Solar System Scope

http://www.solarsystemscope.com/

Solar System Scope is presented by INOVE, a web development team. They develop web design with space and astronomical imagery. Solar System Scope is one of four interactive modeling programs using Adobe Flash available through the site. There is a top menu bar that gives access for the social networks and the other programs. Menu tools are located around the main viewing screen. Ads are placed on both sides of the screen. There are many settings available and you can move the virtual Solar System to just about any viewing angle. Bringing your mouse over a star or planet gives you item information. You can zoom in and out and rotate for views you can't get anywhere else. Double click on a planet zooms in and gives you a closer look. A very interesting way to look at the Solar System.

The Isaac Newton Group Of Telescopes

http://www.ing.iac.es/

The Isaac Newton Group Of Telescopes (ING) consists of three telescopes on the Canary Islands operated by the UK, the Netherlands and Spain. The website posts the latest news, images and videos from all the telescopes on the main page. At the top is a menu of four categories that take you deeper into the website and allow you to follow the instruments activities. Under Astronomy you can learn about applying for time on a scope, view observing logs (I recommend the HTML version), and view current weather and seeing information among many other subjects. The Developments section gives you information on the various instruments. The Public Information section has access to archives and highlights along with the Public Releases. The bottom of the main page provides links to search the site, a site-Map, and contact information. ING is also on Twitter and Facebook.

The Space Reporter

http://thespacereporter.com/

The Space Reporter is a news aggregate that focuses on space related items. The site's main page has a menu across the top where news items are separated into subjects including Astronomy, NASA, Moon, Solar System and more. The right side is advertising. News items are listed with the latest on top and include graphics. Editors for The Space Reporter appear to write most of the stories presented. Material generally come from public sources including NASA. News story pages include more advertising in the middle and end of each story. Stories include graphics and videos for illustration. All stories provide a comments section at the end. You must provide an email address to post. The Space Reporter joined Facebook in November of 2012 and is active on Twitter.

The International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC)

http://www.isec.org/

The International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) is made up of organizations and individuals from around the world, promoting the "development, construction and operation of a Space Elevator". The website is easy to navigate with two menus across the top to take you to various aspects of the organizations efforts. The main page has a image slider that displays scenes from ISEC activities. On the right you'll find a Calendar module and a module for signing up for their eNewsletter. The top menu separates information about what a Space Elevator is and what ISEC is and does. The second menu provides access to more in-depth information about ISEC and its activities. Especially interesting is the "Get Involved" tab that has a "Volunteer" item on the pull down. This page presents three (at this time) ways that you can volunteer to help make a Space Elevator possible. You can keep up with Space Elevator activities through the Blog at The Space Elevator Blog

Canadian Space Agency

http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/default.asp

"December 19th, 2012, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will launch aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station". He will be there for 5 months doing experiments, operating the Canadarm2 and will "oversee operations as 1st Canadian Commander of the ISS as of March 2013".The Canadian Space Agency was established in 1989 and has four main programs: Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and Space Awareness and Learning. The websites main page provide immediate news items and access to major articles on the website. The menu bar across the top differentiates Audiences, Agency Activity Sectors, Visitor Resources, and Useful Links. Selection of links brings up the new page but keeps a main menu at the bottom. There are extensive sections devoted to the wide variety of space related activities under management of the agency. The menu's on the website are clear and intuitive. You can stay connected with the Canadian Space Agency through all of the major social networks.

Sierra Nevada Corporation

http://www.sncorp.com/

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a “world-class prime systems integrator and electronic systems provider. SNC is a high-tech electronics, engineering, and manufacturing corporation”. The main web page has eight graphic tabs the display specific information about each area of interest. In August Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser completed the first milestone of NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability Initiative. The Space tab takes you to a single page with referrances to particular space products. A link on this page takes you to a new website - http://www.sncspace.com/. There you'll find four tabs that detail the space technologies, spacecraft, propulsion and space explorations systems. Here is yet another private company advancing our space programs. You can follow SNC Space on You Tube and Facebook.

