Curated by John Schmit

Monday, May 27, 2013

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

http://airandspace.si.edu/

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is but one part of the greater Smithsonian Institution. This national museum has a mission and vision of "Shaping the future by preserving our heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world." Physically located in Washington, D.C., the museum has hundreds of displays and thousands of artifacts. The website gives you the opportunity to explore many of the displays online. The "Exhibitions" tab is filled with interesting subjects and detailed information. You can spend many hours checking out the "Collections" that are here. Be sure to take a look at the "Online Activities" listed under the "Education" tab. There are many ways for you to "Get Involved" and I recommend you do. The National Air and Space Museum "commemorates the national development of aviation and spaceflight" and educates and inspires the nation on the major social networks.


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Friday, May 24, 2013

Parabolic Arc

http://www.parabolicarc.com/


Parabolic Arc is a Space Tourism blog covering the advancement of the space industry as related to the development of human travel opportunities. Many of the blogs are presented by Douglas Messier, the Parabolic Arc Managing Editor. Coverage is focused on the "New Space" industries and keeps you informed about industry progress, milestones, and achievements. The "Poll Archive" is an entertaining way to share readers feelings on many of the new ideas being presented. After six years of publication, the blog has developed a unique technique for bringing a select group of public relations material together with an eye on one goal. The "Blog Roll" is a great listing of space news websites that look at our future in space. You can follow Parabolic Arc and its blogs on Facebook and Twitter. RSS feeds and updates by email are also available.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Space Today Online

http://www.spacetoday.org/

Space Today Online is a space news aggregate website "Covering Space From Earth to the Edge of the Universe." It is edited by Anthony R Curtis, a space analyst and historian. Beginning as a print news magazine in 1986, it moved online in 1994 with its stated mission to "provide accurate information on human activities in and about space - past, present, and future." The award winning website does just that. The cover page has the most extensive variety of space category selection I've seen. The "New Space News" is up-to-date and comprehensive. Stories and news items are drawn from sources around the world. The "Important Developments" items are prolifically written, not only giving basic information, but to leading you to more specialized data on individual subjects. Be prepared to spend some time enjoying the descriptive writing and analysis. This is one website you'll want to bookmark as a reference site.


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Friday, May 17, 2013

Moonandback

http://moonandback.com/

Moonandback. com is a "news content generation and aggregation website." Produced by Moonandback Media LLC, in Sacramento, California. The website contains a variety of space related stories covering current events and historical items. Using a well blended mix of reports, interviews, and videos, Moonandback gives you a more in-depth look at the who, how, and why of space activities. The commentary section brings together a well rounded group of writers, journalists and speakers who bring thought provoking analysis to the space related events happening around us. The items chosen for publication on the website clearly meet the mission objectives of Moonandback to "document for the general public the dawn of this new epoch in mankind's history." Follow the Moonandback Guy on twitter and the website on Facebook.


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Monday, May 13, 2013

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/oosa/index.html

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is "responsible for promoting international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space." It maintains the "Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space" and manages the "Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER). At the website you'll find links that access committee information, registry catalogues, reports and publications and other office activities. The "What's New" column lists committee agendas and session pages (some available in English only PDF files). This office maintains committee treaties and agreements that are accessible here. A large section is detailed to International Space Law. The United Nations Program on Space Applications promotes knowledge and experience of space applications around the world. The "Links" page has an excellent list of links to Space Law, Technology, Disaster Management and National Space Organizations. The GNSS links point to the Global Navigation Satellite Systems that are in place. Throughout the website you'll find comprehensive information through web pages, PDF files and videos covering the international aspects of UN space related activities.


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Friday, May 10, 2013

Space Safety Magazine

http://www.spacesafetymagazine.com/

Space Safety Magazine focuses on space safety related issues and Earth safety evolving from space events. From natural risks to man-made situations, if it's related to space, it's covered here. Space Safety Magazine is produced jointly by the International Association for Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS) and the International Space Safety Foundation (ISSF). Just under two years old, both the web and the print magazine have found a very accepting audience in the space industry. Andrea Gini is the Editor-in-chief and leads a select team of editors and writers from around the world. On the website, the news is very current and relevant. Items are illustrated and well written with links to related items. A list of articles in the print magazine is available and you can order print copies individually or subscribe to the publication. A great option is the PDF version of the magazine that is available for download. You can follow Space Safety Magazine on both Twitter and Facebook.


