Author
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Topic: British Interplanetary Society's Spaceflight
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Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-06-2010 05:24 AM
Just curious to know who has a subscription or is reading the monthly Spaceflight of the British Interplanetary Society? Any remarks on the layout of the magazine or subjects you would like to see covered? |
cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 12-06-2010 08:05 AM
I do. But I'm really, really late in my readings.As for the layout, it's a matter of personal taste. I don't think it's that attractive but you get used to it (same thing when Aviation Week went into its layout changes). As long as the BIS doesn't hire the same British "layout-I'll make your paper more readable expert" that one of our local paper hired....Now the paper is simply unreadable.
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Tykeanaut Member Posts: 2212 From: Worcestershire, England, UK. Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 12-06-2010 09:33 AM
I have it on order from my local newsagent every month. They could perhaps cover some of the older missions from time-to-time for the benefit of some younger readers. Plus it's always a pleasant nostalgia trip down memory lane. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-06-2010 09:38 AM
The layout became much better around the 50th anniversary issues (2006) as did the contents with a good mix of manned & unmanned spaceflight. Personally, I also appreciate an astronomy related article from time to time. For the moment, BIS even has a FaceBook page so feel free to take a look and share Your view with the other readers of our favorite monthly magazine! |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3118 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 12-06-2010 04:44 PM
At various locations around the house I have approximately 475 editions of "Spaceflight", right back to my first copy on joining the BIS in January, 1971. (It's not 480 editions: for a number of years as an austerity measure they only produced one summer edition to cover July & August). I think the cuirrent format is fine. |
Paolo Member Posts: 13 From: 43° 35' 53" N 1° 26' 35" E Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 12-12-2010 06:53 AM
I have stopped my subscription to SF this year. I find that only a handful of articles every year are worth reading (those by Dwayne Day, Philip Corneille and Robert April). I liked the in-depth coverage of the 1970-80-90s issues, but now it's mostly the same kind of info that I can find for free on the internet. And I don't like the coverage of manned spaceflight. Four or more pages dedicated to day-to-day activities on the ISS are just too much for my taste.Beside, I had objections on BIS policy. I didn't approve all the noise they made with promoting a British astronauts, while they kept their mouth shut on supporting the British lunar orbiter project. The project was just as worth supporting, was already well advanced in development and could provide a better meeting point for enthusiasts, scientists and the layman than an astronaut mission. Anyway, I have a letter published in the December 2010 issue on space places in Mongolia. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-12-2010 10:12 AM
Okay Paolo, the magazine will certainly remain to focus on manned spaceflight as long as the Space Shuttle(s) will fly. So mid-2011, there should be more "space" for unmanned missions.Overall, in the age of instant and seemingly unlimited free information on the internet, our favorite monthly magazine brings informative and substantive background articles. Most of these are illustrated with great photos, which you won't find in large resolution on the internet. Moreover, there's a contribution by space artists (e.g. Ed Hengeveld to name one) to illustrate some articles with custom made artworks... Last but not least, there isn't as much advertising as in most other aerospace/aviation/astronomy magazines |
AstroAutos Member Posts: 803 From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 12-13-2010 12:53 PM
My first ever published space article will be in the next edition (January 2011) of Spaceflight magazine. It is entitled 'From Test Pilot to first Lunar Geologist'. I wanted to research a bit about just how NASA managed to train the Apollo astronauts in geology and if the efforts were indeed successful, and I thought what better example than to look at the life and career of Dave Scott.Don Wilhelms' book 'To a Rocky Moon' as well as Chaikin's 'A Man on the Moon', Scott and Leonov's 'Two Sides of the Moon' and the 'Galileo was Right' episode of 'From the Earth to the Moon' helped me along in my research. I hope you guys like it. As a budding journalist I would love to hear what all you readers of Spaceflight magazine out there think about it, so please feel free to post your opinions! |
dom Member Posts: 855 From: Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 12-13-2010 04:53 PM
Congratulations Shane. I read this article in Spaceflight a few days ago and thought it might be by you! You really managed to handle the subject very well within the two page limit of the 'Viewpoint' section and I hope it is the first of many interesting articles to come in the future. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-15-2010 02:23 AM
Indeed congrats Shane, looking forward to the January 2011 issue |
heng44 Member Posts: 3386 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 12-15-2010 05:48 AM
quote: Originally posted by Tykeanaut: They could perhaps cover some of the older missions from time-to-time for the benefit of some younger readers. Plus it's always a pleasant nostalgia trip down memory lane.
