How Spacecraft Currently Avoid Debris
4.5 minute read - In humanity's pursuit of progress, one thing often lingers in our wake: debris. Just like Earth, space is littered with the remnants of past missions—from rocket bodies to tool bags hurtling through our orbits at 17,000 mph. What happens when all this space junk poses a serious threat to active satellites, spacecraft, or even the ISS?
The Legend of Laelaps
3 minute read - What's in a name? More than you might think. KMI's first spacecraft needed a title that not only symbolized its mission but also paid homage to the myths of old. After much debate, we landed on "Laelaps"—a name rooted in Greek legend. But what does a mythic hound, destined to catch everything it chases, have to do with space?
Summer Internship With KMI
4 minute read - In today's column, Bookkeeping Intern Emma Arbelius reflects on her summer experience at KMI.
Being an Intern at KMI
4 minute read - In today's column, Orbital Archivist Intern Cash Bilton reflects on his summer experience at KMI.
Summer Robotics Internship
4 minute read - In today's column, Robotics Actuation R&D Intern Noa/h Milivojevic reflects on his summer experience at KMI
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Summer of Law and Space Debris
4 minute read - In today's column, Legislative Space Intern Gabe Celello reflects on his summer experience in Space law and debris at KMI.
Astronaut to Advisor: KMI Welcomes Dr. Anna Fisher
KMI is thrilled to welcome Dr. Anna Lee Fisher to their formal advisory board! An astronaut, doctor, and mother, Dr. Fisher has over 35 years of NASA experience, including historic space missions and pivotal roles in the development of the ISS. Read more about her incredible journey and contributions to space exploration in our latest column by Corinne Moore.
Intentional Design for a Sustainable Future
6 minute read - The future of logistics, mobility, and operations in space can be bright, IF space partners, satellite operators, regulators have intentionally worked together to design the most sustainable future possible. Read on to explore the aspects of intentional design for a sustainable space future!
Why Space Matters Part 2: Space Is Our Present
4 minute read - Ever wondered why space matters? Dive into Part 2 of our three-part series as Dustin Walker explores humanity’s growing reliance on near-Earth space. From Sputnik to the ISS, discover how satellites revolutionize our world, and how the drive to explore Mars shapes our future.
Biomimetics and Living Machines: How Lessons from Nature can Transform Technology
5 minute read - How can nature's ingenuity revolutionize technology? From the archerfish's precision aim to the self-cleaning properties of lotus leaves, nature's designs are incredibly efficient and effective. Biomimicry harnesses these natural marvels to solve human problems in innovative, sustainable ways. Discover how bio-inspired locomotion, structure, grasping, sensing, and even the creation of living machines are shaping a sustainable future.
Space Questions for the Everyday - Volume IV Elementary Edition
4 minute read - Curious about the cosmos? Join Corinne Moore as she journey’s through the galaxy, answering burning questions from the bright minds at the N.I.C.E Community School District in Marquette County. From the origins of space debris to the secrets of eclipses, Corinne uncovers the universe through the eyes of 5th graders.
Climigrants; Mass Migration to the Midwest Amongst Climate Change
7 minute read - As Earth faces climate challenges, the Midwest emerges as a sanctuary for those fleeing environmental crises. Discover how 'climigrants' are making their way to Marquette, Michigan, where the local community and newcomers grapple with maintaining the area's natural beauty amid rising demands on resources and infrastructure.
Astronautical: The depths and heights of debris
6 minute read - From refrigerators submerged in Lake Superior to satellite fragments orbiting Earth, Liza Fust discusses the critical parallels between managing marine and space debris. Explore how policies crafted for our oceans might pave the way for sustainable practices in space.
One Giant Leap for Mankind, One Grand Illusion for Humankind
6 minute read - In honor of April Fools, dive into the debate with Gabby Muehlenbeck: was it easier to land on the moon or to fool the world? On July 20th, 1969, history was made - or was it staged? From flags waving in the vacuum of space to mysterious 'C' rocks, skeptics have long questioned the Apollo 11 mission's authenticity. Discover the logistics behind faking such a cosmic feat and why, perhaps, truth is stranger (and simpler) than fiction.
Unaccounted Externalities
7 minute read - From solar panels to space debris, our journey at KMI is driven by more than just innovation - it's about preserving the future. Our fight against orbital junk parallels our earthly endeavors for a cleaner planet. Adam Kall attempts to tackle his emissions with a keen eye on cost vs. CO2e reduction and now, he’s applying that same logic to the cosmos. Discover how KMI is making active debris removal not just a necessity but an economically viable option for safeguarding the space industry's future.
Space Exploration Robotics (How to build your own alien adventurer)
8 minute read- Preksha S. Madhva, KMI’s Robotics Engineer, walks us through a plethora of exciting design ideas so you can build your own robotic space explorer.
Apollo I, Challenger, and Columbia: A Retrospective
5 minute read - What can we take away from the lessons of yesterday to ensure we make better ones tomorrow? Corinne Moore examines each of the three NASA tragedies in an effort to explain how each one happened and the safety-driven mindset we must all have as leaders in the aerospace industry.
Why Space Matters Part 1: Space Is Our Past
6 minute read - Space has fascinated people for centuries. This three-part series explores why space truly matters through humanity's past, present, and future. Part 1 examines our history and how space has influenced and shaped our cultures and advanced technologies.
An Entertainment Odyssey: Exploring Celestial Debris
9 minute read - In the tapestry of storytelling, mundane moments become cosmic sagas. These fictional tales, such as the threat of space debris, often prefigure real-world challenges only acknowledged after their imaginative depiction. In this column, William Payne III invites you to delve deeper into an exploration of the interplay between fiction and reality in the entertainment landscape.
Space Questions for the Everyday - Volume III
4 Minute read - Space Questions for the Everyday is back for Volume III! Today Corinne is covering the closest earth like planet, the next solar eclipse, what it takes to become an astronaut, and more!