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
California Science Center reopens retired space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Space shuttle Endeavour is about to get its 'boom' back. The California Science Center has reopened the orbiter's payload bay to complete outfitting the vehicle's cargo hold.
Former astronaut Chris Cassidy raises hand for My Hand My Cause photo
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Former astronaut Chris Cassidy, who spent 378 days in space, is lending his hand to My Hand My Cause, a newly launched photographic, philanthropic fundraiser.
Knott's Berry Farm celebrates Snoopy and NASA in 'To the Moon' exhibit
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Where does a world-famous beagle go after a touchdown from the moon? To a theme park, of course. Snoopy has landed at Knott's Berry Farm, in an exhibit about the character and the space agency.
Accutron and Bulova debut new Astronaut and Lunar Pilot timepieces
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Two watch brands are celebrating the historic associations they had with the U.S. space program. Accutron is reviving its "Astronaut" line, while Bulova is continuing its "Lunar Pilot" series.
Senator Mark Kelly, Roy Bridges to enter Astronaut Hall of Fame
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame will induct two space shuttle pilots: Roy Bridges, who flew at the start of the program, and Mark Kelly, who helped bring it to a close, at a public ceremony in May.
Space Foundation to award US Postal Service for 75 years of space stamps
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The Space Foundation is recognizing the United States Postal Service (USPS) and its 75 years of space-themed postage with the Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award.
With a 'wiggle and nudge,' spacewalking astronauts install stubborn array mount outside space station
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Two spacewalking astronauts wiggled a stubborn strut into place, completing the installation of a solar array platform outside the International Space Station.
With moon crews to assign, Joe Acaba named NASA's new chief astronaut
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
As NASA nears selecting its first crew to fly to the moon in more than 50 years, the agency has a new leader for its astronaut corps, Joe Acaba, who has flown into space on three missions.
SpaceX crewmates Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken awarded Space Medal of Honor
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Former NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken have been presented with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. honor reserved for spaceflight veterans.
European Space Agency seeks more use of logo, mission patches on merchandise
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The European Space Agency wants to see its logo on your t-shirt, cap or collectible. The intergovernmental organization has now made it easier to gain permission to use the ESA brand.
NASA 'Day of Remembrance' marks 20 years since space shuttle Columbia tragedy
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Twenty years ago, seven astronauts were returning home when they were lost on space shuttle Columbia. Like 19 others, the STS-107 crew made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of space exploration.
Fellow astronauts remember Apollo 7 pilot Walt Cunningham as friend and mentor
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Judging by the astronauts who came to remember Walt Cunningham, the Apollo 7 pilot's reach extended far beyond his 1968 launch into space. The group took part in a panel before a funeral service.
Saturn IB rocket no longer safe to keep standing at Alabama rest stop
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A roadside rocket display that has stood as a welcome sign for drivers entering the state of Alabama is no longer safe to be left standing, according to NASA and the museum charged with its care.
A look back at Lyndon B. Johnson's space legacy, 50 years after his death
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
"There's no question that LBJ's legacy relating to space is under appreciated and undervalued as we look at the history of space exploration."
Spacewalking astronauts hit snags installing new solar array mount outside space station
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Koichi Wakata and Nicole Mann wrapped up their spacewalk without completing assembly of a new roll-out solar array mounting platform as planned.
1st-ever recovered US rocket stage, an artifact from Gemini 5, returns to launch site 60 years later
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The first U.S. rocket stage to be recovered after its launch, an artifact from Gemini 5, has landed at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum, not far from where it lifted off almost 60 years ago.
Snoopy comes home: NASA photos show 'zero-g indicator' after trip to the moon
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Snoopy has come home. The "world famous astronaut" splashed down on NASA's Artemis I Orion spacecraft in December, but it was not until a month later that the beagle was removed from the capsule.
China issues gold and silver coins to mark completion of Tiangong space station
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
China's first space station is now complete in Earth orbit — and on a new set of coins. The People's Bank of China has issued gold and silver coins in celebration of China's Tiangong space station.
Astronauts Memorial Foundation notes NASA's return to the moon with new collectible
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation has taken note of NASA's recent return to the moon with a new collectible note highlighting the Artemis 1 mission.
Crew set to fly on Boeing Starliner add final touches to mission patch
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Boeing has finalized the design of its first crew mission patch. The aerospace company is preparing for the Crew Flight Test of its CST-100 Starliner commercial spacecraft.
'Space Legend' watch set celebrates 1975 visit by Apollo-Soyuz crew to Disney
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
New limited edition watches mark the time that U.S. astronauts and Russian cosmonauts traveled together to Space ... Mountain. UNDONE's timepieces celebrate the Apollo-Soyuz crew's visit to Disney.
Walter Cunningham: Apollo 7 astronaut
By Elizabeth Howell last updated
Reference Walter Cunningham was a former NASA astronaut best remembered for flying the Apollo 7 mission in October 1968.
Astronaut Walt Cunningham, who test-flew Apollo 7 command module, dies at 90
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Walt Cunningham, who tested the Apollo command module in Earth orbit, has died. America's second civilian to fly in space, Cunningham and his Apollo 7 crewmates proved the CM was ready for the moon.
New year, new space stuff: A look ahead at 2023 in space memorabilia
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Sometime soon, NASA will begin distributing something it has not had in 50 years: new patches, flags and other souvenirs that flew around the moon. A look ahead at the year in space collectibles.