Expert Voices: Op Ed & Insights
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Latest about expert voices
![SpaceX's SN8 Starship prototype launches on a high-altitude test flight on Dec. 9, 2020. The vehicle performed well during the flight but did not stick its landing, exploding shortly after hitting the ground.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g9fJY5ChMXvWnfzwtSt5G9-320-80.jpg)
When it comes to space, failure isn't just an option — it's a requirement
By Rick Tumlinson published
In spaceflight, we advance by learning from our mistakes — if, that is, we accept the learning we gain from those failures and apply it to our future endeavors.
![Is it a bird? A plane? A suspected Chinese spy balloon?](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2LbDA9gymEoiRGxKdLTLXY-320-80.jpg)
What is a UFO? The US shot down three mysterious objects as interest and concern increase over unidentified craft
By Wendy Whitman Cobb published
The Air Force general overseeing North American airspace refused to rule out extraterrestrial forces at play after unidentified objects were shot down in February.
![newton's laws of motion: illustration of a person holding an apple with mathematical equations in front and an illustration of orbits in behind](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pAvuA3Pe5uHMhGomaKXVLM-320-80.jpg)
What are Newton's laws of motion?
By Paul Sutter last updated
Reference Newton's Laws of Motion is one of the reasons that Sir Isaac Newton is often considered the No. 1 scientist of all time.
![There are more than 100 missions to the Moon planned in the coming years, including the next Artemis missions.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LMpkN6bQ3ZcYi4wMgjyKY3-320-80.jpg)
More lunar missions means more space junk around the moon. Two scientists are building a catalog to track the trash.
By Vishnu Reddy published
Scientists and government agencies have been worried about the space junk surrounding Earth for decades. But humanity's starry ambitions are farther reaching than the space just around Earth.
![The Haughton Impact Crater is similar to Mars in many ways, making it a great place for researchers to test new technology that could one day be used to explore other planets. Here a team of researchers working on the ground are seen from a drone.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DFJuZZAigX7zjqB7CNhZcL-320-80.jpeg)
Designing a drone that can search for life on other planets
By Nina Lanza published
We have yet to find microbial life on another planet. But with the assistance of autonomous drones, we may be able to find it sooner rather than later.
![A 747 takes off on its maiden voyage.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qqg76AWhv3De2KdrsSc2z7-320-80.jpg)
Last Boeing 747 rolls out of the factory: How the 'queen of the skies' reigned over air travel
By Janet Bednarek published
On Jan. 31, 2023, Boeing completed its last 747, the airplane that helped make international air travel affordable.
![Does the universe rotate?](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AWcavUASABGqVnMnFeBJNS-320-80.jpg)
Do we live in a rotating universe? If we did, we could travel back in time
By Paul Sutter published
A rotating universe would be capable of rotating your future into your own past, allowing you to travel back in time.
![Astronomy has plenty of space for amateurs.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AvrkLBZKcxX2GgFUVyHJQE-320-80.jpg)
Almost anyone can become an amateur astronomer. What will you find?
By Paul Sutter published
Want to become a published astronomer? All it takes is a spare telescope, or at least a decent internet connection, and plenty of patience.
![The Milky Way band stretches across the sky above sand dunes.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/smrDDa9gzEFkYHQM7hSmR5-320-80.jpg)
Arrakhis: The tiny satellite aiming to reveal what dark matter is made of
By Andreea Font published
The European Space Agency (ESA) recently announced a new mission of its science program: a small telescope orbiting the Earth dubbed Arrakhis.
![A new particle accelerator at Michigan State University is set to discover thousands of never-before-seen isotopes.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ny5LdWRAYRxzAZPQ5Mrg9m-320-80.jpg)
Powerful linear accelerator begins smashing atoms – 2 scientists on the team explain how it could reveal rare forms of matter
By Sean Liddick, Artemis Spyrou published
The accelerator at FRIB started working at low power, but when it finishes ramping up to full strength, it will be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator on Earth.
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