Robert Pearlman is a space historian, journalist and the founder and editor of collectSPACE.com, a daily news 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.
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. In 2023, the National Space Club Florida Committee recognized Pearlman with the Kolcum News and Communications Award for excellence in telling the space story along the Space Coast and throughout the world.
Latest articles by Robert Z. Pearlman

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
At NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the liquid hydrogen tank for the Artemis 3 Space Launch System rocket was moved into the factory's final assembly area on April 22, 2025.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
Satellite imagery reveals scope of damage from one of the largest fires New Jersey has seen in decades.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
The next crew to launch to the International Space Station on a Dragon spacecraft pose inside SpaceX’s Hangar X at Kennedy Space Center.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
Thirty-five years ago today, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into Earth orbit.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
The New York Stock Exchange celebrated the launch of NASA's newest astrophysics observatory by having the probe's team ring the closing bell.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
NASA engineers tested the functionality of Orion's forward bay cover, which is the last component of the spacecraft that must be ejected before parachutes deploy to land.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
The plume from a rocket engine burn high in Earth's atmosphere caused a glowing spectacle similar in appearance to a nebula.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
SpaceX launched its 32nd cargo mission to the International Space Station today (April 21), sending more than 3 tons of supplies and scientific hardware to the orbiting lab for NASA.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
NASA's oldest active astronaut has redefined traveling "home" for your birthday, landing from the International Space Station on the same day that he turned 70.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
A new portrait of a pillar of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula is a reason to celebrate.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
A new record has been set for the most paid at auction for an astronaut's timepiece. The 18-karat gold Omega Speedmaster that was presented to Neil Armstrong sold for $2,187,500 with premium.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
"What should I do with my sideburns?" asked the ISS commander of his barber and Expedition 73 crewmate.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
One of the first two modules that will form NASA's Gateway platform in orbit around the moon has arrived at its last stop before the launch site.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
Planetary nebula Kohoutek 4-55 as viewed by the Hubble Space Telescope.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
Aisha Bowe filled a milestone seat when she flew on Blue Origin's 11th human and first all-female spaceflight on April 14, 2025.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
A flag flown to the moon, a cookie from Cookie Monster and a locket gifted by an actress are now all space artifacts, having briefly left the planet with pop star Katy Perry and five more women.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
James Neihouse had one more thing to share. He pulled out a frame displaying strips of tape, each of which had notes from astronauts who filmed the IMAX movie "The Dream is Alive" 40 years ago.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
Space shuttle Discovery may be removed from the Smithsonian and put on display at Space Center Houston, if two senators from Texas get their way.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
While ascending Mount Sharp, NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has had to swing around a small ridgeline dubbed "Devil’s Gate."

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
The Space Foundation's 40th Space Symposium got underway with space history lighting up the night sky over Colorado Springs.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
A design studio's plan for a new collectible set seeks to "pin" down the pivotal probes from space exploration history. Chop Shop is seeking fans of robotic spacecraft to help produce lapel pins.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
Bright yellow tulips make for a striking foreground for the launch of a new crew to the International Space Station.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
The future of lunar exploration never looked more colorful, or so square. "The Next Giant Leap," a pair of moon-themed quilts, debuted at the Kennedy Center's Earth to Space festival in Washington.

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published
A Navy SEAL, medical doctor and NASA astronaut lifted off for an eight-month stay on the International Space Station — and that was just one of the three crewmates on Soyuz MS-27.
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