The Future of Space Exploration

Revised: May 2006

This area of inquiry can expand as far as the human imagination can stretch. However, this bibliography will not cover science fictional ideas like teleportation, but what is in the grasp of today's technology. Some topics within this area of inquiry, such as missions to the minor planets, the Moon, and to Mars, nuclear propulsion, and the colonization of outer space, have their own bibliographies.

All items are available at the Headquarters Library, except as noted. NASA Headquarters employees and contractors: call (358-0172) or email Library@hq.nasa.gov for information on borrowing or in-library use of any of these items. Members of the public, contact your Local Library for the availabilty of these items. NASA Headquarters employees can request additional materials or research on this topic. The Library welcomes your comments or suggestions about this webpage.

Contents: Articles & Technical Reports Books Internet Sites

Articles & Select Technical Reports

Allen John L. (Jr.). "This time, Catholic church is ready: theologians see little problem if push to space yields discovery of life on other planets - Feature". National Catholic Reporter, Feb 27, 2004 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1141/is_17_40/ai_114009577>
 
Bacchuus, Joe. "University of MD School of Medicine to help astronauts learn medical... ". The Daily Record (Baltimore), Aug 8, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4183/is_20050808/ai_n14852965>
 
Bauman, Joe. "NASA is looking forward to Mars landing, beyond". Deseret Morning News, Aug 9, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20050809/ai_n14850687>
 
---. "N-rocket testing may be revived for NASA". Deseret Morning News, Sep 6, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20050906/ai_n15328681>
 
Bishop-Behel, Karen; Johnson, Les. In-Space Propulsion for Science and Exploration. In: National Space and Missile Materials Symposium; 21-25 Jun. 2004; Seattle, WA; United States
(20040084233: (2004); NASA ASD)
 
Bonometti, Joseph; Frame, Kyle L.; Dankanich, John W. Reusable Propulsion Architecture for Sustainable Low-Cost Access to Space. In: 2005 JANNAF Conference; 4-8 Dec. 2005; Monterey, CA; United States.
(20060005599: (Dec. 2005); NASA ASD)
 
Bonometti, Joseph A.; Sorenson, Kirk F.; Jansen, Ralph H.; Dankanich, John W.; Frame, Kyle L. Free Re-boost Electrodynamic Tether on the International Space Station. In: 41st AlAA Joint Propulsion Conference; 10-13 Jul. 2005; Tucson, AZ; United States.
(20050205838: (July 2005); NASA ASD)
 
Bortz, Fred. "Taking a dream trip to the stars", The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan 9, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_20050109/ai_n11010764>
 
Bryner, Jeanna. "Another lunar leap? Humans visited the moon more than three decades ago. Now U.S. leaders want us to return". Science World, March 22, 2004, [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1590/is_11_60/ai_n6005314>
 
Cosmo, Mario L.; Lorenzini, Enrico C.; Gramer, Daniel J.; Hoffman, John H.; Mazzoleni, Andre P. TESSX: A Mission for Space Exploration with Tethers. In: 41st AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference; 10-13 Jul. 2005; Tucson, AZ; United States.
(20050206332: (April 2002); NASA ASD)
 
Cowens, Ron. "A new flight plan: back to the moon". Science News, March 13, 2004 [cited 15 May 2006]
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1200/is_11_165/ai_114856826>
 
Crawford, Alan. "Nasa plans Neptune landing Planet's moon Triton may hold secrets of...". The Sunday Herald, Dec 11, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20051211/ai_n15917279>
 
Doggett, William. Robotic Assembly of Truss Structures for Space Systems and Future Research Plans. IEEE-0-8703-7231-X/01.
(20040085697: (2002); NASA ASD)
 
Emigh, Jacqueline. "SCM Blasts Off into Space". Ziff Davis CIO Insight, May, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006]
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zdcis/is_200505/ai_n13638651>
 
