This summer three private enterprises flew civilians to outer space. Among the first ‘space tourists’ were actor William Shatner and aviation pioneer Wally Funk. But is space tourism just an amusement for a select few, or can it also bring new understanding to life here on Earth?

NASA’s latest discovery might change the future of space exploration: its telescope SOFIA found water on the moon. We look at what this means for the astronauts that will go to the Moon in the near future, and we reflect on what astronomy in general means to humanity.

“The future of humanity awaits in deep space,” said the chief of NASA Charles Bolden. Space exploration is a highly ambitious enterprise. It promotes international cooperation, and it produces thousands of inventions. But it is also about simple things, like growing a flower.