In case it's of interest to anyone, two MOOC courses starting this week are Eagle-Eye Astronomy and AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery

www.mooc-list.com/tags/astronomy

Thanks Doug, might have a look see if I can find the time.

The Lightsail project of the Planetary Society is well underway following launch and live. Exciting stuff.

I suppose it resonates with me because this is a non-government organisation devoted to space exploration. A bit like LM1 I guess

sail.planetary.org/missioncontrol

A Spanish company is working on a satellite launch system, which uses balloons, theoretically cutting the cost of putting objects into space.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/balloon-s...150524084640258.html

Now less than an hour until the New Horizons spacecraft arrives at Pluto (and continues its journey) ... a very significant day in space exploration instagram.com/p/5HTXKMoaFL/

Whoop whoop! It's the exclusive backer event in London this evening for those who pledged at the higher levels. More intimate and chatty than the May event but nevertheless some project updates and announcements for you.

Who's coming, then? There's about 70 of you! Look forward to seeing you