Bad Astronomy

http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy.html

Bad Astronomy is a blog written by Phil Plait, hosted on the daily web magazine, Slate. A quick scroll down the page and you'll find awesome images, the latest news and embedded links. There are a couple of Blogs written every day so there is always something new to view. Phil is an astronomer, lecturer, and author. His perspective of the Universe is written for everyday people. Most of the blogs are space related, but some are more science in general. Being hosted on Slate, there is a constant column of advertising on the right and the occasional ad between blogs. The blogs are dated with times and the latest is on top. At the end of each blog you can Tweet, email, print or comment . You can follow Bad Astronomy on Facebook, Twitter, and an RSS feed.

The Golden Spike Company

http://goldenspikecompany.com/

All Aboard! The whistles blowing and it's time to board the train. The Golden Spike Company has announced its intention to "mount Lunar expeditions for governments, companies, and individuals". The website provides several ways to learn more about how this is to be achieved. Up front you can watch a short You Tube video to get your really excited. Then you can slide the main graphic to learn more about the company or you can use the menu across the top of the page. Under Resources is a very detailed technical paper about the companies evaluations of feasibilities in different aspects of travel to the moon, for profit. There is much more to come with The Golden Spike Company. Join the mailing list or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Universe Today

http://www.universetoday.com/

Universe Today brings together a wide variety of space news that has been published in other media. If you are looking for something different, odd or eclectic, you'll find it here. The website has a menu banner across the top of the page. There you find out how to become a member and remove the prolific ads that permeate the site. The Carnival Of Space tab is full of space news bits and pieces written by other bloggers and writers. The Forum is a CosmoQuest based forum. The Guide To Space provide a detailed overview of our universe. The Telescope Guide is powered by FindTheBest and presents a telescope comparison chart. You can refine the scope chart by changing any of the 10 parameters listed on the left. There are also contact and privacy policy tabs for you to use. You can Follow Universe Today on all the major social networks.

XCOR Aerospace

http://xcor.com/index.html

XCOR Aerospace is a private company endeavoring to make space flight affordable for private citizens. It is a leader in the commercial space transportation industry. The company's website proudly posts its latest achievements and growth. They are hiring! You'll find tabs to information about the company, its products, news items, images and a contact information page. It's interesting to follow the activities of private space operations as we move forward in space. Don't forget to purchase your Lynx Suborbital ticket while you're at the site. XCOR encourages use of their "low volume" mailing list to keep up with the latest news. You can also follow XCOR on Twitter and Facebook.

The Space Review

http://www.thespacereview.com/index.html

The Space Review provides "essays and commentary about the final frontier". The website explores all aspects of space exploration with its articles and reviews. You won't find the latest hot news item here, but what you do find is analytical and thought provoking. Editor Jeff Foust hopes to provide you with the big picture of a spacefaring civilization. Items are place in the center of the screen, with the latest on top. Scrolling down takes you to earlier items and to the archive. The archive goes back to December of 2003. The site is ad supported. You can subscribe for new articles alerts or follow on Twitter. You are also invited to submit articles to the Review.

The Solar Terrestrial Dispatch

http://spacew.com/

The Solar Terrestrial Dispatch is a private space weather service company founded in 1989. They provide real-time data dissemination that includes auroral watches, warnings, solar wind information and more. The websites main page has real-time solar activity presented in graphs and images. Clicking on either presents additional data that is updated every few minutes. The left side of the main page provides links to a variety of products, software, forecasts, Summaries and other services. There is an excellent online course to help you more fully understand space weather and its related terrestrial impacts. Also available are latest sightings, watches, solar images and High Frequency radio information. Be sure to check the Recent Gallery Submissions and the Latest Aurora Observation Reports.

