Artificial Intelligence

GAO Launches New Unit to Prepare Congress for the Future

The Center for Strategic Foresight held its first conference, focused on two problems closer to the present than the future: deep space and deepfakes.

Emerging Tech

How an Autonomous Self-Assembling Space Robot Could Transform NASA’s Future Missions

The Archinaut One could support NASA’s efforts to reach the moon and Mars—and one day, potentially defend itself in outer space.

Ideas

How Satellite Technology is Helping the Government Make Data-Driven Decisions 

Overhead space systems can capture and deliver visual data far more effectively than ever before.

Emerging Tech

The Great NASA Bake-Off

High-tech agriculture would keep far-flung astronauts alive, but making something delicious would keep them happy.

Modernization

NASA’s Moon Plans Rely Heavily on Mobile Tech

CIO Renee Wynn weighed in on how America’s space agency embraces mobility.

Emerging Tech

We Were Promised Moon Cities

It’s been 50 years since Apollo 11 put humans on the surface of the moon. Why didn’t we stay and build a more permanent lunar base? Lots of reasons.

Emerging Tech

Your Smart Toaster Can’t Hold a Candle to the Apollo Computer

Despite what everyone says about the power of modern devices, they’re nowhere near as capable as the landmark early NASA system.

Digital Government

The Watch That Went to the Moon

Fifty years ago, Buzz Aldrin wore his Omega Speedmaster Professional on the lunar surface. It’s been an icon—and a bestseller—ever since.

Modernization

Emerging small sats could complicate spectrum

While small satellites can expand broadband access, they will also fill increasingly crowded airwaves.

Emerging Tech

A Startling Spike on Mars

Methane gas is a potential indicator of life on the red planet, but it’s proving difficult to track.

Cybersecurity

Report: Pentagon Should Assume U.S. Satellites Are Already Hacked

As U.S. and its allies tether more of their military operations to government and commercial satellites, they need to start taking cybersecurity more seriously.

People

Lawmaker worried about DOD leadership shuffle

Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) worries U.S. defenses in space could be at risk due to lack of permanent leadership at the Pentagon.

Emerging Tech

A Robot Has Been Stuck on Mars for Months

NASA will conduct a delicate rescue mission to free a probe trapped just inches below the red planet’s surface.

Digital Government

NASA Managers and Contractors Significantly Lowballed Space Mission Costs, Watchdog Found

Despite cost overruns and schedule delays, the space agency awarded Boeing and Lockheed Martin $200 million in performance awards, GAO noted.

Policy

The True Price of Privatizing Space Travel

As NASA opens up the International Space Station to private astronauts, the romance of space will be within reach for those who can afford it.

Digital Government

‘Space Force’ Shrinks in House Proposal

A bipartisan amendment would trim several generals from the new space-focused component.

Digital Government

What If We Gave Up on the Stars?

The night sky is already dotted with shiny satellites and other artificial lights. One day, maybe that’s all there will be.

Policy

Space Force Clears Senate Committee After House Attempt to Stall

The Senate Armed Services Committee’s legislation “greatly increases the odds that we end up with some sort of a Space Force,” one expert says.