We got an audience with the “Lunar Viceroy” to talk how NASA will build a Moon base
“It has been clear that we all need to be focused on one thing, not 10 things.”
Eric Berger
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Eric Berger
Senior Space Editor
eric.berger@meincmagazine.com
Eric Berger is the senior space editor at Ars Technica, covering everything from astronomy to private space to wonky NASA policy, and author of two books: Liftoff, about the rise of SpaceX; and Reentry, on the development of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon. Eric has an astronomy degree from the University of Texas and a master's in journalism from the University of Missouri. He previously worked at the Houston Chronicle for 17 years, where the paper was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2009 for his coverage of Hurricane Ike. A certified meteorologist, Eric founded Space City Weather and The Eyewall, and lives in Houston. Connect with Eric on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Recent stories by
Eric Berger
NASA kills lunar space station to focus on ambitious Moon base
“Everyone wants to be on the surface.”
Eric Berger
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260
Orbital data centers, part 1: There’s no way this is economically viable, right?
“This is not physically impossible; it’s only a question of whether this is a rational thing.”
Eric Berger
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470
Jeff Bezos just announced plans for a third megaconstellation—this one for data centers
“Space-based data centers will be a complement to terrestrial infrastructure.”
Eric Berger
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228
Rocket Report: Canada makes a major move, US Space Force says actually, let’s be hasty
“Our security, our prosperity, and our sovereignty will increasingly extend beyond our atmosphere.”
Eric Berger
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300
A private space company has a radical new plan to bag an asteroid
Company has previously tested its technology on the International Space Station.
Eric Berger
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195
A large meteor is visible from much of Ohio and parts of neighboring states
Meteor’s fiery passage through the atmosphere was captured by a space-based lightning mapper.
Eric Berger
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A century after the first rocket launch, Ars staffers pick their favorites
“I realized that if something went wrong up there, things might go very badly down here.”
Eric Berger
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Most Read
FCC chair blasts Amazon after it criticizes SpaceX megaconstellation
Will it really take “centuries” for SpaceX to deploy its megaconstellation?
Eric Berger
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NASA and SpaceX disagree about manual controls for lunar lander
“NASA’s tracking of SpaceX’s manual control risk indicates a worsening trend.”
Eric Berger
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271
After falling far behind the rest of industry, Blue Origin creates new stock option plan
“It’s a big fat middle finger for those that thought they had something.”
Eric Berger
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147
Ding-dong! The Exploration Upper Stage is dead
The Exploration Upper Stage did not in any way get NASA closer to landing on the Moon.
Eric Berger
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238
With Gateway likely gone, where will lunar landers rendezvous with Orion?
“We will challenge every requirement, clear every obstacle, delete every blocker.”
Eric Berger
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152
Congress extends ISS and tells NASA to get moving on private space stations
“We were happy to see the renewed commitment to transition from the ISS.”
Eric Berger
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92
The US Senate empowers NASA to fully engage in lunar space race
“Our bill authorizes critical funding for, and gives strategic direction to, the agency.”
Eric Berger
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128
As Moon interest heats up, two companies unveil plans for a lunar “harvester”
“Ultimately, we want to build a fleet of electric harvesters.”
Eric Berger
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171
Former NASA chief turned ULA lobbyist seeks law to limit SpaceX funding
America succeeds in space when American companies compete.
Eric Berger
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137
Hyperion author Dan Simmons dies from stroke at 77
I went into Hyperion blind, decades ago, knowing almost nothing about it. I was never the same.
Eric Berger
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167
NASA shakes up its Artemis program to speed up lunar return
“Launching SLS every three and a half years or so is not a recipe for success.”
Eric Berger
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458
Rocket Report: Vulcan “many months” from flying; Falcon 9 extends reuse milestone
“As the original architect of Vector’s vision, it’s deeply meaningful to bring these assets home.”
Eric Berger
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159
A non-public document reveals that science may not be prioritized on next Mars mission
For some reason, NASA chose not to publicly release its Mars orbiter objectives.
Eric Berger
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NASA chief classifies Starliner flight as “Type A” mishap, says agency made mistakes
“The most troubling failure revealed by this investigation is not hardware.”
Eric Berger
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295
Space Station returns to a full crew complement after a month
“It’s only possible because of the incredibly talented workforce we have.”
Eric Berger
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Why is Bezos trolling Musk on X with turtle pics? Because he has a new Moon plan.
“It’s time to go back to the Moon—this time to stay.”
Eric Berger
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351
Rocket Report: Say cheerio to Orbex; China is getting good at booster landings
“You absolutely have to have a plan to compete with SpaceX on price.”
Eric Berger
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177
El Paso airport closed after military used new anti-drone laser to zap party balloon
“I want to be very, very clear that this should’ve never happened.”
Eric Berger
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254
Yes, Rocket Lab is blowing up engines. No, it’s not a big deal, CEO says.
“We are in the part of the program where we are doing very nasty things to the engine.”
Eric Berger
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63
The Feds closed air space around El Paso on Wednesday to address “cartel” drones
Violators were told they would be shot down.
Eric Berger
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290
Why would Elon Musk pivot from Mars to the Moon all of a sudden?
“SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon.”
Eric Berger
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To reuse or not reuse—the eternal debate of New Glenn’s second stage reignites
A new job posting suggests the debate may be swinging back toward reusing GS2.
Eric Berger
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NASA changes its mind, will allow Artemis astronauts to take iPhones to the Moon
“We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments.”
Eric Berger
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140
US House takes first step toward creating “commercial” deep space program
“We will continue to rely on the ingenuity of the private sector.”
Eric Berger
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89
NASA finally acknowledges the elephant in the room with the SLS rocket
“You know, you’re right, the flight rate—three years is a long time.”
Eric Berger
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402
SpaceX acquires xAI, plans to launch a massive satellite constellation to power it
“This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI’s mission.”
Eric Berger
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643
Here’s why Blue Origin just ended its suborbital space tourism program
“This program has laid the groundwork for our company’s future success.”
Eric Berger
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NASA faces a crucial choice on a Mars spacecraft—and it must decide soon
“We think that’s a really important mission, and something that we can do.”
Eric Berger
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