JBIS: Journal of the British Interplanetary Society

First published in 1934, the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society (JBIS) was the first to describe many aspects of space travel which are now commonplace.

After over 70 years of publication, JBIS is still concerned with originating and encouraging forward-looking ideas on how space exploration should develop. It is on the science citation index and is one of the highest rated astronautics journals in the world.

JBIS is published monthly, and contains refereed academic papers from all over the world on all aspects of astronautics. This wide brief includes space science, space technology, spacecraft and space mission design, and humanities studies such as the philosophy of space flight.

JBIS has a particular reputation for exploring forward thinking subjects such as interstellar flight, exobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life. It also aims to cover current and planned space activities as well as historical studies.

JBIS is available to Society Members as either an alternative to Spaceflight magazine, or in addition, on payment of an additional discounted fee. Non-member and library subscriptions are available. Individual issues and papers can also be purchased.

Current issue: Vol. 64, Number 9/10 (Sep-Oct 2011)

With this issue we bring the first article in a new content addition to the journal. INVITED COMMENTARY are short (refereed) opinion piece articles by specialists who would like to share a particular view point on a research topic of interest or on a subject that they feel requires more attention by the academic community. Professor Charles Cockell, also a member of the JBIS International Advisory Board, provides the first in this new series. We would like to invite more such articles from you the readers and of course, to share your own views where appropriate in the Refereed Correspondence section. It is hoped that this will lead to some stimulating discussions.

In regards to letters, we are now receiving a steady stream of correspondence from readers regarding papers published in a previous issue. This service attempts to provide for a more involved dialogue in the community but also to encourage a higher standard of academic rigour in author's submissions — If an author is prepared to publish in JBIS then he should be also prepared to be scrutinised. More letters are warmly welcomed.

This issue is available from the BIS online shop: [PURCHASE ISSUE]