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Monday, May 6, 2013

BBC Space

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/

BBC Space is part of the British Broadcasting Corporation's Science section. As a news organization, the BBC presents space related items in a news and aggregate format with breaking or latest news in the forefront. Items include web pages, images and videos. While many parts of the Space page have related videos to enjoy, the BBC iPlayer, that plays television programs may not be functional in your area due to rights agreements. Included on the main page and available to all is the very popular astronomy program "The Sky at Night." Hosted by Sir Patrick Moore for 55 years, you'll find episodes going back to 1960. Another excellent resource is the "Stargazing LIVE" section where you'll find star guides, event listings, telescope guides, and even step-by-step instructions for making a telescope. Here you'll also find star maps and applications for mobile devices. The main Space page also has a list of basic external space agency links.


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Friday, May 3, 2013

PhoneSat

http://www.phonesat.org/

PhoneSat is a NASA project under the Small Spacecraft Technology program, a part of the Space Technology Mission Directorate. Using off-the-shelf commercial smartphones, engineers are testing the hardware for future application in science and exploration missions. Three smartphone satellites rode to orbit aboard the demonstration flight of Orbital Science Corp.'s Antares rocket on April 21, 2013. The PhoneSats deorbited on April 27th. The website details the project which includes the participation of Amateur radio operators around the world. There are several pictures available and a list of users that participated. While in orbit a dashboard was available to program participants for tracking the satellites. The PhoneSats transmitted data packets and images of Earth that Amateur radio operators received and forwarded to the PhoneSat team at the Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. Another launch, with updated versions of the software, will be scheduled for fall of 2013.


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Monday, April 29, 2013

KidsAstronomy.com

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/

KidsAstronomy.com is a website dedicated to providing space related educational experiences for children. The individual sections provide basic understanding of the "Solar System", "Deep Space", "Space Exploration", "Civilian Space Travel" and "How Big Is The Universe." There is a small Astronomy Dictionary and teachers are encouraged to includes astronomy in preparing lesson plans. Developed by Hiram Bertochas, KidsAstronomy is the first in a series of educational websites known as the KidsKnowIt Network. The website uses AdChoices on its pages to fund the cost of operations. There are many resources for kids here, including a printable sky map. KidsAstronomy is on both Twitter and Facebook.


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Friday, April 26, 2013

ViaSat

http://www.viasat.com/

ViaSat is a digital communications company primarily utilizing satellites. They have developed secure communications systems for fixed-site and mobile needs. They work with consumers, businesses and government customers providing Internet access and broadband services. The website presents an easy to use menu that takes you to the variety of products and services they offer. Below the slideshow menu you'll find articles about the latest company news and events. It's interesting to follow the individual links and explore the different kinds of communication applications and the resolutions to problematic situations. I found the "Emergency Response" page fascinating, with both mobile and portable communications systems available. "First responders can quickly, efficiently, and affordably get high-speed IP access whether in the field or at command centers. Check the ViaSat Media Room for some great articles and fact sheets. ViaSat is on Facebook and You Tube.


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Monday, April 22, 2013

Talking Space

http://www.talkingspaceonline.com/

Talking Space is a weekly podcast of space related events and activities. Started in 2009, the podcasts are a chance for listeners to not only get space news and interviews, but also give feedback and opinions on the events. The shows are generally about an hour long. Hosted by Sawyer Rosenstein, each show has a panel of Talking Space team members and an occasional guest that discuss the current space related activities. On the website, you can easily find the latest podcast or go to the archives. And there's more! Each episode has a synopsis with information about the particular show and links to relevant online content. In 2010, a Talking Space blog was added to the website. The syndicated shows are also available at Astronomy.fm, currently found on Saturdays. You can subscribe to the podcasts for free on iTunes and follow Talking Space on Twitter (@talkingspace) and Facebook.


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Friday, April 19, 2013

Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory

http://www.lmsal.com/home.htm

The Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL) is part of the Space Physics Lab of the Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA. At the website you'll find an interesting and educational series about the Sun. A "Science" tab takes you to an overview of the Sun and its constituent parts. As you move through the links you can get more in-depth descriptions and technical details on how the information was collected and determined. The "Projects" section details individual spacecraft, telescopes and imaging systems. While much of the data used to explain specific techniques in measurement and forecasting are several years old, the processes are very functional today and are responsible for the space weather forecasts you see today. You can see how the imaging of sunspots on the far side of the Sun has developed and even link to the latest solar data, events and forecasts. Bookmark those Solar weather pages you like to easily return for updated information.


