The Year in Space 2009

As 2009 draws to a close, it is time to list some of the greatest developments in things space. We have already discussed the greatest scientific discovery, the confirmation of water on the Moon. The following is not a comprehensive list, but just what the author thinks is of most importance.

The greatest public policy development is, of course, the publication of the Augustine Report, which laid out some options for the future direction of US space exploration. The Augustine Report is a kind of mixed bag, with some good things (i.e., the recognition that so far we are not spending what space exploration costs) and some bad, such as the “Look But Don’t Touch” option.

Speaking of space exploration, the flight of the Ares 1-X test vehicle was conducted, with several anomalies found, as happens often in tests. Meanwhile, NASA scientists think they have solved the vibration problem for the Ares-1 design. These may be moot, since it is rumored that the White House may cancel the Ares-1 program.

The greatest development in space journalism is the advent of former CNN science reporter Miles O’Brien to the Internet. His This Week in Space video magazine looks good in its debut. It shows that in the modern age, talent will find a way to be seen and heard.

2009 was also the year of Apollo nostalgia, it being the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing. With every passing anniversary there seems to be a greater appreciation of what human beings can do if they set their will to it, coupled with a difficulty in understanding how it could be done again. If we can put a man on the Moon, why can’t we put some men (and women) on the Moon?

2009 also saw the final servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope, which has so revolutionized the science of astronomy. After the Columbia disaster there seemed to be a reluctance to send another space shuttle mission to any place besides the International Space Station, which could be used as a life boat in case of damage to the space shuttle orbiter. There was even contemplation of a robotic servicing mission. Fortunately saner heads prevailed, the servicing mission was a complete success, and Hubble has a few more years of bringing us wonders of the universe.

The construction of the International Space Station continued apace,

2009 was also the year India became a serious space power, with the mission of the Chandrayaan-1 to the Moon. It was Chandrayaan-1 that detected traces of water in lunar top soil, an unexpected and startling discovery.

The Lunar  Reconnaissance Orbiter began its mission in lunar orbit. The LCROSS impactor kicked up a plume of water and other material, confirming water on the Moon.

Commercial space had some developments in 2009, with the rollout of SpaceShipTwo and the winning of several of the Centennial Challenges.

If the gentle reader has other suggestions for space developments in 2009, feel free to leave them in the comments section. There will be a another piece in the year of space and popular culture