My morning reads

It is my experience, likely very common, to be asked, “Did you hear about…” some recent news, or on a topic already, someone will say, “I read where…” People will recommend a site or point out a blogger and their valuable takeaways on technology, a company, or happenings in the space sector.

The flood of information everyone faces daily is not the same as knowledge. Then, even finding extensive expertise on a topic, there is more to go. Communicating effectively, for example, is a difficult task. There may also come kernels of wisdom from stepping back from your numbers and realizing your know-how addresses only a tiny part of a broader problem. Admitting you play no more than a supporting role in a play alongside A-list actors playing the leading roles is not easy.

Still, we are not off wandering in the solar system in large numbers. So, we need all hands on deck to figure out the big questions.

In that vein, here are a handful of sites I often drop by about aerospace, technology, and the broader topics connected to our field. These writers go the extra mile and write so well while providing valuable context.

Case Closed: Analyzing the business of space, by Case Taylor

Call me a numbers nerd, but I believe that if you go for a deeper understanding of a topic involving businesses, you will end up in finance. Here, Taylor analyzes “mostly public space companies, as well as broader space industry trends.” I’m reminded of the flavor of invaluable websites before the 2008 financial crisis (like McBride’s Calculated Risk.) Nerd out on the numbers, and you might see the news before it happens, and everyone else, after the fact, acts so surprised.

Construction Physics, a newsletter by Brian Potter

Much more than looking into the intricate engineering details of complex technology (say, jet engines), Potter will connect tech to economics, trade, or insurance. Dive in and stimulate your technical neurons with his well-written and enjoyable articles.

This is the one-mile run in the morning–for my brain.

Futura Doctrina, by Mick Ryan

If necessity is the mother of invention, unfortunately, the father is warfare.

In Futura Doctrina, covering mostly Russia’s war against Ukraine, you will see warfare meet disruptive innovation and adaptation. (I also highly recommend Ryan’s recent book “White Sun War: The Campaign for Taiwan”)

Moving Day, by Susan Crawford

What does a site about the insurance industry have to do with aerospace, technology, NASA, or science? All complex projects carry risk, of the kind that comes with people and politics rolled up with a physical world that is cold and uncaring about any of these. Risk. To stay up to date on your notions of risk, dollars, and complex relationships, drop by Moving Day.

Planetocracy, by Peter Hague

As Hague notes, “There is a revolution in spaceflight and space technology happening, and surprisingly little knowledge about the sheer scale of what is happening, even among experts.” There’s always news, and everyone in aero and space drops by this or that space news site. Want to make some sense of it all? For that, drop by Planetocracy.

I’m sure almost everyone’s reading pile is overflowing nowadays.

A quick scan of the mainstays with NASA news here, space news there, or essays and commentary.

May you also find these writers as enlightening as I do.

Disclaimer: I am related to none of these websites, and I receive no compensation of any sort for the recommendations here, provided in good faith, to further constructive conversations. The opinions of all these authors, as in my case with my site, are theirs alone.