Power: Marketing Versus Math
A critical look at the math of space-based solar power, this piece contrasts an optimistic marketing claim against the mathematical reality.
Space Based Technologies to address Global Warming Mitigation – Solar Based Power Stations and Solar Occulus
This article investigates how space-based assets, such as solar shields and orbital power plants, could be used to directly combat climate change on Earth. It evaluates the large-scale engineering challenges and potential environmental impacts of such ambitious projects.
Rocket and Generation Ship Technology Articles
↑ TopWorld Ships: Feasibility and Rationale
This deep dive into the concept of interstellar ‘world ships’ explores the engineering and social requirements for multi-generational voyages to other star systems. It discusses the necessity of self-sustaining ecosystems and the ethics of embarking on a journey that will take centuries.
Water and Air Consumption Aboard Interstellar Arks
Focusing on life support systems, this technical article calculates the massive amounts of water and air needed to sustain large populations on interstellar missions. It emphasizes the critical role of 100% efficient recycling technologies for long-duration survival.
The Cathedral and the Starship: Learning from the Middle Ages for Future Long-Duration Projects
By comparing starship construction to the multi-generational building of medieval cathedrals, this piece examines the societal commitment required for long-term space projects. It explores how to maintain cultural and financial support for goals that take longer than a human lifetime to complete.
Challenges of Building a Starship in the 21st Century Part 1 Scoping the Problem
The first part of this series identifies the immense energy and material hurdles involved in designing a craft capable of reaching another star. It sets the stage by defining the physical constraints that modern technology must overcome to achieve interstellar travel.
Challenges of Building a Starship in the 21st century Part 2 Two Stage and the Powered Maneuver
This technical installment focuses on the propulsion strategies needed for interstellar transit, specifically multi-stage designs and high-velocity maneuvers. It evaluates different engine types and the physics of accelerating and decelerating at relativistic speeds.
Challenges of Building a Starship in the 21st century Part 3 Packet Resupply
The article introduces the concept of ‘packet resupply,’ where fuel or resources are launched ahead of or toward a traveling starship to extend its mission capability. It examines the precision and timing required to coordinate these high-speed interstellar handovers.
Challenges of Building a Starship in the 21st century Part 4 Finalizing the Starship
The conclusion of the series synthesizes the previous technical discussions into a theoretical starship design and mission profile. It summarizes the remaining breakthroughs needed in materials science and energy production to make such a vessel a reality.
Articles about the history of Space Exploration
↑ TopGemini: Stepping Stones to the Moon
The historical review of the Gemini program details how it developed the critical techniques, such as docking and spacewalking, necessary for the Apollo lunar missions. It emphasizes that the success of the Moon landings was built on the incremental lessons learned during these mid-1960s flights.
Space Exploration Highlights of 2020
This retrospective highlights the major milestones of 2020, including the launch of Mars missions and the first commercial crewed flight to the ISS. It frames the year as a pivotal turning point for both government agencies and private space companies.
Book Reviews
↑ TopBook Review: Beyond Earth’s Edge The Poetry of Spaceflight
This book review explores an anthology of poetry that captures the human emotion and poets perspectives on space exploration.
Space Piracy Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit Book Review
The review of this book discusses the legal and security challenges of preventing crime and piracy as commercial activity in space increases. It examines the need for international policing and clear maritime-style laws for the space environment.
Articles about Planetary Science
↑ TopCassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn
This article provides a summary of the Cassini-Huygens mission’s findings, including the exploration of Saturn’s rings and the landing on its moon, Titan. It celebrates the mission as one of the most successful international collaborations in the history of robotic space exploration.
Miscellaneous Space Articles
↑ TopThe Five Lagrange Points: L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5
This article explains the physics behind Lagrange points, which are stable positions in space where the gravitational pull of two large bodies – the Earth and Moon – comes into balance with the centripetal force of a smaller object. It describes why these points are ideal locations for future space habitats.
A Profile of Space Shuttle Payload Specialist Byron Lichtenberg
This article is an interview by the author of Byron Lichtenberg, the first NASA payload specialist to fly on the Space Shuttle. The interview focuses on Byron’s association with the National Space Society and its chapters.
What Horticulture and Space Exploration Can Learn from Each Other
In this article, the author explores the intersection of plant science and space travel, highlighting how growing food in microgravity improves terrestrial farming techniques. It also discusses the psychological and physiological benefits of including greenery in space habitats.
Archeology, Anthropology, and Interstellar Communication
This article discusses how the fields of archaeology and anthropology provide frameworks for interpreting potential signals from extraterrestrial civilizations. It focuses on the challenges of communicating across vast differences in culture, biology, and time.
Post-Detection SETI Protocols and METI: The Time Has Come To Regulate Them Both
This article reviews the international protocols for what to do after detecting a signal from an extraterrestrial intelligence and the debate over actively sending messages (METI). It further addresses the security and ethical concerns of making Earth’s presence known to the galaxy.