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
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.
'Constellation' trailer teases new 'action-packed space adventure' on Apple TV+
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
After surviving an explosion on board the International Space Station, ESA astronaut Jo Ericsson is thrust into a different mission: to uncover the hidden history of space travel.
World-renowned spaceflight museum set for renovation at Cosmosphere
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The home of a sunken Mercury capsule and the spacecraft that brought the Apollo 13 crew back to Earth is getting an upgrade. The Cosmosphere announced it is ready to renovate its Hall of Space.
'I.S.S.' filmmakers ground suspense thriller in realistic surroundings
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
There are scenes in the movie 'I.S.S.' that could be mistaken for NASA footage. And that's a good thing, because if you title your movie 'I.S.S.', then you better match the ISS on which it is based.
Omega adds Saturn V seconds hand to new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon watch
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Omega has returned to the 'dark side' of the moon with an updated version of a chronograph saluting the first astronauts to fly there, NASA's Apollo 8 crew.
Last built-for-flight external tank lifted into place for space shuttle Endeavour exhibit
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
NASA's last-existing, built-for-flight space shuttle external tank took to the sky, briefly leaving the ground to become part of the California Science Center's space shuttle Endeavour exhibit.
Axiom astronaut Peggy Whitson hangs up her flight suit — on public display
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The most experienced U.S. astronaut has hung up her flight suit. Peggy Whitson came to Space Center Houston for the reveal of her Axiom Space flight suit as it was placed on public display.
Mayo on a mission: Sir Kensington's aims to bring taste to space with its condiments
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station could soon add new taste to their food if a 'certain space agency' accepts the proposal of a condiments company.
GiGi, Axiom's spacesuit-clad Build-A-Bear zero-g indicator, returning to orbit on Ax-3
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
As it turns out, when you build a bear to fly into space, one mission is not enough. 'GiGi,' the Build-A-Bear doll outfitted in Axiom Space's lunar spacesuit, will be returning to orbit on Ax-3.
DHL delivering Everest rock, 'meme' coin to the moon on Astrobotic lander
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A rock from Mount Everest, a time capsule from Belgium, a physical 'meme' coin and a letter from a private astronaut are now being delivered to the moon's surface by DHL.
Australia celebrates space history on world's 1st coin minted in 2024
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The world's first coin to be struck in 2024 highlights space history. 'Out of this World - Australia in Space' was chosen by the Royal Australian Mint as its 2024 theme.
Up next for Endeavour LA exhibit: Tank lift and shuttle shrink wrap
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Just days after it was taken off exhibit and as its external tank is scheduled for its brief return to flight, NASA's retired space shuttle Endeavour is heading under wraps.
Lego announces new space-themed kits for 2024 including Mars base, rockets and rovers
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Lego is blasting off into 2024 with a slew of new space-related sets that for the first time span several of its most popular themes.
End of year, end of exhibit: Space shuttle Endeavour goes off view for a few years
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
With the end of 2023 comes the end of an endeavor — or rather Endeavour — as the retired NASA space shuttle goes off public view at the California Science Center for the next few years.
History-making SpaceX Falcon 9 booster mostly destroyed in post-flight topple
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The first commercial rocket to launch astronauts has met its end after being destroyed during its latest post-flight recovery. The SpaceX Falcon 9 first stage tipped over after a record 19th flight.
Mold-A-Rama and the space shuttle over Earth: A space age toy story
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The space shuttle reentered orbit this fall after a 15-month retirement, and this time it was bright blue. The new orbiters are identical to the first ones pulled out, but this time are from Chicago.
Home (Alone) on Mars: Actor Daniel Stern on leading NASA in 'For All Mankind'
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
If there is a multiverse where every possible outcome happens, then in one of those universes Marv Murchins from "Home Alone" is NASA's chief. Such a thing is playing out on 'For All Mankind.'
NASA donates Ingenuity Mars Helicopter prototype to Smithsonian
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The Smithsonian would love to display the first vehicle to achieve powered flight on another world, but with Ingenuity still busy on Mars, the institution has accepted the next best thing.
Saturn V moon rocket art revealed for 2024 American Innovation $1 coin
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The United States Mint is getting ready to put a rocket in your pocket. Alabama chose NASA's historic Saturn V to appear on a $1 coin as its example of American Innovation.
New 'For All Mankind' patches feature 4th season Mars base and asteroid missions
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Midway through Season 4 of 'For All Mankind,' Icon Heroes has released a new set of patches that are neither too big (with spoilers), nor too small (with screen-accurate details).
Ex-NASA scientist dishes on space food in new memoir 'Space Bites'
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Of all of the food items she helped send into space, Vickie Kloeris' favorite was the cherry-blueberry cobbler. A NASA food scientist for 34 years, Kloeris has published her memoir 'Space Bites.'
Private cargo spacecraft named for shuttle-era astronaut who died of plane crash injuries
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
NASA astronaut Patricia Hilliard 'Patty' Robertson, who died from injuries sustained in a plane crash, is Northrop Grumman's chosen namesake for its first Cygnus to launch atop a SpaceX rocket.
NASA marks 25th anniversary of ISS with call to crew on space station
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Twenty-five years ago, Bob Cabana was at space shuttle Endeavour's controls when he fired thrusters to dock a U.S.-built node with a Russian module, giving birth to the International Space Station.
Solid rocket boosters for shuttle Endeavour exhibit capped with nose cones
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The work to stand up two rockets for the launchpad-like exhibit of NASA's retired space shuttle Endeavour has been capped, literally and figuratively, with the addition of two nose cones.
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