The Daily Galaxy

http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/

The Daily Galaxy is a web blog started in 2007 by Val Landi that's focused on space news and items of interest. It is now led by editor Casey Kazan who has a team of web architects and editors who bring the images and videos to life. The Galaxy Media, LLC website is advertiser based and they appear on the right of the screen. An occasional popup is easy to close. The news items are well presented in visual and story format. Stories are presented in a column, with the latest on top. An image and short description give you a summary of the item. Following is a link to "Continue reading" if you'd like to see the rest of the story. The rest of the story is presented on its own page along with an opportunity to comment at the bottom of the page. Each story has hot links embedded on key items for further information. Your 'back' key will take you back to the home page. Below the advertising on the right (you may scroll down a bit) you'll find access to the Archives and a link to more info about The Daily Galaxy. They are proud of their followers and you can be one of them on all the major social networks.

The Universe In Color

http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/

The Universe In Color is a compilation of the Astrophotography by Robert Gendler. There are hundreds of images in the Gallery. Separated into groups of Galaxies, Nebulae, Recent Images and Favorites, Hubble Images, Star Clusters and Terrestrial Images, you see the amazing work by Robert Gendler. The website also includes Essays on 140 popular astronomical objects, A Short Primer on Basic Astronomy, links to books Mosaics and personal related information. There is an excellent biography detailing Mr. Gendler's interest in astrophotography. He has written several illustrated books on the subject. The site provides well written information on how you can also take interesting, colorful images of the stars.

theSkyNet

http://www.theskynet.org/

theSkyNet is a community computing organization put together for processing radio telescope data. It is organized by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, based in Perth, Western Australia. The organization uses Nereus, an Open Source Desktop Cloud Computing software registered on SourseForge.net on March 11, 2010. Data is sent to your computer in small packets and once there processed and sent back. All processing and data transfer is Java based and the background process does not access you hard drive at all. You can join theSkyNet and earn credits, trophies and even a grand prize. You can process data without joining and complete packets while connected with your web browser. The website provides easy sign up and software download access. If you join, be sure to note your account ID, as you will need that when setting up the software on your computer. Easy to do and you can contribute today!

FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/

Established in 1984 as part of the Department of Transportation, AST was transferred to the FAA in 1995. The website provides information and access to Licenses, Permits, Approvals and Launch Data. The Reports and Studies section is "the official collection of current publications, market forecasts, research studies, and reports about commercial space transportation". The Regulations section gives you Final Rules and the specific legislation and regulations under Title 14 CFR Chapter III. Under the AST Programs you'll find the Environmental Program and the International Affairs effort outlined. Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants were first funded in 2010. Information about application and contact for these funds are located here. You can learn how the commercial space transportation system affects everyone economically and financially. Aerospace engineers and industry analysts are invited to apply for work with AST. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a mobile viewing website as well as pages on the major social networks.

Air Force Space Command

http://www.afspc.af.mil/index.asp

The Air Force Space Command is celebrating 30 years of service. The website covers many aspects of the men and women who are part of this military team. The Home page covers the most recent news, press releases and commentaries. Many of the items lead to videos and other websites. There are pulldown menus for News, Photos, Art, Library, Units and Questions. You can see just how the space and cyberspace professionals work and view different aspects of their jobs. You can also follow activities of the Command on the major social media.

Planet Hunters

http://www.planethunters.org/

Part of the Zooniverse science project created by the Citizen Science Alliance in collaboration with Yale University, Planet Hunters lets you participate in the real, hard work, of scientific research. Typically, you are presented with the light curves of stars. While computers can identify clear changes in a stars brightness, the human eye can detect changes that may fall into the category of 'noise' that comes with the data. That data comes from the Kepler Mission, NASA Discovery mission #10, to survey the Milky Way galaxy for stars that might have planets in or near the habitable zone. The current Kepler Planet count is 77. The Planet Hunters are contributing to that number. A short tutorial provides instruction on what to look for and gives you some practice. Then you jump right in and search. You can log in and get credit for your discoveries. There is a team of professionals that monitors the most likely candidates. You can follow Planet Hunters on Facebook and Twitter. Zooniverse also has a program to help study the Lunar surface - MoonZoo, and another to classify Galaxies - Galaxy Zoo.

