Robert Z. Pearlman
Robert Pearlman is a space historian, journalist and the founder and editor of collectSPACE.com, an online publication and community devoted to space history with a particular focus on how and where space exploration intersects with pop culture. Pearlman is also a contributing writer for Space.com and co-author of "Space Stations: The Art, Science, and Reality of Working in Space” published by Smithsonian Books in 2018. He previously developed online content for the National Space Society and Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, helped establish the space tourism company Space Adventures and currently serves on the History Committee of the American Astronautical Society, the advisory committee for The Mars Generation and leadership board of For All Moonkind. In 2009, he was inducted into the U.S. Space Camp Hall of Fame in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2021, he was honored by the American Astronautical Society with the Ordway Award for Sustained Excellence in Spaceflight History.
Latest articles by Robert Z. Pearlman
JAXA and Toyota's 'Lunar Cruiser' moon rover is now a Transformers toy
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Japan's proposal for a moon rover is "more than meets the eye." A new model of JAXA's Lunar Cruiser not only replicates the Toyota transport, but can also transform into Optimus Prime.
'Apollo: When We Went to the Moon' exhibit lands at NYC's Intrepid Museum
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Given it was navy ships that recovered the Apollo spacecraft, it is appropriate that the largest temporary exhibit ever hosted by the Intrepid is themed to the first lunar landings.
SpaceX Crew-7 astronauts share the good and bad of spending 6 months in space
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa spoke about their six months on the space station.
Astronauts' mementos packed on Boeing Starliner for crew flight test
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A NASA astronaut who had the honor of naming her spacecraft will fly items inspired by that name when she launches to the International Space Station.
1st Belarusian woman reaches space on ISS-bound Soyuz launch (video)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
For the first time, a spacecraft has lifted off with a flight attendant aboard. Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus, Oleg Novitsky of Roscosmos and NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson launched on Soyuz MS-25.
Thomas Stafford, NASA astronaut who led Apollo-Soyuz joint mission, dies at 93
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Former NASA astronaut Thomas Stafford, who flew to the moon before leading the first international space mission carried out by the United States and Russia, has died at the age of 93.
New Lego Technic Mars Crew Exploration Rover is sci-fi but built with NASA's help
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Lego and NASA have a long history of collaborating, but the release of the Technic Mars Crew Exploration Rover launched the partnership in a new direction, both for the toy company and space agency.
Water-themed plaque to fly on Europa Clipper to Jupiter's icy ocean moon
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, which is dedicated to studying Jupiter's icy ocean moon, will carry with it a metal plaque etched with the ripples created by the many ways humans say "water."
NASA graduates new astronaut class as it begins recruiting for more
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
"The Flies" are ready to fly, so NASA is in need of some new flyboys (and gals). As the space agency welcomed its latest astronauts into its corps, NASA announced it is again accepting applications.
Crew-8's 'family dog' plush is SpaceX's latest zero-g indicator
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Three American astronauts, a Russian cosmonaut and a small English Springer Spaniel plush doll are now on their way to the International Space Station.
Rare OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample debuts at Space Center Houston
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Move over, moon rocks! Space Center Houston has a new type of space stone in its showcase: a sample of the asteroid Bennu.
Adam Sandler's 'Spaceman' used NASA artifacts to create sci-fi film's spaceship
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
There is a scene in "Spaceman" where Adam Sandler, playing a Czech astronaut, floats by a brown duffle bag. What sets the bag apart is that it is an authentic piece of space equipment.
Astronaut Scott Kelly on advising Apple's new space thriller 'Constellation'
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Scott Kelly recently returned to the International Space Station during a trip to Berlin. The replica was built for the off-Earth scenes in "Constellation," the psychological thriller on Apple TV+.
Richard Truly, space shuttle astronaut and NASA administrator, dies at 86
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Richard "Dick" Truly, who was one of the first astronauts to fly on the space shuttle and later led NASA as administrator, has died at the age of 86.
Apollo astronaut's granddaughter opens immersive 'Lunar Light' moonwalk experience in Dallas
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
What do you get when you mix an Apollo astronaut's legacy with a trio of shipping containers, VR technology, the cousin of a 'Star Wars' robot and an escape room? A chance to go to the moon.
Lunar lining: Columbia coat tech insulates Intuitive Machines' newly launched moon lander
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A technology used to protect the first astronauts to land on the moon is on its way back to the lunar surface, and you may already have some of it in your coat closet.
Canadian astronaut reveals Indigenous art patch for Artemis 2 moon mission
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The first Canadian who will fly to the moon, Jeremy Hansen, now has a patch to represent his own mission, as well as the knowledge passed on by his country's original explorers.
Astronaut Hall of Fame to add shuttle vets David Hilmers and Marsha Ivins in June
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Although they never flew in space together, astronauts David Hilmers and Marsha Ivins crossed paths on the same spacecraft on the same mission. They will now reunite with the orbiter to be honored.
Stomp Rocket 'targets' NASA history with new space toy collection
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A classic toy brand is putting its foot down on how NASA rockets are launched. After 30 years of producing "kid-powered" projectiles of its own design, Stomp Rocket is releasing its first NASA set.
NASA's Artemis 1 moon capsule to land in renovated Smithsonian gallery in 2026
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
NASA's Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft will be displayed by the Smithsonian as part of the renovated galleries at the National Air and Space Museum in 2026. Four new space galleries are among 12 debuting.
Endeavour lifted onto space shuttle stack for California Science Center exhibit (video)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A space shuttle is standing upright for the first time in more than a decade. Cranes lifted Endeavour off a Los Angeles side street and onto an external tank with solid rocket boosters for display.
NASA honors its fallen astronauts on annual Day of Remembrance
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Karen Bassett Stephenson reflected on the loss of her father while standing before the Space Mirror Memorial that bears his name. She joined others to observe NASA's Day of Remembrance.
Bulova adds limited edition meteorite dial to Apollo 15-inspired Lunar Pilot watch
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
How do you enhance the connection that Bulova's Lunar Pilot watch shares with outer space? You replicate the look of the original, but replace its dial with a slice of a space rock.
Limited edition Oreo Space Dunk cookies lift off with chance to fly to 'edge of space'
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Oreo's latest limited-edition flavor, "Space Dunk," comes with an out-of-this-world twist: a chance at enjoying the "cosmic creme"-filled cookies while floating through the stratosphere.
US Priority Mail stamps now feature James Webb Space Telescope images
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
As light reaching the James Webb Space Telescope, it took between 6,500 and 7,600 years to be received. As images on Priority stamps, they will get your mail to its destination much sooner.
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