Topic: Roger Launius

Obama's NASA budget: Mars takes a hit, but space science isn't dead

Two major Mars missions lost out to the James Web Space Telescope in Obama's proposed NASA budget, but there's still money for other ambitious space-science missions.

Mars missions cancelled? NASA budget could prompt deep cuts.

While exactly how much money is allocated to NASA is unknown, insiders expect a significant reduction in the portion slotted for robotic exploration of Mars and other solar system bodies.

With Atlantis landing, an era ends. Are private space firms ready for duty?

The Atlantis landing just before 6 a.m. Thursday marks the end of the US space shuttle program – and the transition to private firms as the cargo carriers to space. Perhaps they'll ferry people, too.

Atlantis launch successful, historic final shuttle mission underway

Atlantis launch: Despite a bleak forecast of thunderstorms and clouds, the shuttle beat the weather in a stunning midday launch, sailing into the sky on one final voyage.

Congressional tug-of-war holds NASA's new direction in the balance

As the space shuttle program folds, the House and Senate – and broader spaceflight community – have struggled to reach consensus on NASA's new human spaceflight focus.

What's next for US spaceflight, if not the moon?

Under Obama's 2011 budget, NASA would cancel plans to put astronauts back on the moon by 2020 and hand off space-taxi services to private companies.

Should nations fly to the moon together?

As exploring the heavens becomes more expensive, many experts think it is time for nations to band together to push humanity to the next threshold of space exploration.

Where should NASA go next: moon or Mars?

The moon is closer, but a Mars mission could be the Apollo 11 of this era.

Forty years after Apollo 11: three lessons for spaceflight

The space program can benefit from public support, but government leadership is key.

Is Bolden right for NASA?

Atop new NASA leader's agenda: human spaceflight

The Constellation program is gearing up as the shuttle winds down. But other shuttle replacements have been scuttled before.