New Scientist - Space

http://www.newscientist.com/section/space

The NewScientist Space page is part of the commercial news aggregate NewScientist by Reed Business Information, Ltd. The website is an offshoot of the companies over 50 year old magazine. The site has broken down the variety of interests into specific channels. The Space page provides a well laid out format with the latest news items at the top left. Clicking on any title takes you to an in-depth report with embedded links to related items. Each item allows for printing, emailing and sharing. A small video camera icon is displayed when a video is a major part of the story. The site is commercial and advertising is mostly on the right hand side. Opportunities to read the "Astrophile", check popular items, and read the blog are listed. You can explore specific aspects such as Astrobiology, Cosmology, Comets and Asteroids and much more. All space related items are available from the main 'Space' page. RSS feeds are available and you can subscribe to the magazine.

Discovery Channel Telescope

http://news.discovery.com/space/wide-angle-scanning-skies-discovery-channel-telescope-120907.html

Last month the Discovery Channel Telescope saw first light. On this page on the Discovery News website you can see the fifth largest telescope in the United States as it begins its work. The page has nine items as of this writing, that show different aspects of this new scope. Several behind the scenes videos and 'tours' capture the immense project. In partnership with the Lowell Observatory, the state-of-the-art telescope promises "to ignite curiosity and stir the imagination". The 4.3 meter scope will be tested for the next 18 months with research scheduled to begin in 2013 or 2014. Another reason to stay in touch with Discovery.com

The B612 Foundation

http://b612foundation.org/

The B612 Foundation is a non-profit organization intent on mapping the inner solar system. They propose this as a way to protect humanity by finding and tracking asteroids prior to impact with Earth. The website provides easy access to information about the B612 Foundation and it's Sentinel Mission. There is plenty of access to media articles, press releases and FAQ pages. There are photo pages and a video library hosted on Vimeo. The organization wants you to participate. Throughout the website you'll have plenty of opportunity to Join the Crew or download the latest Media Kit (Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF files) or Fact Sheet ( a PowerPoint document). You can follow the B612 Foundation on Twitter and Facebook.

Air & Space Magazine

http://www.airspacemag.com/

Air & Space/Smithsonian is part of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. The magazine publishes stories and articles revolving around the Museum's collection. The website endeavors to bring the best of the magazine and more to "surprise it's audience" with items about aviation and spaceflight. From the home page you get a slideshow of the main articles and menu's that reach inside the site for the details on flight, Military Aviation, Space Exploration and more. Photo's, videos and The Daily Planet blog keep you posted with the very latest news and activities. A link to the Smithsonian store opens a new window and brings you to the hundreds of items available there. You can easily subscribe to the printed magazine and also follow it by email and the major social media.

Orbital Outfitters

http://orbitaloutfitters.com/


Are you ready to go? Bags packed and your XCOR ticket in hand? Chances are you could be wearing the latest fashion from Orbital Outfitters. They make the new generation of space suits. It's fun to see and read about the new designs and applied technologies that Orbital Outfitters is producing. The website provides easy access to information about the company, its mission and news items about its work. Launched in December of 2006 with a contract from XCOR Aerospace, the company is living up to its tagline "Have Spacesuit - Will Travel" taken from the Robert Heinlein novel. You can get email updates from them or follow them on Facebook.

Coalition for Space Exploration

http://spacecoalition.com/

The Coalition For Space Exploration is a space advocacy group with members and partners from the leading aerospace industry companies. The Home page has a menu for information about the Coalition, the Benefits of Space, Coalition News, Legislative Activity, a Blog, Education Station and a long list of Related Links. The Blog has items of interest to the Coalition plus links to many other Space Blogs and a Twitter news feed. The Newsroom also includes Capitol Hill and NASA news. There is a link to The Coalition's YouTube page which has a wide variety of videos promoting space activity and exploration. The Coalition for Space Exploration is also on Facebook.