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Monday, April 15, 2013

Masten Space Systems

http://masten-space.com/blog/

Masten Space Systems is a research and development company focused on unmanned suborbital flights. On the website, you'll see that Masten builds rockets that are reusable even on the same day. Development and testing are done in-house. Vertical takeoff and vertical landing is the standard approach. You'll find details of Masten's products, their propulsion systems and guidance, navigation and control systems in the "Products" section. Masten provides a variety of uses for its systems on the "Applications" page. Many of these uses are for research and testing work. Scientific experiments and observations will benefit from the lower cost of flying the reusable crafts. You can keep up with Masten by following its Blog or subscribing to its RSS feed.


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Friday, April 12, 2013

Swiss Space Systems

http://www.s-3.ch/

On March 13, 2013, Swiss Space Systems joined the new space community with the goal of becoming a "world leader in in-orbit delivery of small satellites." Putting together partnerships with companies that have developed technologies, S3's ambitious dream of "Space for all" could be achieved very soon. The videos presented on the website (hosted by You Tube) are very well produced and give a clear picture of the process that S3 is developing. A top expert team along with major partners, technical advisers and the main sponsorship of Breitling, gives S3 a running start towards its goals. Be sure to check the Newsroom tab for outstanding images and PDF files of the latest press releases. Swiss Space Systems is on the major social networks for you to follow.


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Monday, April 8, 2013

EarthSky

http://earthsky.org/



EarthSky wants to “illuminate pathways to a sustainable future”. They do an excellent job with their website. Consisting of a variety of blogs, videos, faqs, and a page called Science Wire, you get a comprehensive look at space, Earth, and human world sciences and the latest news about them. There are many articles that describe the natural world around us and do so in an interesting and timely manor. The pictures and videos display the curiosity and imagination of an articulate editorial team. EarthSky Communications presents the 'news' and features in a two columned page format with a limited amount of commercial ads. Be sure to click on the 'Tonight' tab and discover the easy to use maps and charts for astronomers at all levels of expertise. Astronomy Essentials brings you “everything you need to know” about current natural events. Connect with EarthSky on the major social media and subscribe to the newsletter and RSS feeds.


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Friday, April 5, 2013

AFM Radio

http://astronomy.fm/

AFM Radio is a 24 hour internet radio station. It is dedicated to astronomy and other sciences. An easy to use pop-up player is available at the top of the home page so you can listen to the currently playing program. An interesting list of recent programs and podcasts are listed for your listening pleasure. There are many original programs and syndicated shows listed in pull-down menus. Broadcasts are smart phone-friendly at 64kbps for data management. The "ON-AIR" schedule is easy to access and follow. There is a chat room powered by Ajax Chat with no registration required to use. Many of the programs have follower and share links of their own and the contact page makes it easy to connect with the many volunteer team members. AFM can be also followed on the major social networks. Enjoy informative and entertaining astronomy radio here.


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Monday, April 1, 2013

MILA Solutions

http://www.milasolutions.com/

What a pleasure it was to come across the MILA Solutions website. Each area of the site made me feel more uplifted and positive about space and our exploration of it. The company was formed in 2007 by Jim Banke. Clearly, his experience writing and working in the aerospace industry is displayed here. His honors and awards are justified as you read the well crafted posts on the "Orbital Inclinations" blog. Jim Banke hosts the weekly radio show "Space Talk" on WMMB and links to archived shows are available for you to enjoy. The "Launch Forecast" page gives you plenty of on-line links to get the latest schedules for several launch facilities. It's fun to see Jim's favorite space things listed on the "Space Gifts Ideas" page. From books and movies to models and toys, you'll find a good selection there. The MILA Solutions "Recommended Links" has the top space related sites listed, along with links to a few friends and personal favorites. Clicking on the "Media Products" section gives you access to the excellent writings by Jim Burke while in his capacity working for NASA and as a consultant on other special projects. MILA Solutions makes the website personal with the "Special Projects" page as you get involved with the videos and creative works presented there. The entire website is informative and fun to visit.


