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Travel & Experiences

Dust-Up: 50 years of space

This week marks the fiftieth anniversary of the launch of Sputnik and the start of the Cold War space race. To size up how America and Planet Earth are doing in space exploration today, Homer Hickam, former NASA designer and bestselling Rocket Boys author Homer Hickam debates Rand Simberg, former aerospace engineer, space policy commenter and proprietor of the “Transterrestrial Musings” blog.

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  • 1

    Books

    Transhumans in space

    What role will genetic engineering and modification of human beings play in long-term space exploration? Is there any way humans in their present form can survive long trips into deep space? All this week, Rand Simberg and Homer Hickam debate the space program at 50.

  • 2

    World & Nation

    Russia resurgent

    Today is the 50th anniversary of Sputnik’s launch. Why does a formerly communist space program seem so much more market-oriented these days (in terms of taking paid tourists, accepting ads, etc) than NASA? All this week, Rand Simberg and Homer Hickam debate the space program at 50.

  • 3

    World & Nation

    NASA vs. the far-out space nuts

    Private space buffs frequently complain that NASA is standing in their way. Are they right? How has NASA prevented them from getting into high-Earth orbit? All this week, Rand Simberg and Homer Hickam debate the space program at 50.

  • 4

    Travel & Experiences

    Does Mars need humans?

    What is the purpose of going back to the moon? Of going to Mars? Does the United States have its priorities straight in space travel? All this week, Rand Simberg and Homer Hickam debate the space program at 50.

  • 5

    World & Nation

    Why is NASA the only game in space?

    What are the goals of a government-funded space program? Is NASA the best way to achieve them? All this week, Rand Simberg and Homer Hickam debate the space program at 50.

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