Evans, William A. "Space Logistics: The Ultimate Logistics Enterprise Challenge". Logistics Spectrum, Jan-Mar 2005, [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3766/is_200501/ai_n15869342>
 
Fujii, Hironori A. New Space Technology: 1km Tether to 100,000km Space Elevator. In: International Conference on Advances in the Internet, Processing, Systems, and Interdisciplinary research (IPSI-2004 Montenegro)
(20050229927: (2004); NASA ASD)
 
Greene,Katie. "Mars or bust: science helps those with the right stuff keep their stuff right". Science News, Nov 26, 2005 [cited 16 May 2006]
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1200/is_22_168/ai_n15931498>
 
Johnson, Les; James, Bonnie; Baggett, Randy; Montgomery, Sandy. NASA's In-Space Propulsion Technology Program: A Step Toward Interstellar Exploration. In: 41st Symposiumon Realistic Near-Term Advanced Scientific Space Missions; 4-6 Jul. 2005; Aosta; Italy
(20050207391 (April 2005); NASA ASD)
 
Johnson, Les; Matloff, Gregory L. The Interstellar Conspiracy.
(20050184124: (2005); NASA ASD)
 
Landis, Geoffrey A.(ed.). Vision-21: Space Travel for the Next Millennium. NASA-CP-10059.
(19910012826: (April 1990); NASA ASD)
 
Lindlaw, Scott. "Bush sees moon as test site for space missions". The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan 12, 2004 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_20040112/ai_n10939116>
 
Knight, Helen, and Jon Excell. "Sun seekers: advances in space exploration technology could herald the answer to the global energy crisis and the search for emission-free sources to replace fossil fuels". Engineer: The Professional Bulletin for Army Engineers, March 11, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDF/is_7670_293/ai_n13807605>
 
Kukula, Kathryn. "Spaced out! A high-tech race could make space tourism more affordable" Science World, Jan 24, 2005, [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1590/is_8_61/ai_n9485278>
 
Litchford, Ron J.; Robertson, Tony; Hawk, Clark W.; Turner, Matt; Koelfgen, Syri. Magnetic Flux Compression Concept for Aerospace Propulsion and Power. In: Plasmadynamics and Lasers; 31st; 19-22 Jun. 2000; Denver, CO; United States
(20000065622: (June 2000); NASA ASD)
 
Matloff, Gregory L.; Johnson, Les. Applications of the Electrodynamic Tether to Interstellar Travel. SAIC-440055739.
(20050215611: (June 2005); NASA ASD)
 
Millis, Marc G.(ed.); Williamson, Gary Scott (ed.). NASA Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Workshop Proceedings. NASA/CP-1999-208694.
(19990023204: (Jan. 1999); NASA ASD)
 
Minor, J. L. (Compiler). 8th Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference. NASA/CP-2004-213091.
(20040111031: (March 2004); NASA ASD)
 
Potter, Seth D.; Henley, Mark; Guitierrez, Sonia; Fikes, John; Carrington, Connie; Smitherman, David; Gerry, Mark; Sutherlin, Steve; Beason, Phil; Howell, Joe. A Cryogenic Propellant Production Depot for Low Earth Orbit. In: International Space Development Conference; 24-28 May 2001; Albuquerque, NM; United States
(20010039031: (2001); NASA ASD)
 
Preimesberger, Chris. "NASA Develops Humanoid Robots for Future Space Missions". ExtremeTech, October, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006]
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zdext/is_200510/ai_n15666640>
 
Rhatigan, Jennifer L.; Robinson, Julie A.; Sawin, Charles F. Exploration-Related Research on ISS: Connecting Science Results to Future Missions. NASA/TP-2005-213166.
(20050227023: (Aug. 2005); NASA ASD)
 
Smitherman, David V., Jr. Critical Technologies for the Development of Future Space Elevator Systems. In: 56th International Astronautical Congress; October 17-21, 2005; Fukukoa; Japan.
(20060000015: (2005); NASA ASD)
 