The Space Store

http://www.thespacestore.com/

The Space Store began in 1995 and has a physical address in Denver, Colorado, USA. They accept the major credit cards and PAYPAL. Accredited members of the Better Business Bureau they also are a Supporting Partner in the Space Certification Program. Available at The Space Store are NASA items, books, posters, photos, memorabilia and autographs to list just a few items. The left hand column on the home page not only has links to your favorite items, but can lead you to new ideas and opportunities to be involved with space activities. The Free Education Resources page has many links to some of the best opportunities. Ordering items appears easy and there are comments and reviews on many items. A newsletter is available and you can follow The Space Store on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can also become an affiliate through Commission Junction.

Discovery News - Space

http://news.discovery.com/space/

Discovery Communications brings you Space News as part of the Discovery News website. The Space page highlights space-related news items, videos and columnists. Each of the eight contributors brings a different aspect of space to the reader. The Blogroll lists 16 different blogs with space themes. The news items are listed with the latest on top. There are five sections to the "Popular Topics" area. Each news item has a headline and a descriptor sentence or two giving you a chance to decide if you want to read further. There are some advertisements, but they are minimal. You can sign up for Discovery News headlines to be sent via email. You can follow Discovery News on the major social networks.

Space Foundation

http://www.spacefoundation.org/

Space Foundation's mission is "To advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity." The foundation is non-profit and has locations in the United States. The website provides access to all aspects of the foundation including events, programs, resources and media. Space Watch give news and opinions of major foundation activities. On the home page you'll find links to most of the current activities and direct connections to the major programs. You can stay connected with the Space Foundation through the major social networks and email.

SEDS - Students for the Exploration and Development of Space

http://seds.org/

The SEDS website is setup to provide current information about the organization to both members and the general public. Founded in 1980, the group is geared toward young people and provides a networking opportunity for those interested in a space related education. The website has sections for learning about SEDS including a list of Chapters. There is online publication of the quarterly NOVA magazine also available. In the Events section you'll find info on the student-run annual SpaceVision conference, chapter Space Days and other events. There are several projects for members, videos and a photo gallery. You can follow SEDS activities on the main social networks.

Space Adventures

http://www.spaceadventures.com/

Space Adventure provides spaceflight experiences. It is a private company chaired by Eric Anderson. The website describes four main types of experiences; Lunar, Orbital, Suborbital and Zero Gravity. There are also training experiences including Cosmonaut Overview, Soyuz Simulator, Centrifuge and spacewalk. The home page has access to each of the adventures available plus videos, news and a blog. You can follow Space Adventures through an eNewsletter and the major social networks.

Amazing Space

http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/

The Formal Education Group of the Space Telescope Science Institute's Office of Public Outreach produces this website. Material on the site is generally created under contract with NASA. Here you'll find materials used to promote outer space in the classroom. Based on Hubble Space Telescope discoveries, there are a variety of activities for educators, developers and everyone. Educators and developers will find teaching tools and Astronomy basics areas for building classroom activities. Everyone will enjoy the views in the Hubble Gallery and the Star Witness News, lean more about the 2009 Servicing Mission 4 and participate in the Online Explorations. For students, the Homework Help section has many features including; answers to questions, definitions and resources for projects. Everyone should checkout Tonight's Sky for a movie about the current month's highlights.

ScienceFictionModels.com

http://www.sciencefictionmodels.com/

ScienceFictionModels.com brings together many of the most popular science fiction and space related scale models for the hobbyist. The site is filled with opportunities to buy scale models, parts and books. On the right hand side of the home page you'll find a handy reference to the Most Popular pages on the website. These are very interesting and you can spend a lot of time examining the details. Many of the model kits are sold on eBay and quick links take you directly to the item you want. The bookstore is connected to Amazon.com. There is also a link to ScienceFictionWallpaper.com that has a great selection to choose from. The website is concerned about your safety when visiting and the Privacy Policy gives explicit information about the site.

