The New Space Age: A series on the resurgence of space travel

The rockets get most of the attention. Big and powerful and full of fiery thrust, the Space Launch System rocket NASA wants to use to propel astronauts into moon orbit is a monster, taller than the Statue of Liberty. As is SpaceX’s Starship, which NASA plans to use to ferry the astronauts to the lunar surface and back.

But those rockets represent only one element of the grand ambitions possessed by the United States, international space agencies and the many private companies that have set their sights on space over the past two decades. There are efforts underway to make space tourism accessible for the masses. There are hopes of one day having the infrastructure and technology to form permanent colonies in deep space. And there is a plan to finally put a woman and person of color on the moon.

Space travel is booming, creating an energy around the exploration of our solar system that hasn’t been seen since the days of Apollo — and leading to no shortage of questions. Why does NASA want to go back to the moon? What toll does space travel take on the human body? And what are the consequences of the increasing amount of space debris littering the atmosphere?

The New Space Age will seek to answer those questions, and many more, with a comprehensive look at this significant moment in the history of human spaceflight.

Inside the rockets that NASA and SpaceX plan to take to the moon

In the way they are manufactured, financed and designed to work, NASA’s SLS and SpaceX’s Starship represent very different approaches.

This astronaut trains by flying fighter jets. We went along for the ride.

Jared Isaacman, who commissioned a private astronaut flight to orbit last year, has purchased three more trips from Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

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So you’ve decided to travel to space. Here are some things to keep in mind as you exit the atmosphere.

1. Getting physically ready

Floating in microgravity is effortless, but training can still take months.

2. Suiting up

Leave your jogger pants at home. You’ll need a pressurized spacesuit.

3. Going boldly, packing light

Expect to leave almost all of your worldly possessions on Earth.

4. Snapping selfies

You won’t have your phone in space, so Instagram will have to wait.

5. Eating and drinking

Be prepared to eat mostly freeze-dried food and go without bread and soda.

6. Staying clean(ish)

Space is like backcountry camping. Prepare for some compromises.

7. Falling asleep

Like camping, you’ll roll out your sleeping bag and count the stars.

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Why scientists and officials are taking UFOs more seriously

At a time when our knowledge of the universe is expanding, many scientists and government officials are paying more attention to the objects we haven’t been able to identify.

About this project

This section examines the significance of this current period of space exploration, including the boom of the private space industry, the ambitions of NASA and foreign space agencies, and the potential consequences for society.

Topper image provided by NASA, ESA, SCA, STSCI. Illustrations by Brian Monroe, Ibrahim Rayintakath, Elizabeth von Oehsen, Christina Chung, and Jose Berrios. Graphics by William Neff and Aaron Steckelberg with editing by Kate Rabinowitz and Manuel Canales. Video by Daron Taylor, Tom LeGro, Monica Rodman and Sarah Hashemi. Photography by Jonathan Newton.

Art direction, design, development and photo editing by Betty Chavarria. Editing by Jeff Dooley, Betty Chavarria, Wayne Lockwood and Elizabeth McGehee.