HAL 9000 is an iconic character in science fiction literature, representing the dangers of artificial intelligence and the ethical implications of space exploration.

Kowal's The Calculating Stars series is set in an alternate history where women are the primary astronauts and engineers in the space program.

Ares Vallis is chosen as the site for the first permanent human settlement on Mars due to its relatively mild climate and abundant resources.

Carl Sagan was a renowned astronomer, author, and science communicator, known for his work on extraterrestrial life and the search for intelligence in the universe.

The Wayfarer is a beloved spaceship in Chambers' Wayfarers series, known for its quirky crew and heartwarming stories of interstellar travel.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is a cooperative organization of European countries that conducts space exploration and research.

The Trisolarans are a technologically advanced alien civilization that poses a grave threat to humanity in Liu Cixin's acclaimed science fiction trilogy.

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the primary space agency of the United States and a major partner in the International Space Station program.

The Justice of Toren is an AI-controlled starship that serves as the protagonist Breq's home and companion, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the nature of consciousness.

CNSA, the China National Space Administration, is responsible for the development and operation of the Tiangong space station, China's first permanent space station.

The Inhibitors are mysterious alien artifacts that grant their users incredible powers but also drive them insane, leading to catastrophic consequences for civilizations that encounter them.

JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, is responsible for the development and operation of the JAXA space station, Japan's first permanent space station.

Anarres is a utopian anarchist planet in Le Guin's novel, where the protagonist Shevek comes from and experiences a different way of life compared to the capitalist planet Urras.

Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, is responsible for the development and operation of the Russian space station, also known as the Mir space station.

The Culture is a highly advanced and benevolent alien civilization in Banks' Culture series, known for its technological prowess, social harmony, and non-interventionist policies.