Swarms of small satellites and robots will revolutionize our exploration of the cosmos. That’s the vision behind ongoing miniaturization efforts in the field of aerospace engineering. The popularization of cubesats has already made space more accessible. But more miniaturization, and also the ability to coordinate this new generation of smaller machines, will allow us […]
Read More Swarms of Satellites: Miniaturizing Space ExplorationSpace Origami is a team of science and engineering students that plans to use DNA to construct three-dimensional structures in outer space. After winning support at a competition in Germany, they are now running a SpaceStarters crowdfunding campaign to conduct an exciting experiment. Engineers can currently build nanoscale structures out of DNA here on […]
Read More Featured Project: Space OrigamiWith regards to space art, one doesn’t typically think of finger-painting. Instead, photography or even music are more expected mediums. But space finger-paintings do exist, and Lisa Price is an artist who specializes in them. We spoke with her to learn more about her approach to painting, and also to learn how she ended […]
Read More Finger-painted NebulaeIt is common knowledge that the Cold War fueled the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Less known, perhaps, is that the rocket technology powering the space race was largely born out of World War II. One of the most important rocket engineers who helped NASA reach the Moon was a […]
Read More Spaceflight History: Of Rockets and NazisThe student-led Alabama Rocket Engineering Systems (ARES) plans to shoot rockets off the surface of the Earth. Besides giving university students valuable opportunities to learn about space science and engineering, ARES also conducts STEM outreach programs that educate K-12 kids in their area. ARES has a Kickstarter campaign to support its manufacturing, testing, and […]
Read More Featured Project: Alabama Rocket Engineering SystemsDominant narratives shape our understanding of astronomy’s historical development. Racism and other forms of marginalization certainly influence science today. But looking back in time, biases lead to an underappreciation of non-Western astronomical traditions, be they Mesoamerican or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. This is despite these other traditions displaying advanced understandings of the cosmos. […]
Read More Racialization Obscures Islamic Astronomical TraditionAmong our solar system’s planets, Mars seems a likely spot for future human habitation. Elon Musk is developing an interplanetary vehicle that may someday transport Martian colonists. Science fiction writers often discuss it as a target for future terraforming efforts. There are even research stations here on Earth today where scientists can simulate living […]
Read More The Martian Subsurface: A Shielded Environment for Life?What role do popular science books play? If done right, they cultivate interest in science among everyday people. Sometimes, they spur readers to become scientists themselves. Too often, academic pursuits are locked away in ivory towers. Popular science books break such barriers, helping experts and non-experts communicate with each other. Filling Space spoke with […]
Read More Popular Science Books: Creating Excitement and EnthusiasmIn Under Stranger Stars, the player captains a spaceship in a comedic sci-fi universe that features arcade combat, quests, and open-world exploration. The game has been under development for two years. It now has a Kickstarter campaign to support further development of music, art, and content, and also to support release on multiple platforms. […]
Read More Featured Project: Under Stranger StarsThe sun is our immediate connection to the cosmos. Its light illuminates our world. Its energy fuels most life as we know it. It is one of billions of stars, but it is a special one. It is ours. Much of today’s exciting space science regards planets and visitors from other solar systems. But […]
Read More Our Sun: The Closest of Stars