Space missions to keep your eye on in 2021. How satellites built to spy on the Soviets have helped unravel environmental mysteries. Why the dark ages aren’t considered so dark anymore. And a completely perplexing auction from David Hasselhoff and his 14 foot replica doll.Sponsors:Magic Spoon, Save $5 at magicspoon.com/kottke and use code KOTTKENordVPN, Get 68% off plus an additional free month––at nordvpn.com/kottke or use coupon KOTTKELinks:Six space missions to look forward to in 2021 (The Next Web)It Spied on Soviet Atomic Bombs. Now It’s Solving Ecological Mysteries. (NY Times)Inside the C.I.A., She Became a Spy for Planet Earth (NY Times)A Point in Time: The Corona Story (Public.Resource.Org, YouTube)Go read these stories about the use of spy satellite images in environmental studies (The Verge) Just How Dark Were the Dark Ages? (Discover)David Hasselhoff auctions off a terrifying 14-ft. replica of himself (A/V Club)For Auction: SPONGEBOB THE MOVIE "BIG DAVE" (#0112) (Live Auctioneers)Kottke.OrgJackson Bird on TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.