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
You can now wear an Apollo Guidance Computer keypad as a wristwatch
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
NASA's Apollo spacecraft had briefcase-size computers that for their day would normally have filled two rooms. Apollo Instruments has been able to shrink the Apollo Guidance Computer even more.
Russian cosmonauts install X-ray detector, jettison trash on spacewalk outside ISS
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner installed an X-ray detector and jettisoned trash during a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.
Webb mail: US Priority Mail stamps to again star deep space images in 2025
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The universe of U.S. postage stamps featuring James Webb Space Telescope imagery is set to expand again in 2025. The U.S. Postal Service revealed its Priority Mail and Express flat rate stamps.
'SALLY' at Sundance: NatGeo film to reveal 'hidden love' of 1st US woman in space
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A documentary about the life and love of America's first woman in space will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. "SALLY," from National Geographic, reveals the legacy of astronaut Sally Ride.
Tom Hanks bringing 'The Moonwalkers' to Houston for US premiere in 2025
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Narrated and co-written by Hanks, 'The Moonwalkers' envelops audiences in the history of the Apollo program and the future of lunar exploration by the Artemis program.
Kennedy Space Center viewing gantry gaining rocket engine test sim in 2025
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A countdown is underway at NASA's Florida spaceport, ticking down until the public can experience a rocket engine test. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced The Gantry at LC-39.
Handle on history: Knives embedded with rocket parts honor 45 years of Ariane launches
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A company that crafts knife handles from leftover rocket metal and the wood from trees surrounding the launch pad has created a limited piece celebrating the anniversary of Europe's venerable Ariane.
From 6th Ave to space: Haribo gummi candies blast off into Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Haribo is adding its own "cosmic" taste to Thanksgiving by sending Goldbear (and its friends) where no gummi candy has gone before. The confectioner has a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Blue Origin crew, including history's 100th woman to fly to space, lands safely (video)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
"The Space Gal" has become the 100th woman to fly into space. Emily Calandrelli lifted off as one of the six passengers aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard suborbital rocket today (Nov. 22).
Flight suit worn on 1st all-private astronaut mission to ISS debuts on display
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
When Michael Lopez-Alegria commanded the first privately funded crewed mission to visit the International Space Station, he traded his NASA "blues" for a "Deep Space" and "Mesosphere" flight suit.
The not so 'wicked' path from 'The Wizard of Oz' to the moon landing
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
"The Wizard of Oz" and space exploration are two topics that by all rights should have nothing in common. But as it turns out, if you follow the Yellow Brick Road long enough you reach the moon.
'It's bananas:' Toy fruit becomes first zero-g indicator to fly on SpaceX Starship
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
An artificial banana floated in the microgravity environment of outer space. No longer needing its attached tethers, it just hung there in the bay of its spacecraft's otherwise empty cargo hold.
Documentary director redefines astronaut Eileen Collins as the 'Spacewoman' (interview)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The dictionary defines "spacewoman" as simply "a woman astronaut." In the case of its latest usage, though, the term carries more meaning. "Spacewoman" is a new film about Eileen Collins.
First quilter in space challenges students, crafters to stitch the moon
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Ten years after launching a patchwork of stars from her place in space, Karen Nyberg is calling for quilters to create the moon. The "Lunar Quilt Block Challenge" is now accepting quilt squares.
Open Gateway: Step into mock lunar orbit habitat at Space Center Houston
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The public can now step into the future of lunar exploration at Space Center Houston by entering an early mockup for Northrop Grumman's Gateway astronaut accommodations around the moon.
At 60 years, monument to NASA's Project Mercury still stands, but what of its time capsule?
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A 60-year-old tribute to America's first human spaceflight program is standing up to the test of time, but what about the contents of its time capsule not to be opened until 2464?
Moon RACER: Intuitive Machines takes lunar rover out for debut drive
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Intuitive Machines' lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) is not your grandfather's moon buggy. The company's Moon RACER, or Reusable Autonomous Crewed Exploration Rover, just made its public debut.
Go Centaur! Space Force stands up rocket stage at Los Angeles base
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A Centaur III propellant tank and its rocket engine stand on display at Los Angeles Air Force Base as a testament to its service to both the United States' military and civilian space missions.
Chef Duff Goldman spins up moon-shaped cake for NASA 'Taste of Space'
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Duff Goldman, the host of the Food Network show "Ace of Cakes," has for a third year brought a space-themed cake to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Who's in your commercial? Capital One ad stars (unnamed) astronaut
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A banker, an athlete and an astronaut walk onto a stage... No, that is not the setup for a joke, but rather the premise behind a new commercial starring a veteran NASA space traveler.
Apollo 14 astronaut's personal moon-flown Rolex watch sells for record $2.2 million
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A Rolex watch that was flown to the moon is now the most expensive astronaut timepiece to sell at auction. The personal GMT-Master chronometer worn by Edgar Mitchell sold for $2.2 million.
NASA's Robonaut-2 reunited with its ride into space at Smithsonian
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
NASA's space shuttle Discovery has been reunited with one of its last crew members. The National Air and Space Museum debuted Robonaut-2 (R2), NASA's first dexterous humanoid robot flown into space.
Crew-8 astronauts splash down on SpaceX Dragon Endeavour after weather delays (video)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Crew-8 is back on Earth after an extended mission and a wait for the weather to clear. Matt Dominick, Mike Barratt, Jeanette Epps and Alexander Grebenkin splashed down on Dragon Endeavour.
Mini '2001' monoliths fly into space on first flight of Blue Origin's 2nd crew ship
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A number of black slabs modeled after the monoliths in "2001: A Space Odyssey" have made the trip into space and back on the first flight of Blue Origin's second human-rated launch vehicle.
Exclusive: Doritos' 1st ad filmed in space features special 'zero-g' chips (video)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
It is not a sound often heard in Earth orbit, but in the newly released footage of snack and space history being made, it is clearly there. *Crunch* Doritos is releasing its first ad filmed in space.
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