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Friday, March 29, 2013

The Mars Society

http://www.marssociety.org/

The Mars Society began in 1998 in Boulder, Colorado in an effort to "further the exploration and settlement of the Red Planet". The group is worldwide and has local chapters in many countries. You can also join or volunteer for the organization. A major aspect of the Mars Society programs is to educate the public and the websites Education Page provides the materials and tools to do just that. The Red Planet Pen blog asks interesting questions and provides answers that stimulate thought. The Society operates two research stations that are used by crews learning to live and work on another planet. Reports and images of these activities are available on the website. There is an annual convention, a quarterly magazine, an RSS feed and all the major social media inviting you to keep up with the many activities of The Mars Society.


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Monday, March 25, 2013

Astrium

http://www.astrium.eads.net/

Astrium is a subsidiary of EADS Group along with Airbus, Cassidian, and Eurocopter. The Group is a worldwide aerospace, defense and related services company. Astrium is said to be number 1 in Europe and number 3 worldwide in providing space transportation, satellite systems and services. The website news page is about the company's programs, people, services, equipment and much more. The "Thanks to space..." page (located under a Feeds heading), gives you an excellent series of articles that detail various space related activities and their benefits. The "Did You Know?" section has page after page of quick space related fun facts and figures. Astrium reaches out to all students, inviting them to participate in competitions and to apply for internships and jobs through the EADS Careers page. The huge Video Gallery is sorted by categories and channels. Check the menu at the bottom of the Home page for the complete list of Astrium pages. You can keep up with company activities through the many RSS feeds that are available.


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Friday, March 22, 2013

AmericaSpace

http://www.americaspace.com/

AmericaSpace is dedicated to showcasing America's space exploration efforts. The reporting staff of 13, including the founder, Jim Hillhouse, bring the latest space related news and events together in a blog format. The Launch Schedule page lists future launch information from 11 different sites around the world. The site also has links to 9 other space news entities and 16 other space websites and blogs to give comprehensive coverage to space related activities and information. AmericaSpace has a small PDF library that presents a variety of documents on space exploration focusing on budgets and decision making. The YouTube channel for AmericaSpace has 94 videos on its uploaded list at this time. There are many photos, from many sources, in the websites collection. The website is ad supported with minimal ads on display. There is an RSS feed for the blog and you can follow AmericaSpace on all the major social media.


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Monday, March 18, 2013

Yuri's Night

http://yurisnight.net/2013/03/#/home

Yuri's Night is about bringing together "the people who really work for space with the people who think space is cool and want to be a part of it". The night is April 12, 2013 and is celebrated with star parties and events world wide. Information about Yuri's Night is presented with unique graphic pages designed by Jason CranfordTeague. It is a pleasure to explore the website. There are a number of projects and contests that you can participate in to celebrate the exploration of space. Resources are made freely available for you to help "Rock The Planet in 2013". A limited number of items are available at Yuri's Night Online Store. Lands' End Business Outfitters has a wide variety of items for you to apply the Yuri's Night logo. You can reach the Yuri's Night team easily through the major social networks, newsletter, email and phone all listed on the contact page. Lots of pictures of activities are available the their flickr page. Only 26 days until Yuri's Night - 2013.


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Friday, March 15, 2013

National Center for Earth and Space Science Education

http://ncesse.org/

The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Their goal is to "Inspire... Then Educate". The website takes you from who they are and what they believe to the programs they offer to accomplish their goals. Much of their work is done at the community level, using scientists and engineers to engage students, families, teachers, and the general public. There are several regularly occurring events that are hosted by the NCESSE. There are many ways you can get involved and help promote and place these programs in communities. Subscribe to the RSS feed or follow on Facebook and Twitter. An email newsletter is also available. NCESSE is a project of Tides Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to social change.


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Saturday, March 9, 2013

Planetary Resources

http://www.planetaryresources.com/

Planetary Resources wants to bring the "natural resources of space" to where we can use them, either in space or on Earth. Using robotic technology, they want to mine asteroids. The website greets you with a short video describing the company's mission. The company, headquartered in Bellevue, WA, makes it easy for you to get involved with an application to its newsletter prominently displayed. A lower menu takes you to in-depth descriptions of just how Planetary Resources will accomplish its mission along with who's on the team already. Pull down a menu and you can explore interesting aspects of the project, including space craft, asteroid info and more. The company has a blog and is on the major social networks.