For several years I provided 'Spaceflight' with photo-articles that highlighted specific missions from the past. I think all the Gemini and Apollo missions were at one time covered in some depth (not only by me). Maybe they should start a regular series, featuring the manned missions in chronological order. Would make a nice reference work. In recent years I have acquired so many new and unseen photos that a whole new look at these missions is possible. But for some reason I never seem to have time these days to do any writing... |
Tykeanaut Member Posts: 2212 From: Worcestershire, England, UK. Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 12-16-2010 03:22 AM
We're always looking for budding journalists to contribute at MSS Shane!
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Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-16-2010 03:25 AM
Please allow me to point out the discount on the ISS books.The second book in the series has all individual portraits of the astronauts and cosmonauts who performed an EVA to construct the ISS. This in a similar format as the well-known "Who's Who in Space" book, so a great book to collect autographs! |
AstroAutos Member Posts: 803 From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 12-16-2010 11:07 AM
Thanks Dom, Philip and Chris for the kind words.And I'll be sure to write some for the MSS too Chris over the next few years.
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Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-30-2010 08:16 AM
Great article Shane, with some background on the geology training for tha Apollo missions.Ed, I hope You'll find the time for some centerspread articles illustrated with rare NASA photos! Thanks to everybody who contributed in the "Space passion" discussion... |
AstroAutos Member Posts: 803 From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 01-03-2011 07:52 PM
quote: Originally posted by Philip: Great article Shane, with some background on the geology training for tha Apollo missions.
Thanks Philip, it really means a lot to me when I get the seal of approval from guys on here like yourself! |
astroartuk New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 01-10-2011 11:54 AM
I have subscribed to (and read) Spaceflight since its very first issue! I also had a cover on one of the very early issues, when I believe Patrick Moore was its editor.I think the balance of its articles is about right now, actually. However, one frequently sees the same name on book reviews,and it would be good to see a wider spread of reviewers... |
dom Member Posts: 855 From: Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 01-10-2011 01:46 PM
Welcome to collectSPACE David - what took you so long? |
Tykeanaut Member Posts: 2212 From: Worcestershire, England, UK. Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-10-2011 02:57 PM
Yes, pleased to see you've joined Mr. Hardy! |
Neil DC Member Posts: 140 From: Middletown, NJ, USA Registered: May 2010
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posted 01-10-2011 10:26 PM
As someone who occasionally writes for Spaceflight I am glad to see positive feedback on it. I guess it is hard to please everyone with the right blend of manned and unmanned space flight. However it is also down to us enthusiasts to help improve it where need be. I am sure that the editor would be delighted to receive more articles from a larger circle of knowledgeable contributors. As illustrated in these postings there is much satisfaction to be gained from seeing ones own article in print. I personally feel that I am giving something back after a few years of sitting on the sidelines. Not that there is anything wrong with the latter. As a manned space flight enthusiast it is nice to mention when talking with astronauts or cosmonauts that one writes occasionally for a space magazine. It has helped me gain further interviews and increased my enjoyment of this great subject. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-11-2011 05:32 AM
Thanks for the positive feedback! Indeed, it's great to see in depth coverage of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s events as there's some nostalgia involved with those historic events. With more 50th anniversary events of such (manned and unmanned) spaceflight missions coming up, I'm sure SPACEFLIGHT magazine will bring some superb coverage. Looking forward to the next issue... |
Tykeanaut Member Posts: 2212 From: Worcestershire, England, UK. Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-11-2011 08:54 AM
I also write articles for Spaceflight from time-to-time. As mentioned in a previous post, this is probably the best way to have published the subjects that we want. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 02-04-2011 09:47 AM
Indeed as nowadays new computer programmes allow us to create better images out of the raw NASA-JPL Voyager data sets...Check the March 2011 issue as the greatest travellers of all times are still travelling. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 03-29-2011 05:32 AM
New British Interplanetary Society (BIS) website is online. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-05-2011 07:24 AM
Please let me point out a great September issue of Spaceflight magazine! You can always check out the latest issue of Spaceflight. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-06-2011 01:07 PM
