Farewell to Thrasher Editor and Skateboarding Legend, Jake Phelps

Skateboarding icon and longtime editor of Thrasher, Jake Phelps has passed away at 56. San Francisco-based Phelps started skating when he was 13 years old, and was a crucial player in the area’s scene—and that of the entire world of skate culture.  Phelps began at the publication in the ’80s, after co-founder Kevin Thatcher asked him to write product reviews and box merch. He’d go …

SpaceX and the New Aesthetics of Space Travel

Though the parameters of a trip into Earth’s orbit haven’t changed much since the dawn of our space travel days, the appearance has—whether it be the suits or the ships. On the next NASA trip, in a SpaceX-built capsule, the astronauts will be treated to sleek, modern interiors, cushy seats, touch-screens and wireless consoles. The look is a significant upgrade from previous designs—many of which …

Toyota’s Moon Rover

Traditionally limiting their endeavors to the Earth’s surface, Toyota now has plans to go to the moon. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency announced a partnership with the carmaker to place a self-driving rover on the moon in 2029. Using Toyota’s fuel-cell technology and solar power, the rover can transport two passengers over 10,000 kilometers. Though no astronauts will travel to the moon in the rover …