Blog Archive

Customary International Law: Herding Cats in Zero Gravity

Posted by Andrew Rush on 2012/05/24 11:14 CDT

When it comes to emerging industries like extraterrestrial resource mining, customary international law can seem like attempting to herd cats in zero gravity. Pinning down what is “fair” and “customary” in areas where no man has gone before can seem daunting but it also presents the unique opportunity to shape international custom by establishing them.

Bringing a little star power to Capitol Hill

Posted by Jennifer Vaughn on 2012/05/09 08:11 CDT | 5 comments

On May 8, 2012, Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson brought their unique brand of motivational speaking to Capitol Hill. In a standing-room-only lunch discussion in one of the meeting rooms for the Committee on Space, Science, Technology, these two space superstars, along with planetary scientist Louise Prockter, explained to members of Congress, staffers, and media why we must continue to invest in planetary exploration.

Opportuity forward hazcam view, sol 1621, Duck Bay

Video: We Must Explore

Posted by Andrew Chaikin on 2012/05/04 11:36 CDT | 2 comments

Planetary exploration is in trouble. Massive budget cuts threaten to starve NASA’s planetary program for years to come. If you are as angered and frightened by this situation as I am, I ask you to make your voice heard. Please share this video. And tell Washington, “We Must Explore.”

A call to action

Posted by Paul Hayne on 2012/04/09 02:15 CDT

Paul Hayne, representing the Facebook group "Young Scientists for Planetary Exploration," urges you to take action to support NASA in the budget debate.

A Turning Point at Mars

Posted by Jim Bell on 2012/04/09 11:10 CDT

Today, NASA's highly-successful robotic solar system exploration program, and the Mars exploration program in particular, is on the brink of a major turning point.

Earth rose over the lunar horizon as Apollo 8 completed the first manned trip behind the far side of the Moon.

Where is space?

Posted by Andrew Rush on 2012/04/06 11:25 CDT

Obviously the Earth ends and space begins somewhere, but today, as it has been for the entirety of humanity's manned and unmanned exploration of "up there", there is no international legal definition of space, no clear indication of where space law applies! This ambiguity is a potential source of confusion and unease for aerospace companies.