Rocket Propulsion

Space transportation’s pollution conundrum

By Alyssa Tomlinson

January 1, 2022

Moving about by trains, automobiles and aircraft began without consideration for the environmental effects of the emissions from these machines. Is humanity about to repeat this disregard, this time for transportation to space? Perhaps, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Alyssa Tomlinson tells the story.

Why it’s time to reach for full reusability

May 1, 2021

Now that SpaceX has vividly demonstrated the promise of reusability in space launch, it’s time to revive the goal of aircraft-like reusability of launch vehicles. Eugene A. Ustinov and Philip I. Moynihan, both formerly of NASA, make the case and present a concept.

Reaching Europa

By Tom Risen

March 30, 2018

The White House wants to steer the launch of NASA’s proposed Europa Clipper spacecraft to a commercial rocket

Fly when it’s safe

By Tom Jones

April 17, 2017

It would be a mistake to rush a crew aboard untried NASA vehicles