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Monday, March 4, 2013

Space Settement

http://space.mike-combs.com/

As we step further out into space, we can turn to artists and visionaries who conceive of possible scenarios. Mike Combs has put together an excellent website with not only artistic visualizations but also scientific and realistic physics arguments. You can access images, and videos that detail possible space settlement configurations and the unique opportunities presented in a variety of habitat designs. The ʺComputer Animationʺ section gives a boost to habitat concepts. Mike provides not only his own articles and stories to spark your imagination, but material from other authors and scientists who bring interesting food for thought. The ʺSpace Settlement FAQʺ has detailed information and a list of websites and resources in its bibliography. There is a very good ʺLinksʺ page to keep you busy with follow-up research.


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Friday, March 1, 2013

Inspiration Mars Foundation

http://www.inspirationmars.com/

The Inspiration Mars Foundation, headed by Dennis Tito, is proposing a fly-by mission to Mars targeted for January 5, 2018. The mission takes advantage of planetary orbital alignment and expected minimum solar radiation. The website is designed along the same lines as the mission, simple and straight forward. Much of the information about the mission is located on the main page. Links across the top take you to items further down the page. External links are provided in the "Our Partners" section. At the bottom of the page you'll find more detailed information presented in the three items under "Media". The Feasibility Analysis, an 18 page PDF file, was the best read available. Griffin Communications Group is handling contacts.


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Monday, February 25, 2013

Moon Express

http://www.moonexpress.com/

Moon Express is a private lunar transportation and data services company. With plans to send robotic craft to the moon, they have partnership agreements to develop a lunar landing system. The website has a series of slides that dominate the home page. These lead you to explanations of how the company plans to achieve its goals and some of the progress they have made so far. The company has partnered with several others in an attempt to win the Google Lunar X Prize. Moon Express was selected by NASA for its $30 million Innovative Lunar Demonstration Data program and is a member of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. The website provides access to information about the company and its founders, news of its activities and access to a blog. A tab for missions gives an overall look at plans, technologies and customer payload opportunities. With all of the activity, Moon Express is looking for qualified applicants to work with them. Contact information is available in a menu bar at the bottom of the screen. Moon Express is on the major social media and there is a mailing list available.


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Friday, February 22, 2013

NASASpaceflight.com

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/

NASASpaceflight.com is a commercial space news aggregate. What sets this site apart is the quality and timeliness of the news items. The management team is well respected in the space and news communities. The website itself is easy to follow with stories sorted by country, commercial, unmanned and other categories. A unique feature of the website is a news subscription service called "L2" that provides a database of information that gives complete background documentation of practically any space related event. This paid service allows the free part of the website to provide even better coverage. The Forum section breaks down news and event items into various categories and lets users post comments. This interaction expands the knowledge base of all visitors. Many of the readers are industry specialists and participate in the Forum. Advertising on the site is minimal and doesn't seem to impede the flow of information. You can follow NASASpaceflight.com on Twitter and a RSS feed is also available. Add this one to your bookmarks.


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Monday, February 18, 2013

Universities Space Research Association

http://www.usra.edu/

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) advances space science and technology. Over 300 universities contribute to USRA activities and is thus an educational website. The website provides information about the organizations capabilities including operations and management, engineering and technology, research, and workforce. USRA news items, publications and a multimedia gallery are available to expand your knowledge of its scientific and outreach endeavors. The website provides a login for members and employees and includes a career site for those interested in working for USRA. The social media and RSS page provides access to 35 different connections through all of the major social networks. There is a FAQ page that focuses on contact info for the various sciences and technologies. This is an excellent starting point for those interested in participating in science and technology development. It is easy to use and has lots of interesting information.


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Friday, February 15, 2013

Spaceport America

http://spaceportamerica.com/

Spaceport America is located near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The website is easy to navigate with the home page presenting duplicate menu's to show off aspects of the spaceport. The top menu bar stays with you as you navigate the site, making it easy to jump from one part of the site to another. The "Plan A Visit" pages give local information. Arranging a bus tour is easy and encourages young people to participate by charging less for those inquiring minds. Under the "Happenings" you'll find meeting info, activity on the social networks, access to the newsletter, and an opportunity to explore the "International Symposium For Personal And Commercial Spaceflight". The "Explore" tab leads you to an interactive facility map, image gallery, and a discussion on sustainability at the facility. Click "Do Business" and you'll find supplier info, Contractor listings and employment opportunities. "About Us" is an extensive section with a complete history of the spaceport and its operations. Keep up with activities at Spaceport America on the major social media.

