The Polar-Lunar Continuum: A New Economic Framework for Cislunar Development
This essay introduces the Polar-Lunar Continuum, a framework that reframes cislunar space into three distinct, interconnected economic zones. Discover how shifting from destination-focused exploration to corridor-focused development provides a crucial roadmap for policymakers, investors, and startups to build lasting commercial infrastructure beyond Earth.
Space Station Design Cost Simulator User Guide
CSSS releases its Space Station Design Cost Simulator web app and associated user guide to serve as a STEM educational tool.
The Top Ten Challenges to the Economic Development of the Moon
To successfully develop the Moon such that it becomes an economic asset for humanity, there are a number of challenges that must be overcome. Here is a list of the top ten challenges to the economic development of the Moon.
Could We Understand an Alien Message?
The Sunday May 31, 2026 open public meeting of the Chicago Society for Space Studies (CSSS) will feature CSSS Speakers Bureau member Dale Dellutri and his presentation Could We Understand an Alien Message. Assuming for the moment that we do receive a radio message...
Beyond Flags and Footprints: Policy and Infrastructure for a Sustainable Cislunar Economy and Lunar Base Development
Humanity stands at a pivotal moment in space exploration: under the Artemis Program, the Moon is no longer merely a destination for symbolic landings, but a launching point for a sustainable cislunar economy…
Material Selection and Structural Strategies for a Multi-Rotating Cylindrical Martian Space Settlement
As the human population continues to grow, an uncertain future on Earth has given rise to the idea of space settlements, a necessary step if humanity is to move to accommodate its growth. Some of these space settlements may revolve around a body in space, presenting their challenges as opposed to traditional long-term settlements located on a planet’s surface.
2025 Space Year in Review Program Meeting
The Sunday December 14, 2025 free public meeting of the Chicago Society for Space Studies (CSSS) will feature CSSS Vice President Larry Boyle and his 2025 Space Year in Review presentation. Larry's annual summary of the key space events of the year is an annual...
Automation and Internet Services of a Martian Large Orbital Settlement
[This paper was written by the following student members of The Space Society at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS): Abhinav Gopalkrishnan, Om Joshi, Serene Wang, Sanjana Viswaprabakaran, Saharsh Tavva, Bryan Wang, Tamoghna Naladala, Aryakrishna...
Mass-Efficiency Tradeoffs in Chemical and Electric Propulsion for Mars Cargo Transfers
By Chisom Agali, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, University of North Texas, 2025 Abstract This study evaluates the performance of chemical and electric propulsion systems for interplanetary cargo transfers, focusing on a Mars-bound mission scenario....
2001: A Space Odyssey Live with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
On January 9 and 10, 2026, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will take audiences on a musical journey through space. For two nights only Stanley Kubrick’s iconic science fiction movie 2001: A Space Odyssey will be brought to life in a live-to-picture performance featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.