GlobalSecurity.org In the News

Space Web Sites

By Erin Heath

Best of the Top Sites
* www.nasa.gov
* www.space.com
* www.nasawatch.com
* www.rocketry.com


Sites Worth a Look: * www.spaceref.com
* www.biospace.com
* www.seti-inst.edu
* www.heavens-above.com


Government Site * www.nasa.gov

Recommended by Charles Vick, Director, Space Policy Project, Federation of American Scientists

* fpmail.friends-partners.org/ mailman/listinfo.cgi/fpspace "Fpspace is what I like the most. All those who study the Russian and Chinese space programs go to this site. It has timely articles and discussions about space policy."

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration maintains the government space site; it's a comprehensive one-stop shop for NASA-philes and all space buffs. The site boasts 4.1 million public Web pages. Viewers can search for information on a multitude of topics-from NASA projects and facilities, to astronomy and earth science, to the history of U.S. space exploration. Some highlights: Visitors can create maps of nearby planets, take a virtual tour of the International Space Station, and, for those yearning for a career change, learn what it takes to be an astronaut.

Other Sites

* www.space.com
Perhaps one of the best-known space sites, the easy-to-navigate space.com was launched two and a half years ago by CNN Moneyline host Lou Dobbs. For newshounds, the site offers timely articles and interviews on everything from space agencies and missions, to new astronomical discoveries, to theories on extraterrestrial intelligence. The more metaphysically oriented can check out the site's science fiction stories and games. Space.com also includes those features that make the Internet unique: forums, photo galleries, and video clips. (But advertising-phobic visitors beware: The site has made frequent use of pop-under ads.)

* www.nasawatch.com
As the name suggests, this is NASA's watchdog site. It provides news and views-sometimes critical-on NASA operations. Recent hot topics have included reflections on former NASA Administrator Dan Goldin's decade-long tenure, and the announcement that Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director Sean O'Keefe would be Goldin's successor. Nasawatch.com also provides mission updates and an archive of postings organized by subject. Keith Cowing, a former NASA civil servant, runs the site, and he's presented his share of scoops, such as internal memos and photos of space shuttle problem areas. Wired News called nasawatch.com "a classic Web-age, grassroots, hell-raising, little-guy-makes-a-difference site."

* www.rocketry.com
Space policy expert John Pike calls this site's "Encyclopedia Astronautica" "extensive and comprehensive." It breaks down space-related programs, people, and equipment by topic. For example, Web surfers can search for particular space vehicles or see them listed alphabetically, by mission or by destination. It also chronicles "today in space history."

* www.spaceref.com
Spaceref.com is packed with useful info for space enthusiasts, such as up-to-date news items, an event calendar, space organization press releases, project status reports, and live video. It also includes a directory of online space resources, complete with the "world's only dedicated space search engine." Web users can sign up to get news and events sent to their cell phones and other handheld devices.

* www.biospace.com
This is one of former NASA Administrator Dan Goldin's favorite sites. Biospace.com, a company that provides Web-based products and information services to life-science companies and research groups, compiles up-to-date news and investment information for the biotechnology sector. The site is tailored to the industry, with company profiles, product updates, stock quotes, industry events, and job postings. It even has a special section for start-up companies.

* www.seti-inst.edu
This is the place to find out what's happening at the SETI Institute, the research and education nonprofit that supports the search for extraterrestrial life. Curious Web surfers can access project summaries and bone up on emerging technologies such as the Allen Telescope Array, which some hope might one day turn up evidence of little green men.

* www.heavens-above.com
For those who need a break from policy-making: On heavens- above.com, amateur astronomers can plug in their locations and find out how to observe satellites, such as the International Space Station. The site provides visibility times and customized star charts.

Copyright 2001 The National Journal, Inc.