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Monday, February 11, 2013

TrekMovie.com

http://trekmovie.com/

A team of eight editors, eight reviewers, and nine contributors make up the staff at TrekMovie.com. It claims to be the highest ranking Star Trek news site and as such is "the source for everything new in Trek". The home page or news page presents a main column of news items with the most recent on top. The right hand column has a search bar on top and ads for trailers, games, latest articles, polls, a Twitter feed, shopping, and a list of categories. Articles include images and videos as appropriate. An opportunity is given to Tweet or Like each article and a comment section is listed below. Tabs across the top of the home page take you to information about the latest film, Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek (2009), TNG Remastered, TOS Remastered, an About page and a Chat section set up like the comments at the ends of each article. TrekMovie uses email validation to reduce "comment spam" using Akismet to verify addresses.


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Friday, February 8, 2013

Deep Space Industries

http://deepspaceindustries.com/

Deep Space industries (DSi) greets you with a four page slide show exalting who they are. Click on the logo and you are back to the first slide. The site menu is located in the lower left and is a mouse over popup. Eleven links are presented in the menu. The list includes the standard "Mission", "Team", "Principles", "Business", and "Technology" pages. Each detailing an aspect of the company. Additionally, DSi has taken the position to educate and has added information links that explain more about the nature of asteroids and how the mining process will work. The "Learn More" tab is to be expanded as the company gains more experience in its work in space. The "Media" link takes you to the only page that has a secondary sub-menu. Here you can go directly to DSi stories as they were presented on major networks and publications. Across the top of this page you'll find the internal media links to promotional videos and concept images. Take the 4 minutes to watch the DSi promotional video. It's very well made. The "Social" tab will bring up the DSi Twitter feed allowing you to Tweet to DSi or follow them. Links to their You Tube and Facebook accounts are here also. The website credits Spacehabs.com for its design.


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Monday, February 4, 2013

Russian Federal Space Agency

http://www.federalspace.ru/

The Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) website can be a challenge to navigate. First, the language choice for English did not work with my systems. Google Chrome handled the translations and I was able to visit most of the site. The home page presents launch information right at the top. Links to a site map and contact information are at the very top along with a search bar. There is a group of six menu links mid-page that take you to in-depth descriptions of: Activities of Roscosmos, Space Programs, International Cooperation, Legislation, Space Activities, and Information resources. These links and all above stay in place as you navigate the website. News, ISS activities, Blogs and a photo gallery are easy to access on the home page. The "Calendar Space Anniversaries" celebrates those who have been part of Roscosmos and some major events. Check out the "Glossary Of Terms Of Space" for interesting reading. Near the bottom of the home page you'll find access to other Federal Government sites. It appears that launches and other space activities are covered by Roskosmos TV Studio (http://www.tvroscosmos.ru/).

Friday, February 1, 2013

Space Toys

http://www.spacetoys.com/

Space Toys has about everything you could want in space items and memorabilia. From Astronaut Ice Cream for $3.75 to a custom made 1 to 1 Space Shuttle Orbiter for $3.5 million (interior not included but available), you'll find it here. Of course, space suits and clothing, patches and models are available. Easily browse through the categories on the left and prices are given for each item. There is a menu across the top but the Blog and News tabs indicate the website has changed servers and is still under reconstruction. Be sure to read the 'Policies' tab if you decide to purchase. The company, based in East Windsor, Connecticut, is proud of their work and provides examples of what they have done for others under the 'About Us' tab. Also check the 'Shipping' tab for item arrival times. The company takes PayPal, MasterCard, and Visa. There is a newsletter available for subscription.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Sea Launch

http://www.sea-launch.com/default.aspx

Sea Launch operates spacecraft launching systems for inserting satellites into orbit directly from the equator. The website home page presents immediate information about current launch activities. Located in several boxes, you'll find Launch Information including a live countdown, Launch Broadcast availability, Mission archives, Image archives, and a News box. A menu across the top gives access to details on the company, its services, how it works, what they have done, access to images and videos, and an inquiry page. Sales and employment access is also through the contact section. Sea Launch can be found on a large selection of social media services.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Planetary Resources

