Monthly Archives: October 2011

The Life and Times of Pluto

Posted on October 31, 2011 by asteitel

This week, three people have approached me wondering why Pluto isn’t a planet anymore. My brief explanation of “it doesn’t meet the characteristics of a planet” didn’t set too well; they grew up with Pluto, they want it back! They … Continue reading →

Posted in History of Space Science, Planetary Science | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Even Moon Landings Need Dress Rehearsals

Posted on October 22, 2011 by asteitel

Last month, amateur British astronomer Nick Howes announced that he will soon take up the hunt for Snoopy – not the cartoon Beagle whose mission will always be to take down the Red Baron in a dogfight, but Apollo 10’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Apollo, History of Space Science, Manned Spaceflight | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

A History of the Dyna-Soar

Posted on October 5, 2011 by asteitel

Over the last few days, I’ve been doing some research into the USAF Dyna-Soar or X-20 program, and its story is much more interesting than I realized. Like many of the unrealized programs of the early space age, its impact … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft, Manned Spaceflight, Soviet | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments