Leonard David
Leonard David is an award-winning space journalist who has been reporting on space activities for more than 50 years. Currently writing as Space.com's Space Insider Columnist among his other projects, Leonard has authored numerous books on space exploration, Mars missions and more, with his latest being "Moon Rush: The New Space Race" published in 2019 by National Geographic. He also wrote "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet" released in 2016 by National Geographic. Leonard has served as a correspondent for SpaceNews, Scientific American and Aerospace America for the AIAA. He has received many awards, including the first Ordway Award for Sustained Excellence in Spaceflight History in 2015 at the AAS Wernher von Braun Memorial Symposium. You can find out Leonard's latest project at his website and on Twitter.
Latest articles by Leonard David
'Space archaeology' research on the ISS will help design better space habitats
By Leonard David published
A unique archaeological study of crew culture within the International Space Station will focus on the orbiting habitat as a "microsociety in a miniworld."
Launching with Blue Origin: Q&A with spaceflight veteran Dylan Taylor
By Leonard David last updated
The founder of Space for Humanity reflects on his Dec. 11 suborbital flight on Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft.
Let the space games begin! Ideas for off-Earth sports move to center court
By Leonard David published
An alliance of experts in space, sports and the entertainment industry are designing and developing original games exclusively for low or microgravity playing fields.
Equal access to space: New study investigates how to get more 'parastronauts' aloft
By Leonard David published
A new study sponsored by NASA investigates the feasibility of sending people with disabilities safely into space and returning them back to Earth.
'Mystery Hut' spotted on the moon by Chinese rover is just a rock, scientist says
By Leonard David last updated
Before you request a reservation at the lunar "Mystery Hut," take note: It's just a rock.
Military interest in the moon is ramping up
By Leonard David published
There is growing interest in protecting strategic assets in cislunar space, the realm between Earth and the moon.
Space debris: More storm clouds ahead in orbit, experts say
By Leonard David published
What to do about orbital debris is now a daily topic of conversation and concern within the space community. But is it all too little, too late?
China's Anti-Satellite Test: Worrisome Debris Cloud Circles Earth
By Leonard David last updated
The flotsam created by China's anti-satellite test last month is on the radar screens of space debris analysts, as well as space policy experts.
Who owns the moon? One man's lunar claim
By Leonard David published
Entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Garriott believes he has a fairly unique and supportable claim to a small part of the moon.
Space solar power's time may finally be coming
By Leonard David published
The idea of harvesting solar energy via power-beaming satellites has long intrigued researchers — and recent advances may help make it a reality relatively soon.
China just put its next-generation spaceship on display
By Leonard David published
Making its public debut is China's next-generation crewed spacecraft.
Air Force's X-37B robotic space plane wings past 500 days in Earth orbit
By Leonard David published
That enigmatic U.S. military X-37B robotic space drone has now chalked up more than 500 days circling the Earth.
Mars on the cheap: Scientists working to revolutionize access to the Red Planet
By Leonard David last updated
An increasing number of researchers are blueprinting low-cost and novel ways to further explore the Red Planet.
Humanity needs a space-rescue capability, report stresses
By Leonard David last updated
As space tourism blossoms and other nations develop their own human spaceflight programs, it's time to think seriously about implementing a space rescue capability, some experts say.
China's Tianwen-1 Mars mission is going offline for a while
By Leonard David published
China's Tianwen-1 Mars mission — both the orbiter and Zhurong rover — will suspend operations for about 50 days starting in mid-September.
The new reality of UFOs: An interview with journalist Leslie Kean
By Leonard David published
Space.com recently caught up with author and journalist Leslie Kean to discuss UFOs and where research into the puzzling objects is heading.
Can the US and China Cooperate in Space?
By Leonard David published
China’s meteoric rise in space science and exploration—along with its new partnership with Russia—is spurring U.S. experts to reconsider a long-standing prohibition on bilateral collaborations
NASA is mapping out plans for bigger, more capable Mars helicopters
By Leonard David published
Given the highly successful and ongoing flights of NASA's Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, engineers are turning their attention to future aerial craft for the Red Planet.
Russia's new Nauka module readied for launch to International Space Station
By Leonard David published
Russia's Nauka laboratory module is now slated to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on July 21.
Up in the air! US government's UFO report stirs range of reactions
By Leonard David published
The release of the U.S. government's highly anticipated UFO report has whipped up a blend of reactions, from UFO groups to individuals in military, academic and scientific circles.
Skies alive with UFOs? Government report on mysterious sightings due soon
By Leonard David last updated
The U.S. government is set to release a UFO report soon, perhaps sometime this week. What will it say?
Petition to NASA: Name moon-orbiting space station after Apollo 11's Michael Collins
By Leonard David published
More than 13,700 people have signed a petition to NASA to name the space agency’s planned Lunar Gateway after Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins, who died last month at the age of 90.
What does the Pentagon's new UFO task force mean? Experts weigh in.
By Leonard David last updated
The Pentagon just announced the creation of a task force to analyze and understand the "nature and origins" of UFOs. Here's what the much-hyped news means.
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