Sci-News.com

http://www.sci-news.com/

Sci-News.com bring news from all the sciences to one place. While you will find items from Astronomy and Space Exploration reported, you'll also see articles from Archaeology, Biology, Physics, Medicine, Geology and many others. There is a team of editors and reporters that specialize in the various sciences. The news articles are well laid out with the latest news at the top of the page. You'll find a list of the latest news in a column on the right. Easy access to the science of your choice. The site is advertiser supported with ads following the general science page you are visiting. The home page provides an overview of the latest activities in most of the sciences. You can follow Sci-News.com on the social networks and an RSS feed.

Catching The Light

http://www.astropix.com/INDEX.HTM

Jerry Lodriguss presents and inside look at astrophotography on his "Catching The Light" photographic website. Here you'll find astounding images of deep-sky, wide-angle and terrestrial views. Jerry takes the time to talk about the images and explains the method of imaging used. He has three main categories of images: Film, Digital and Beginner DSLR. There is an excellent section on Astrophotography Techniques that include comparisons of film and digital and even different cameras. This is a great place to start learning to take those space pictures you've dreamed of. Jerry also has a companion web log where more in depth discussion of his images take place. You can participate in those too. Jerry Lodriguss has two books available on his website for learning astrophotography.

Sky-Map.org

http://www.sky-map.org/

Sky-Map.org starts you off with a close-up of M31 (Candor Andromeda). Click on the "Home" selection and you'll get to the beginning of an adventurous way to check out the Universe. You will want to read the "Getting Started" section that has instructions for moving about the maps and images. The "To Survive In The Universe" section provides a background for what the website is all about. Here you'll learn how you can participate. There are many who have already contributed and are participating in spreading the joy. There are also many commercial contributors and you'll find some that can almost be an interference. Still, the overall product is a vast educational system that shows outstanding images with excellent data support. Be sure to check out the AstroPhoto section for some of the best views.

Smoot Cosmology Group

http://aether.lbl.gov/index.html

Research in the area of cosmology and astrophysics is the focus of The Smoot Group. Located at the Lawrence Berkeley National lab in California, the group uses the Cosmic Background Radiation to understand the structure and history of the Universe. The Smoot Group website provides links to specialized areas of research including: Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, Gravitational Lensing, Galactic Emission Mapping, Far-Infra-red mapping and high-energy neutrino astronomy. The site features the work of Dr. Smoot and includes links to many of his publications. The Smoot Group is active in advancing the education and training of students, teachers and researchers.

Astrobiology Magazine

http://www.astrobio.net/

Astrobiology Magazine is a NASA - sponsored science magazine. It's focus is ʺthe study of life in the universeʺ. The magazine has been published for over 10 years and has stories and articles that deal with the possibilities of and the search for life elswhere. The magazine claims to be integrated as a teaching resource in many universities. There are five main sections presented on the home page: News, Features, Hot Topcs, Multimedia and AstroComics. News stories are presented with the latest at the top of the page and include a topic classification and a summary. There are five sections to the features tab. With stories, blogs, interviews and many more items to explore. Hot Topics and Multimedia both present many aspects of space information to digest. Follow the adventures of Astrobiobot in the AstroComics section. A great section for kids of all ages! For complete information visit the Astrobiology Portal. You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Spacetoday.net

http://www.spacetoday.net/

Spacetoday.net is a creation of former editor of SpaceViews, Jeff Foust. His plan is to provide a quick and easy way for professionals, enthusiasts and others to discover and digest the latest space related news. The two main tools that are outstanding on the site are the news summaries and the news links. The summaries provide an overview of an item being presented in the media. The news links are date stamped and take you directly to a reporting website. You can choose from almost 70 news topics, including 40 that deal with the space shuttle. There are also four special sections: space tourism, shuttle missions, China and Mir that sort news coverage and provides a focused look at the particular subject. A mailing list is available for those wanting to know about changes in the website. You can follow @spacetoday on Twitter.