Smitherman, David V., Jr.; Howell, Joe T. Space Elevators: Building a Permanent Bridge for Space Exploration and Economic Development. AIAA Paper 2000-5294.
(20000105202: (2000); NASA ASD)
 
Snead, James Michael. "Achieving Mastery of Space Operations by Transforming Space Logistics" Logistics Spectrum, Jan-Mar 2005 [15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3766/is_200501/ai_n15869303>
 
Sorensen, Kirk. A Tether-Based Variable-Gravity Research Facility Concept. In: 2005 Joint Army Navy Nasa Air Force (JANNAF); December 5-8, 2005; Monterey, CA; United States.
(20060004158: (2006); NASA ASD)
 
"SpaceShipOne provides glimpse of our future" Oakland Tribune, Jun 28, 2004 [cited 15 May 2006]
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20040628/ai_n14578760>
 
"SpaceDev Dream Chaser-TM- Human Space Transport System Designed". Business Wire, May 12, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_May_12/ai_n13697254>
 
Tampone, Kevin. "NASA staff members outline agency's future needs". CNY Business Journal, Aug 26, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3718/is_200508/ai_n15613102>
 
"t/Space Demonstrates New Air-Launch Technology". Business Wire, June 14, 2005 [cited 15 May 2006]
<http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_June_14/ai_n13812990>

Books

Abelson, Vivian M. (ed.). Exploration of Space: Issues and Status. Hauppauge, N.Y.: Nova Science, 2002.
QB500.262 .E94 2002 BOOKSTACKS
 
Beatty, J. Kelly, et al. New Solar System. Cambridge, MA: Sky Publishing, 1999.
QB501 .N47 1999 READY REF
 
Caprara, Giovanni. Living in Space: from Science Fiction to the International Space Station. Willowdale, Ont.: Firefly Books, 2000.
TL797 .C26 2000 BOOKSTACKS
 
El-Genk, Mohamed S. (ed.). Space Technology and Applications International Forum--STAIF 2003: Albuquerque, Mew Mexico, 2-5 February 2003. Melville, N.Y. : American Institute of Physics, 2003.
TL1102.N8 S96 2003 BOOKSTACKS
 
El-Genk, Mohamed S. (ed.). Space Technology and Applications International Forum, STAIF 2005: Conference on Thermophysics in Microgravity: Conference on Commercial/Civil Next Generation Space Transportation: 22nd Symposium on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion: Conference on Human/Robotic Technology and the National Vision for Space Exploration : 3rd Symposium on Space Colonization: 2nd Symposium on New Frontiers and Future Concepts: Albuquerque, New Mexico, 13-17 February 2005. Melville, N.Y.: American Institute of Physics, 2005.
TL787 .S67 2005 Available through ILL.
 
Ellery, Alex. Introduction to Space Robotics. London; New York: Springer; Chichester, UK: Published in association with Praxis, 2000.
TL1097 .E45 2000 BOOKSTACKS
 
Friedman, Louis. Starsailing: Solar Sails and Interstellar Travel. New York, NY: Wiley, 1988.
TL783.9 .F75 1988 BOOKSTACKS
 
Glaser, Peter E. et al. Solar Power Satellites: A Space Energy System for Earth. Chichester; New York: Wiley, published in association with Praxis, 1998.
TL1102 .B3 G53 1998 BOOKSTACKS
 
Harrison, Albert A. Spacefaring: The Human Dimension. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2001.
TL1500 .H37 2001 BOOKSTACKS
 
Houston, A. and M. Rycroft. Keys to Space: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Space Studies. Boston, MA: The McGraw-Hill, 1999.
QB500.262 .K49 1999 BOOKSTACKS
 
Howerton, B. Alexander. Free space: Real Alternatives for Reaching Outer Space. Port Townsend, WA: Loompanics Unlimited, 1995.
QB500.262 .H69 1995 BOOKSTACKS
 
