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
'Aurora' the baby falcon plush toy takes flight again as SpaceX Crew-9 zero-g indicator
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A tradition borrowed from the Russian space program has physically crossed over to an U.S. spacecraft. The "zero-g indicator" that launched on SpaceX's Crew-9 previously flew on two Russian Soyuz.
NASA restarts art program with New York murals aimed at Artemis Generation
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
As NASA works to return astronauts to the moon, the agency is resurrecting a program aimed at communicating the cultural significance of its missions. A new era for the NASA Arts Program has begun.
Soyuz MS-25 lands from ISS with NASA astronaut and record-setting cosmonauts (video)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Three crewmates have landed Earth after a record-long stay on the International Space Station (ISS) for two of them. For one, the 374 days has amounted to only a third of his total time in space.
NASA's 'Hidden Figures' women awarded Congressional Gold Medals
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Though they may never shed the label, the women who worked for NASA as human computers during the space race are no longer "hidden figures," and they now have Congressional Gold Medals to prove it.
'Space for Birds': Astronaut Roberta Bondar captures avian habitats from Earth, in air and on orbit in new book (interview)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Roberta Bondar knew that she would not be able to hear birds, let alone seen them from space, but when she really thought about it, their absence struck her deeply.
9 firsts in 5 days: Polaris Dawn crew lands from history-making SpaceX mission
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Four private astronauts are back on Earth after a five-day mission that set firsts and broke records in an effort to advance human spaceflight.
Polaris Dawn: World's 1st commercial spacewalk was history's 20th stand-up EVA
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Two private astronauts conducting the first commercial spacewalk did not so much float out of their spacecraft as they did "stand up."
Polaris Dawn crew flies higher than 1966 Gemini 11 orbital record
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
The private SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew has now flown farther from Earth than any astronauts have traveled since the last Apollo mission left for the moon.
Elon Musk's pet dog inspires young girl's design for Polaris Dawn zero-g indicator
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A privately-funded space crew aiming to set several records in orbit may not include the first child in space, but they have her hopes, wishes and furry spacesuit-clad creation aboard.
Statue of fallen 'Teacher-in-Space' Christa McAuliffe unveiled at NH state house
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A statue of Christa McAuliffe, NASA's "Teacher-in-Space" who died on board the space shuttle Challenger in 1986, has been unveiled in New Hampshire, the state where she taught.
Orion capsule used in abort test 'lands' at University of North Dakota
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
A space capsule that NASA used to learn more about safely launching astronauts to the moon has arrived at the University of North Dakota for a different type of education.
Mock shuttle Pathfinder restored atop its stack at Alabama rocket center (photos)
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
An early mockup of NASA's winged orbiters, Pathfinder was returned to its position atop a space shuttle propulsion "stack" at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Mattel rolling out Matchbox toy of SpaceX's Tesla astronaut transport
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Mattel is counting down to the release of its latest space-themed Matchbox toy. Its 1:64 scale version of SpaceX's Crew Transport Vehicle is arriving Oct. 1.
'Apollo 13: Survival' documentary has 'go' for Sep. 5 launch on Netflix
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Netflix has begun the countdown to a "re-launch" of one of NASA's most well-known missions in spaceflight history. The streaming service has set Sep. 5 for the premiere of "Apollo 13: Survival."
Microsoft co-founder's space art, artifacts to be sold by Christie's
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Visions of humanity's future in space and spaceflight artifacts are heading for auction from Paul G. Allen's estate. Christie's is hosting three sales devoted to Allen's art and scientific objects.
Doritos new safe-for-outer-space chips set for blast off: Here's how to get your own
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Doritos is launching a new limited-edition flavor with an out-of-this-world mission to make space history while supporting an important cause.
Astronaut Jon McBride, early NASA space shuttle pilot, dies at 80
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Former NASA astronaut Jon McBride, who was the pilot on the first mission to launch seven people into space, has died at the age of 80. McBride flew on STS-41G, Challenger's sixth flight, in 1984.
Pennies to heaven: NASA launches 2 cents to space station
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
They say a penny doesn't go far these days, to which NASA has now added its two cents. Two pennies just lifted off for the International Space Station.
New Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle features 'most accurate details' in a Lego set
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
There is a moment when building Lego's new NASA-inspired set that the assembly goes from looking like plastic bricks to being a moon buggy. Then you realize you're not even a quarter of the way done.
Lego sets up 'space station' at San Diego Comic-Con, offers mission crew patch
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Lego is recruiting new members for its "mission crew," issuing rocket builders with an exclusive mission patch at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. The toy company has launched "Space Station 8R1CK5."
Former astronaut Mark Kelly on shortlist for Harris' VP pick
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former NASA astronaut, is on Vice President Kamala Harris' shortlist to be her running mate as she pursues becoming the next president of the United States.
Where to? Space: Tripadvisor publishes 1st off-Earth travel review
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
After helping millions of people plan their trips around the world, Tripadvisor is ready to do the same for those looking to travel beyond Earth. "Destination Space" is focused on space tourism.
Rocket Row ribbon cutting marks return of Alabama rocket center's 'spaceline'
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Some cities have skylines. Huntsville, Alabama has a "spaceline." Or so it does again with the restoration of "Rocket Row" at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
NASA looking at what artifacts to preserve from space station before 2030 demise
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Two years after stating there were no plans to save artifacts from the end of the International Space Station, NASA is in the early stages of identifying what small parts of the complex to preserve.
United Nations marks Apollo 11 55th with international moon missions stamps
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Photos of the moon captured by American, Russian, European, Japanese, Indian, Korean and Chinese spacecraft are the subject of new United Nations stamps for the 55th anniversary of Apollo 11.
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