Star Trek

http://www.startrek.com/

CBS Entertainment and CBS Interactive provide this site for continuing your involvement with the long running Star Trek saga. News of conventions, collectables and other productslicensed for distribution are covered in the news section. Selected videos are available from not only the series' but also from behind the scenes, documentaries and interviews. The database has information from both the series and films. You can join the Star Trek website and contribute comments on the Forum boards, discuss games and products and submit suggestions to the website. You can connect with either Facebook or Twitter. The site also hosts the official Star Trek store. The Guest Blogger opens a new aspect for exploring individual Star Trek experience. An interesting place, indeed!

ESA/Hubble

http://www.spacetelescope.org/

Space Telescope provides and outstanding website of space imagery. The European Space Agency and NASA have partnered to provide this state-of-the-art site for all to see and use. Press release images, illistrations, video news releases and video podcasts are just some of the products available here. There's a shop where you can buy books, DVD's, postcards and all kinds of Hubble related materials produced by HEIC. The site stresses that "Space Telescope imagery is free for anyone to use". There are plenty to choose from including Solar System, stars, galaxies, and spacecraft. A wide selection of videos is also available including many in HD. Keep up-to-date with news about the Hubble Space Telescope and follow on the major social networks.

SEN - Space Exploration Network

http://www.sen.com/

SEN is a space news aggregate website. With a staff of contributing writers, SEN posts videos and articles of current and past space activities on its advertiser supported website. SEN allows you to participate in the news evaluation by registering to post blogs and comments on the site. While this privilege is free at this time, there is a planned charge for a later date. SEN's current content is extensive and includes space items from a variety of fields including exploration, spaceflight, government and business activities, and astronomy. Each area further explores space through a list of related, relevant news items and features. SEN writers produce excellent, informative articles. You can also connect with SEN on the major social networks. For the latest in space news, SEN provides very readable content.

Mars Science Laboratory

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/mission/rover/

Here is everything you'd want to know about the Curiosity rover. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and NASA team up to provide you with an front seat to view and participate in Mars Rover Curiosity events. Mission information is extensive and well organised on this picture filled site. Daily updates are available in the news section. Educators, students and kids have special pages to bring understanding and involvement to Mars and space study. Up front and center are the latest activities and events of the rover. Reports and detailed updates are presented on a rotational display. Follow Curiosity on Twitter (@MarsCuriosity) and Facebook. The images, videos and reports promise to be exciting. Watch Curiosity on NASA TV on the web at: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

CosmOnline

http://www.cosmonline.co.uk/

Cosmonline is the product of Ben Gilliland. Based in Britain it conveys space and other science information in a fun, graphic and sometimes irreverent way. The home page covers the currently trending items. There is an archive of CosmOnline going back to 2005. Ben not only stimulates your thinking, he challenges you to discover your own answers. Young people of all ages will enjoy the humor and wit of Ben's (almost) award winning presentations. Got a really deep question, just Tap The Brain! You can also follow Ben Gilliand on Twitter.

The Year In Space

http://www.yearinspace.com/the-week-in-space/

ʺSpend the year in space, one week at a timeʺ. A great way to put it. Here is a website that does one thing very well. It presents a history of space related events each week. There is usually a graphic with an explanation for some major event. The site is sponsored by participants in the space industry. You can get a copy of the weekly 'news' emailed to you or you can order a spiral bound desk calendar. See more by viewing the recent weeks column or check out the archives. You can share articles through most of the major social media.

Spaceflight Now

http://spaceflightnow.com/

Spaceflight Now Is a space news aggregate website that focuses on current and scheduled space missions. If it has to do with a space mission, you'll find it here. Personnel, hardware, spacecraft and mission plans are all covered very well. The Mission Status Center is an excellent resource for up to the minute coverage. It posts the latest information right at the top and is autoloading too! Many mission details are included on the site. Spaceflight Now has a sister publication, Astronomy Now. It is ʺcelebrating 25 years as UK's best astronomy magazine.ʺ Both websites have related advertisements. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Space Daily

http://www.spacedaily.com/

Space Daily is a space news aggregate website. The ad supported site garners news items from the major space participants including NASA, ESA, and the major news wires. Content is extensive and many times integrates with other connected 'daily' sites. What you see here you may have seen in other space news media. Space Daily brings many outlets to one place and does so with very reasonable organization. A daily scan of presented news items will keep you informed about most activities in the space industry. You may also subscribe to the free emailed daily newsletter. With the number of news items displayed, you could find one that you didn't know about. Check out and enjoy Space Daily and the related daily news sites.

