future space library

What is the future of space travel? Explore the technologies we’ll use to visit the stars in the near and not-so-near future, from space planes to robonauts.

How will landing on Mars work?

Featured Article: How will landing on Mars work?

Imagine parallel parking on slippery ice during a dangerous dust storm. Landing on Mars presents similar obstacles, on a grander scale. And remember, insurance doesn't cover extraterrestrial damage. See more »

How Antimatter Spacecraft Will Work

How Antimatter Spacecraft Will Work

Antimatter has the ability to store incredible amounts of energy in a very small space! See how it will work!

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How can the moon generate electricity?

How can the moon generate electricity?

Researchers are using the moon's gravitational pull on bodies of water to test underwater turbine electricity production. It's considered clean power, but is it completely safe?

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How Inflatable Spacecraft Will Work

How Inflatable Spacecraft Will Work

Inflatable spacecraft will revolutionize satellites and space habitats. Learn how they will work!

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How Light Propulsion Will Work

How Light Propulsion Will Work

Like many new technologies, light propulsion was originally conceived as a tool of war and national defense. But the "Star Wars" missile defense system may eventually send rockets, rather than missile-destroying lasers, into space.

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How Robonauts Will Work

How Robonauts Will Work

Robot astronauts will be able to work in space much more efficiently than people -- Learn how they will work!

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How Space Elevators Will Work

How Space Elevators Will Work

A space shuttle launch is expensive -- about $10,000 per pound. The LiftPort Group is developing a new system that could cut the cost down to about $400 per pound. Find out how a space elevator might be your ticket into orbit.

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How Space Planes Will Work

How Space Planes Will Work

Space planes are likely to be the replacement for the space shuttle. Learn how they will work!

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How Terraforming Mars Will Work

How Terraforming Mars Will Work

The thought of terraforming Mars is one of those ideas so outrageous that it just might work! Learn how it will work!

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How the Orion CEV Will Work

How the Orion CEV Will Work

NASA needs a vehicle capable of carrying crew and payloads to Earth orbit, the moon and Mars. Learn about the technologies of the new Crew Exploration Vehicle and find out how it will help us explore the moon and beyond.

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What if we lived on the moon?

What if we lived on the moon?

It's safe to assume there won't be a moon colony any time soon. But it's still a tantalizing thought. But wouldn't it be cool to be able to live, vacation and work on the moon?

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Why is NASA playing with marbles?

Why is NASA playing with marbles?

Bill Cooke, NASA scientist, is regularly shooting marbles into carefully arranged piles of soil. Why is NASA paying this man to do something most of us would do for free? It's all about our return to the moon.

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How Air-breathing Rockets Will Work

Air-breathing rockets have the potential to dramatically lower launch costs and may make space lots more accessible to normal people. See how it will work!

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How Asteroid Mining Will Work

Asteroid mines could become an incredible source of building supplies for a colony on the moon. Learn how they will work!

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How Electromagnetic Propulsion Will Work

Get a sneak peek (even before NASA scientists) at a new type of spacecraft that could be jolted through space by electromagnets.

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How Fusion Propulsion Will Work

Using current rocket engine technology, a trip to Mars takes seven months. Fusion propulsion would cut that trip in half. Find out what fusion is and how it could speed up space travel.

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How Self-healing Spacecraft Will Work

Scientists are now developing a new type of composite material that will allow spacecraft to repair themselves. Learn more about this amazing future technology.

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