http://www.planetaryresources.com/

Planetary Resources plan to put the natural resources of the asteroids to work. In particular, they plan to mine asteroids and bring the products back to where they are needed. The website displays a You Tube video on the main page that explains the plans and mission of the company. A menu at the bottom of the main page takes you to six areas that explain in greater detail the Mission, Technology, the company Team, Asteroid information, employment, investment and partnership opportunities, and News items. As you hover your mouse over a selection a drop down menu will appear and offer "read more" opportunities. The FAQ page (found under the News section) gives a more in-depth look at the companies ambitions. Planetary Resources is on the major social networks.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Fourmilab Switzerland

http://fourmilab.ch/

Obviously, John Walker has an interest in space and science. His Fourmilab Switzerland website is full of links to astronomical goodies. The website is easy to navigate with a home button on the upper left (the Fourmilab logo) and four quick buttons on the top right. A large list on the left is divided into categories and provides links directly to specific subjects. When clicked, these appear in the main section. Clicking on items in the main panel will bring up a full page item. Use your 'back' key to return to the menu page. The Astronomy and Space page lists a variety of programs and interactive items as well as documents and images provided by the author. Most of the applications and screen savers are written for Microsoft Windows 95/98/Me and NT/2000/XP. Some work in Windows 7 as well. There are a couple of Unix applications also. All material on the website is in the public domain other than a few clearly marked items.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Bigelow Aerospace

http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/index.php

Bigelow Aerospace builds commercial space stations. Their unique design makes them very affordable. At this time there are two of their stations in orbit and a contract is in place to build a module for the International Space Station. The website five menu items across the top. A history of the company starts the line with Station Operation information next. News items and a Company Profile give good information about Bigelow. Be sure to check the Careers tab for great job opportunities. Inside the page you'll find quick information about the company, opportunities with them and links to the latest news. Across the bottom are tabs that provide contact and specific information. The can be very interesting to read.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Space Angels Network

http://www.spaceangelsnetwork.com/

Space Angels Network provides capital financing for aerospace and aviation startup companies. It is a place for both investors and entrepreneurs. The website home page provides quick access to membership for investing, submitting your company for funding and learning about the founding members. All site pages are presented on the left hand side of the screen. The right column is dedicated to joining the Space Angel Network, subscribing to the mailing list and a list of upcoming events. The investor and entrepreneur FAQs provide easy to read details of how the organization functions. Existing companies may choose to become a sponsor and take advantage of the networking opportunities in the space and aviation industries. If you're interested, you can join the mailing list or follow Space Angels Network on Twitter.

Friday, January 11, 2013

The Virtual Telescope Project

http://www.virtualtelescope.eu/

Located in central Italy, The Virtual Telescope Project presents two online, remotely controllable telescopes available through the Internet. Several options are available to access the scopes. First, you can join free public online observing sessions. These are hosted by the projects own astrophysicists. Second, you may buy telescope time and operate either the Celestron C14 or the Planewave 17 telescope yourself. You may use your time to operate the scope personally over the Internet or just pay for the imaging of specific objects. The website is easy to navigate and gets you to buying your telescope time quickly. Be sure to read the Conditions Of Use page as charges are clearly spelled out. The News page acts as a blog of events concerning the project. Images here give a good impression of the capabilities of the system. The Virtual Telescope Project is on all the major social networks.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

United Space Alliance

http://www.unitedspacealliance.com/

What happens when major space industry players get together? United Space Alliance! With this team, you can outsource all your space program needs. The website is clean and simple. A menu across the top gives you access to information about the Alliance itself, Products & Services available, and a history of the team's performance. Clicking on the Newsroom tab takes you to a media rich page that includes not only news releases and media coverage, but a video, photo and ad gallery. As jobs with the team become available they are posted on the Careers tab. You can learn a lot about the alliance and what it can do for you from initial research and design to actual payload liftoff and space delivery. United Space Alliance is on both Facebook and Twitter.

Friday, January 4, 2013

LaserMotive

http://lasermotive.com/

LaserMotive is developing 'wireless power delivery systems'. While the systems have many ground based application possibilities, there is a future for space based energy delivery systems. The main page of the website welcomes you and provides a quick overview of what the company does. There is a menu bar across the top (and repeated at the bottom of the page) that will take you to all aspects of the companies pioneering research. The Quick Links box highlights major innovative advances. The From Our Blog section provides links to major blog entries while teasing with interesting subject titles. Each of the five sections on the website provide clear general information about the subject matter. Detailed information can be found in the Technology section under Papers & Reports. You can subscribe to LaserMotive's mailing list through a form on the contact page.