Space News International

http://www.spacenews.com/

Space News says it's the ʺPublication of record for commercial space, military space and satellite communication businesses.ʺ No doubt it is very high on the professional list. Published by Imaginova Corporation, it is a companion website to Orion Telescopes & Binoculars. With business in mind, many sections of the website require that you be registered. The registration process is typical with the addition of business/position information. Still, plenty of current business space related information is available from the main page. The site give an excellent overview of space activities by private companies and governments. You can also follow Space News on Twitter.

HobbySpace

http://www.hobbyspace.com/

Here is a great website for the space enthusiast. Get involved, hands on and enjoy a space activity tailored to your talents. Rocketry, photography, modeling, art, and many more hobbies and interests are represented here. Fantasy, fiction and reality are blended into one source that is filled with space activity. You can participate in space one way or another. The menu on the left provide access to well sorted information, activities, blogs and resources. Enjoy the Space Art Spotlight and check out the many Special Features.

Mars-One

http://mars-one.com

This website is the home of a new project to put humankind living on Mars by 2013. Watch the video on the main page to get an overview of this project. Sign up for the NewsMail and have current information about Mars-One sent to you. It will be exciting to watch this develop as mission objectives are accomplished. The project and website are designed to give the most open and accessable information as possible. This will be a media event. Bookmark and follow!

SpaceRef

http://spaceref.com

This reference website is the main part of a multi-website space news network. The commercial endeavor covers ʺglobal space systemʺ. They have their own reporters and cover space related news worldwide. There are 21 websites under the SpaceRef umbrella. Focus on the home page is the current news and links to planetary space news. International editions are available for European, Canadian and Asian space activities. You can subscribe to SpaceRef through the main social media and there is a printed (also online) magazine.

National Space Society

http://www.nss.org/

The National Space Society is and independent organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. It is non-profit and YOU can join. They have a magazine and several programs for participants. Chapters are located across the United States and around the world. The website gives you access to Society news and activities and a login for members. This is the site for your participation in space.

The European Space Agency (ESA)

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/index.html

This portal page give you access to The European Space Agencies activities. Every aspect of the space agency is covered. The site is well laid out and easy to understand. Top news and information is presented on the main page with links to more in-depth reports. Videos and picture galleries provide a plethora of image data. Even kids have a special place on the ESA Portal. ESA can also be found on many social networks.

SpaceWeather

http://www.spaceweather.com/

I have this site auto load with my browser. Spaceweather give a quick overview of current space conditions. Many of these conbditions impact us here on Earth. Solar, radiation, flares and sunspots contribute to environmental conditions here. The site has many links to more in-depth analysis and information on many related topic. This ad supported site gives visitors advance warnings of special spave events including near Earth asteroid encounters. Email notices are available to those who sign up.

SPACE.com

http://space.com

This comprehensive website covers a wide variety of space and space technologies. It is one of a number of tech websites from TechMedia Network. Main catagories on the site include News, Spaceflight, Science & Astronomy, the Search for Life and Skywatching to name a few. You can follow Space.com on the major social networks.

SpaceX

www.spacex.com

SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies) recently made history as having the first commercial spacecraft visit the International Space Station. The company provides several lifting rockets and the Dragon space capsule. The website is easy to navigate with menu choices on the left side. There are links to many videos, pictures and statistics about their products.

Nasa

www.nasa.gov

This is the number one government space website. This is the place you want to go to to find out anything the United States government is doing in space. The site is very easy to use. There are special sections for the public, educators, students and the media. Nasa has many ways for you to stay informed through any social media. There are very good apps for smartphone users also. Watch out, you could spend a lot of time at the Nasa website!