I’ll be on The Space Show at noon PDT to talk about the 56th anniversary.
Light Blogging
I don’t know if I mentioned it, but I had a hernia repaired a couple weeks ago, and I’ve been having some post-surgery complications. I’ve also been writing an op-ed for the WSJ, and answers to FAQs for the Reason project. We’re going to Vegas on Monday for the AIAA ASCEND meeting, where we’ll be all week.
For those concerned, though, I should be fully recovered and back up to speed by next weekend.
[Monday-morning update]
Driving to Vegas today for AIAA/ASCEND. I’ll try to check in during the week from there.
[Bumped]
Starliner
A comprehensive rundown on its future, and that of Commercial Crew in general.
Two Billion Dollars?
Why would the National Space Council need that much money? What would they spend it on?
Tiny Fast Drones
I’ve been worrying about this development for decades. Looks like it’s on the doorstep. It won’t just be used by militaries. Just another nail in the coffin of privacy.
The NASA Budget Battle
Bob Zimmerman has the latest. Space policy will continue to be a mess until someone with vision for it is put into place (and probably even then). It’s not at all clear that Duffy knows which end the fire comes out of.
A Dyspeptic Futurist
Jeff Foust read what appears to be a dumb book so you don’t have to.
Rebuilding Pacific Palisades
Yes, we knew this was coming. And I too am happy to call it sinister.
Science Fiction
What if it’s our best window to the future? A discussion with David Brin.
He’s more down on lunar resources than I am, but I agree with his critique of Artemis.
The New Interim Administrator
Thoughts from Eric Berger on Sean Duffy’s additional job.
Unlike many on this platform, speaking as a space-policy expert, I have no idea whether it will hurt NASA to lose those 2000+ GS13-GS15 "senior executives," or if Duffy will be able to provide any more "leadership" than Janet Petro. I simply know too little about who they are.
— Rand Simberg (@Simberg_Space) July 10, 2025
[Afternoon update]
Speaking of interim administrators, here’s an interesting interview with Jared Isaacman.