International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion. Beamed Energy Propulsion Systems: First International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion: Huntsville, Alabama, 5-7 November 2002. Melville, N.Y.: American Institute of Physics, 2003.
TL783.5 .I58 2002 BOOKSTACKS
 
Laubscher, Bryan E., et al. Space 2002 and Robotics 2002: Proceedings of Space 2002: the Eighth International Conference and Exposition on Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Business in Space, and Proceedings of Robotics 2002: The Fifth International Conference and Exposition/Demonstration on Robotics for Challenging Situations and Environments, March 17-21, 2002. Reston, VA: American Society of Civil Engineers, 2002.
TL787 .S629 2002 BOOKSTACKS
 
Launius, Roger D. and Howard E. McCurdy. Imagining Space. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2001.
TL 788.5 .L38 2001 BOOKSTACKS
 
Lewis, John S., et al. Resources of Near-Earth Space. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press, 1993.
QB500 .R38 1993 BOOKSTACKS
 
McInnes, Colin Robert. Solar Sailing: Technology, Dynamics, and Mission Applications. New York, NY: Springer, 1999.
TL783.9 .M36 1999 BOOKSTACKS
 
National Research Council (U.S.). Space Studies Board. Committee on Human Exploration. Scientific Opportunities in the Human Exploration of Space. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1994.
QB500.262 .S35 1994 BOOKSTACKS
 
National Research Council (U.S.). Space Studies Board. Committee on Human Exploration. Scientific Prerequisites for the Human Exploration of Space. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1993.
QB500.262 .S38 1993 BOOKSTACKS
 
Tajmar, Martin. Advanced Space Propulsion Systems. New York, NY: Springer, 2003.
TL782 .T34 2003 BOOKSTACKS
 
Verger, Fernand, et al. Cambridge Encyclopedia of Space: Missions, Applications, and Exploration. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2003./dt>
TL788 .V48 2003 READY REF
 
Weissman, Paul Robert, et al. Encyclopedia of the Solar System. San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 1999.
QB501 .E52 1999 READY REF
 
Wilson, Andrew (ed.). Janes' Space Directory. Alexandria, VA: Jane's Information Group, 1993-.
TL787 .I57 2004/2005 READY REF

Internet Sites

US Government Sites:

Air Force Office of Scientific Research. No Date Given. [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.afosr.af.mil>
 
Dunbar, Brian. NASA's Future: Vision for Space Exploration. 14 April 2006 [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/exploration/main/index.html>
 
Johnson Space Center. Exploration Library. No Date Given. [cited 25 April 2006]
<http://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/HumanExplore/Exploration/EXlibrary/exlibrary.htm>
 
Millis, Marc. Warp Drive, When? 17 March 2006 [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/WWW/PAO/warp.htm>
 
NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts. 16 March 2006. [cited 15 May 2006].
<http://www.niac.usra.edu/index.html>
 
Pline, Alex. Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. 19 Sept. 2005. [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://exploration.nasa.gov>
 
Sample, Sharron. NASA Science Missions. 14 March 2006 [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://science.hq.nasa.gov/missions/index.html>

Senate. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Hearings:

NASA: Human Space Flight. 2 April 2003 [cited 26 April 2006].
<http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=688>
 
Future of NASA. 29 Oct. 2003 [cited 26 April 2006].
<http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=977>
 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Future Space Mission. 28 Jan. 2004 [cited 26 April 2006].
<http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1021>
 
Field Hearing - President’s New Space Vision. 18 Feb. 2004 [cited 26 April 2006].
<http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1052>
 
Final Report on the President’s Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy. 17 June 2004 [cited 26 April 2006].
<http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1232>
 
Human Spaceflight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond. 18 May 2005 [cited 26 April 2006].
<http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1509>
 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Issues and Challenges. 25 April 2006 [cited 8 May 2006]
<http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1836>

House of Representatives. Committee on Science and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearings:

