Leonard David
Leonard David is an award-winning space journalist who has been reporting on space activities for more than 50 years. Currently writing as Space.com's Space Insider Columnist among his other projects, Leonard has authored numerous books on space exploration, Mars missions and more, with his latest being "Moon Rush: The New Space Race" published in 2019 by National Geographic. He also wrote "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet" released in 2016 by National Geographic. Leonard has served as a correspondent for SpaceNews, Scientific American and Aerospace America for the AIAA. He has received many awards, including the first Ordway Award for Sustained Excellence in Spaceflight History in 2015 at the AAS Wernher von Braun Memorial Symposium. You can find out Leonard's latest project at his website and on Twitter.
Latest articles by Leonard David
Watery graves: Should we be ditching big spacecraft over Earth's oceans?
By Leonard David published
Is dumping space junk over the South Pacific a good idea? Or can we do better?
Scientists gearing up for rocket body's March 4 moon crash
By Leonard David published
A wayward rocket stage is poised to bombard the moon on Friday (March 4), and the coming impact has earned some scientific attention.
Tonga volcano eruption yields insights into asteroid impacts on Earth
By Leonard David published
Space.com reached out to noted experts in the asteroid impact field to gauge similarities between an undersea belch and Earth taking an asteroid punch in the oceans.
Petition calls for US government release of UFO videos
By Leonard David published
A new petition calls for the United States government to release to the public all unclassified videos of unidentified flying objects (UFOS).
Moon mystery: Who launched the rocket that will slam into the lunar far side?
By Leonard David published
There's an ongoing saga regarding the object that will smash into the moon's far side on March 4.
Moon group pushes for protection of ultraquiet lunar far side
By Leonard David published
A newly established group called the Moon Farside Protection Permanent Committee has begun framing issues and solutions to guard against RFI corruption of the moon's far side.
Russia aims to rekindle moon program with lunar lander launch this July
By Leonard David published
Russia is ready to reactivate its moon exploration agenda, a former Soviet Union enterprise that ended decades ago, with the launch of the Luna 25 mission this summer.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage to crash into moon 1 month from today
By Leonard David published
The upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is poised to slam into the moon in exactly one month.
2022 could be a turning point in the study of UFOs
By Leonard David published
UAP will get more attention from both the scientific community and the federal government in 2022, experts told Space.com.
'Space archaeology' research on the ISS will help design better space habitats
By Leonard David published
A unique archaeological study of crew culture within the International Space Station will focus on the orbiting habitat as a "microsociety in a miniworld."
Launching with Blue Origin: Q&A with spaceflight veteran Dylan Taylor
By Leonard David last updated
The founder of Space for Humanity reflects on his Dec. 11 suborbital flight on Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft.
Let the space games begin! Ideas for off-Earth sports move to center court
By Leonard David published
An alliance of experts in space, sports and the entertainment industry are designing and developing original games exclusively for low or microgravity playing fields.
Equal access to space: New study investigates how to get more 'parastronauts' aloft
By Leonard David published
A new study sponsored by NASA investigates the feasibility of sending people with disabilities safely into space and returning them back to Earth.
'Mystery Hut' spotted on the moon by Chinese rover is just a rock, scientist says
By Leonard David last updated
Before you request a reservation at the lunar "Mystery Hut," take note: It's just a rock.
Military interest in the moon is ramping up
By Leonard David published
There is growing interest in protecting strategic assets in cislunar space, the realm between Earth and the moon.
Space debris: More storm clouds ahead in orbit, experts say
By Leonard David published
What to do about orbital debris is now a daily topic of conversation and concern within the space community. But is it all too little, too late?
China's Anti-Satellite Test: Worrisome Debris Cloud Circles Earth
By Leonard David last updated
The flotsam created by China's anti-satellite test last month is on the radar screens of space debris analysts, as well as space policy experts.
Who owns the moon? One man's lunar claim
By Leonard David published
Entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Garriott believes he has a fairly unique and supportable claim to a small part of the moon.
Space solar power's time may finally be coming
By Leonard David published
The idea of harvesting solar energy via power-beaming satellites has long intrigued researchers — and recent advances may help make it a reality relatively soon.
China just put its next-generation spaceship on display
By Leonard David published
Making its public debut is China's next-generation crewed spacecraft.
Air Force's X-37B robotic space plane wings past 500 days in Earth orbit
By Leonard David published
That enigmatic U.S. military X-37B robotic space drone has now chalked up more than 500 days circling the Earth.
Mars on the cheap: Scientists working to revolutionize access to the Red Planet
By Leonard David last updated
An increasing number of researchers are blueprinting low-cost and novel ways to further explore the Red Planet.
Humanity needs a space-rescue capability, report stresses
By Leonard David last updated
As space tourism blossoms and other nations develop their own human spaceflight programs, it's time to think seriously about implementing a space rescue capability, some experts say.
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