British Interplanetary Society announcement (via NASA History Office) Clive Simpson, who has acted as Editor for Spaceflight for the past decade, has announced his intention of stepping down from the post at the end of 2011. The Society is therefore looking for a new editor. Anyone interested should in the first interest contact the Executive Secretary for details, and should submit an application with a description of how they see Spaceflight developing by noon on Monday 19 September 2011.Suszann Parry Executive Secretary The British Interplanetary Society 27/29 South Lambeth Road London SW8 1SZ Tel: 0207 735 3160 Fax: 0207 587 5118 bis-spaceflight.com |
dom Member Posts: 855 From: Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 11-12-2011 03:13 PM
The latest issue of Spaceflight magazine announces that the new editor from January 2012 is David Baker - author of the books 'The Rocket' and 'The History of Manned Spaceflight'.I wish him well in his new role and hope he will keep up that focus on space history in the magazine! |
heng44 Member Posts: 3386 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 11-13-2011 02:24 AM
Good luck to David Baker in his new job. Space history is the main reason why I read Spaceflight. |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 11-17-2011 04:35 AM
Indeed good luck to BIS' Spaceflight new editor David Baker. Looking forward to the January 2012 issue. |
dbaker Member Posts: 22 From: UK Registered: Jun 2010
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posted 11-17-2011 12:16 PM
Thanks for the good wishes. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Clive Simpson for having done a spectacular job over these last 10+ years. Hard act to follow. Also, to reassure readers that while a host of new things are planned for the magazine all the favourites will remain and yes, there will be a wide range of history features! |
cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 11-22-2011 02:07 PM
Phew, I almost didn't renew my membership! |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 12-29-2011 05:44 AM
Just got the first "new" issue with the modern lay-out for 2012.I like the fact there's more focus on European programs, more text and the photos are smaller. On the down side, it's not directly obvious who's the author of each article. I prefer the author's name to be clearly written under the title, as it's done with the ISS Operations summary feature. |
cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 12-29-2011 08:16 AM
quote: Originally posted by Philip: Just got the first "new" issue with the modern lay-out for 2012.
I knew something was different! Much better. |
Lou Chinal Member Posts: 1306 From: Staten Island, NY Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 12-31-2011 07:36 PM
Is anyone planning on going to David Baker's "Wings into Space" lecture in London on March 14, 2012? |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-03-2012 08:58 AM
If you're in London try to visit the BIS HQ and snap a picture where the late Arthur C Clarke stood at the entrance of the building. I'll be in London for AstroFest 2012...Got more reactions via e-mail on the new layout of Spaceflight magazine and will forward these to the new editor. Thanks again for the feedback! |
Tykeanaut Member Posts: 2212 From: Worcestershire, England, UK. Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-03-2012 09:09 AM
Had the event been in Birmingham I probably would have gone. |
dbaker Member Posts: 22 From: UK Registered: Jun 2010
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posted 01-03-2012 10:25 AM
quote: Originally posted by Philip: On the down side, it's not directly obvious who's the author of each article.
Philip, in answer to your query about author attribution on Spaceflight articles, all those names are assigned to each feature. No feature prepared and submitted is published without attribution. Everything else is written up by the Spaceflight 'staff' - that is, yours truly! Spaceflight is a team effort with some willing helpers in the BIS HQ but we have no dedicated staff other than me - and you the contributors (who get their name attached to the pieces they write!). |
dom Member Posts: 855 From: Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 01-06-2012 05:23 PM
David, you might have gotten off to a bad start with this story - if early analysis of its contents are to be believed.Can you clarify more about an article that's already being "shot to pieces" all over the web even before it has been officially published. |
Tykeanaut Member Posts: 2212 From: Worcestershire, England, UK. Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-07-2012 04:15 AM
Mmm... a bold assumption, and one I personally would not have printed. |
Spoon Member Posts: 143 From: Cumbria, UK Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-07-2012 04:37 AM
I agree. If this is the main thrust of the article as reported, that the X-37b is spying on Tiangong-1, it is a pretty catastrophic start (perhaps the article, as yet unseen by myself, has been misrepresented...).I hope it isn't sensationalist journalism for the sake of it, adhering to the creed that all or any publicity is good publicity. I was also saddened to see that the BIS finds it necessary, for whatever reason (financial?), to stage an event in April which appears to subscribe to the Apollo hoax myth. It is tantamount to the British Astronomical Society holding a conference on the benefits of astrology. I have been a member of the BIS, and a great admirer of David Baker's work, for a long time, so I do find these recent developments a little sad. |