Full Science Committee Hearing on The Future of Human Space Flight. 16 Oct. 2003. [cited 26 April 2006].
Hearing Charter - pdf | Chairman Boehlert | Michael Griffin - pdf | Wesley Huntress - pdf | Matthew Koss - pdf | Alex Roland - pdf | Bruce Murray - pdf |
 
Full Committee Hearing on The President's Vision for Space Exploration. 12 Feb. 2004 [cited 26 April 2006].
Charter - pdf | Attachment B - pdf | Attachment C - pdf | Chairman Boehlert | Sean O'keefe | John Marburger |
 
Full Science Committee Hearing on Perspectives on the President's Vision for Space Exploration. 10 March 2004 [cited 26 April 2006].
Charter - pdf | Chairman Boehlert - pdf | Norman Augustine - pdf | Michael Griffin - pdf | Donna Shirley - pdf | Laurence Young - pdf | Lennard Fisk - pdf |
 
The Future of NASA. 28 June 2005 [cited 26 April 2006].
<http://www.house.gov/science/hearings/full05/june28/index.htm>
 
Full Committee on Science - Hearing - NASA's Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Proposal. 16 Feb. 2006 [cited 8 May 2006]
<http://www.house.gov/science/hearings/full06/Feb16/index.htm>
 
Full Committee - Hearing - NASA's Science Mission Directorate: Impacts of the Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Proposal. 2 March 2006 [cited 8 May 2006]
<http://www.house.gov/science/hearings/full06/March2/index.htm>

Other Countries:

ESA. Space Science. 24 April 2006 [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.esa.int/esaSC/index.html>
 
ESA. Aurora Exploration Program. 7 April 2006 [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Aurora/index.html>
 
JAXA. JAXA Vision: JAXA 2025. No Date Given. [25 April 2006].
<http://www.jaxa.jp/2025/index_e.html>

Space Enthusiasts' Societies:

Coalition for Space Exploration. 2005 [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.spacecoalition.com>
 
The Planetary Society. 2006 [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.planetary.org>
 
Planetary Society. Solar Sailing. 30 Sept. 2005 [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.planetary.org/programs/projects/solar_sailing/>
 
Spaceward Foundation. No Date Given. [cited 25 April 2006].
<http://www.spaceward.org>
 
Spaceward Foundation. The Space Elevator Primer. No Date Given. [cited 8 Mat 2006].
<http://www.elevator2010.org/site/primer.html>
 
Tethers Unlimited, Inc. 2006 [cited 8 May 2006].
<http://www.tethers.com/index.html>
 
Tethers Unlimited, Inc. About Space Tethers. 2006 [cited 8 May 2006].
<http://www.tethers.com/TethersGeneral.html>

Current and Future Missions: (Missions to the Moon, Mars, and the minor planets are listed in their own special pathfinders.)

Dunbar, Brian. Messenger: Unlocking the Secrets of Mercury. 8 March 2006 [cited 27 April 2006]. - Mercury
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/messenger/main/index.html>
 
Dunbar, Brian. New Horizons. 8 March 2006 [cited 27 April 2006]. - Jupiter (while en route to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt)
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/main/index.html>
 
Dunbar, Brian. Cassini-Huygens: Close Encounter with Saturn. 26 April 2006 [cited 27 April 2006]. - Saturn
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/main/index.html>
 
Dunbar, Brian. NASA Extreme Environment Operations. 25 April 2006 [cited 27 April 2006]. - Undersea exploration
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/NEEMO/index.html>
 
ESA and JAXA. BepiColombo overview. 27 April 2006 [cited 8 May 2006]. - Mercury
<http://www.esa.int/science/bepicolombo>
 
ESA. Venus Express. 11 April 2006 [cited 26 April 2006]. - Venus
<http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/>
 
JAXA. Planet-C. 29 August 2005. [cited 27 April 2006].- Venus
<http://www.jaxa.jp/missions/projects/sat/exploration/planet_c/index_e.html>
  May 17, 2006