If the political, technical and budgetary stars align for NASA and its partners in coming years, the moon could be the go-to place as the century unfolds. Astronauts would again explore Earth’s celestial next-door neighbor, perhaps setting in motion future mining endeavors to extract ices likely lurking in sunlight-shy craters for processing into water, oxygen, and rocket propellant. Humans that “settle in” on the moon could well be a future prospect.The next chapter in the U.S. human exploration of the moon, the Artemis Project, will dispatch crews there for extended periods of time,...…If the political, technical and budgetary stars align for NASA and its partners in coming years, the moon could be the go-to place as the century unfolds. Astronauts would again explore Earth’s celestial next-door neighbor, perhaps setting in motion future mining endeavors to extract ices likely lurking in sunlight-shy craters for processing into water, oxygen, and rocket propellant. Humans that “settle in” on the moon could well be a future prospect.The next chapter in the U.S. human exploration of the moon, the Artemis Project, will dispatch crews there for extended periods of time,...WW…

SpaceNews correspondent Leonard David talks with space environmentalist Moriba JahEarth is encircled by derelict spacecraft, the remains of exploded rocket stages, and myriad bits of orbiting debris — from tiny chips of paint to the lingering leftovers of past but purposeful anti-satellite tests. Collectively, such high-speed clutter and other litter-causing activities heighten the risk of damaging or short-circuiting the performance of functional spacecraft.The debris threat is a recognized reality. Outer space has already been termed a “tragedy of the commons” in the making. What avenues...…SpaceNews correspondent Leonard David talks with space environmentalist Moriba JahEarth is encircled by derelict spacecraft, the remains of exploded rocket stages, and myriad bits of orbiting debris — from tiny chips of paint to the lingering leftovers of past but purposeful anti-satellite tests. Collectively, such high-speed clutter and other litter-causing activities heighten the risk of damaging or short-circuiting the performance of functional spacecraft.The debris threat is a recognized reality. Outer space has already been termed a “tragedy of the commons” in the making. What avenues...WW…