Notable achievements include the Mars rovers Opportunity and Curiosity, which have provided valuable data on the Martian surface, and the Voyager probes, which have ventured beyond our solar system. For example, companies providing services and materials needed to build and maintain spacecraft also expand their workforce. This cooperation extends to educational projects as well, fostering a sense of global unity and shared learning. Space exploration began in the 1942 launch of a rocket into space. For example, 66% of those who pay a medium level of attention to space news say it is essential for NASA to remain involved, as do 68% of those with low attention to space news. America sent an astronaut to space in order to explore the universe and advance scientific knowledge. On the other hand, the need for advanced means of communication has led to development of communication technologies that have increased global communication. A number of people have come to agree with this fact, and in 2013 applications to live on Mars began. This drive toward STEM education will help us prepare future leaders capable of tackling complex global challenges. This progress not only benefits space research but also has a profound influence on the evolution of STEM fields. Over the past few years, space tourism has gained substantial attention and traction. 3. On the other hand, the cons of space travel include high costs, high risk, and conflicts between nations. The first human-made object to go into space was a German V2 missile, launched on a test flight in 1942. 30 April. We also rely on satellites to study the environment. Required fields are marked *. astronaute.jpg NASA Colossal strides in civilization in the past have followed each major advance in man's observation of the skies. Some of the most revolutionary (and marketable) technologies of the past decades have been spun off research done under the banner of US space exploration: kidney-dialysis machines, implantable pacemakers, affordable and accurate LASIK surgery, global-positioning satellites, corrosion-resistant coatings for bridges and monuments (including the S. Furthermore, interest in space travel attracts more people to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, equipping our society with skilled professionals to propel us toward a future full of technological advancements. We are using up the natural resources that we have very fast and there is also the problem of an ever-increasing population. Print. What is the importance of space exploration and research for humans? 1333 0 obj <>stream This isotope is a potential fuel for future nuclear fusion reactors power stations that tap into the same source of energy as the Sun. We are today the descendants of people who survived by outperforming others. But, we need these satellites to research everything from air quality, the state of the polar ice caps and so on. For example, 74% of men but 56% of women have at least a fair amount of confidence these companies will control costs, and 85% of men vs. 69% of women have at least a fair amount of confidence that private companies will build safe and reliable spacecraft. The main reasons for space exploration include scientific discovery and enhancement of national security. Half (50%) believe this will happen while half are skeptical this will be routine for ordinary people. Space exploration gives us the chance to begin colonizing other locations, giving us hope that our species can survive. The feat was achieved through the Mercury-Redstone 3 spaceflight (Morris 48). This essay "The Main Reasons for Space Exploration" was written and submitted by your fellow Reaching orbit means accelerating up to around 28,000kph (17,000mph, or 22 times the speed of sound). The findings support for the U.S. being at the forefront of space exploration and the perception that the space station has been a good investment are broadly consistent with previous Pew Research Center surveys, which used somewhat different wording and polling methods. And by the time the last Apollo mission was flown ( Apollo 17, in 1972), the program had cost a pretty penny. For instance, about one-in-four Americans say they have a great deal of confidence that private companies will build safe and reliable rockets and spacecraft (26%), and around half of Americans (51%) have at least a fair amount of confidence that space companies will be able to do so. Men express more confidence than women in private space companies abilities in most of these areas, particularly when it comes to building cost-effective and safe spacecraft. Interstellar space is so vast that it takes light the fastest thing we know of in the Universe years, centuries and millennia to traverse it. "The Main Reasons for Space Exploration." Afterwards, the soviet and the U.S. started space exploration. Space Exploration: Technology all Around Us. Unlike other fusion fuels, helium-3 gives off no hard-to-contain and deadly neutron radiation. Why Space Exploration is Important to the United States By Michael F. Lembeck published 15 June 2006 A version of this essay was first presented at the National Society of Black Engineer's. These partnerships have also paved the way for advancements in scientific research, technological innovations, and fostering goodwill among nations. Space research paves way for humans becoming an interplanetary species or making us capable of extracting resources from space. Read our research on: LGBTQ Attitudes & Experiences| Artificial Intelligence | Affirmative Action. High ideals are all well and good, but not when they come at the expense of the present. John Glenn executed the first orbital flight around the earth in 1962. Musk stated in January that he hoped to be operating 1,000 Starships by 2050. Space exploration could do this by finding new planets for the world to go to in an emergency or if the population gets too large for Earth to handle. It carries significant risks including radiation, extreme temperatures, and high-speed impacts. You can unsubscribe at any time. Satellites orbiting Earth allow us to monitor natural processes, track human-made structures, and gauge the impact of our activities on the environment. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Promoting peace and diplomacy: Space exploration can serve as a platform for peaceful cooperation and diplomacy between nations, building trust and fostering mutual understanding. The objective of Shepards flight was to orbit the earth and collect data that would be used for further exploration (Scott 60). There are entire planets out there that have resources that are waiting to be mined and used and as far as we know, those planets dont have life to sustain. 1310 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<0CD4661684C38B4E8A10C7F838EFE1B0><2F8173BF71045C4A851D0630BDE59B2A>]/Index[1282 52]/Info 1281 0 R/Length 129/Prev 524330/Root 1283 0 R/Size 1334/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Understanding every detail of the puzzling mess of stars above would be of great benefit to our future. Also, note some degree of overlap. The database is updated daily, so anyone can easily find a relevant essay example. And getting to space is just the start of the danger. For example, 95% of Americans who are most attentive to news about NASA and private space companies have at least a fair amount of confidence that those companies will build safe and reliable rockets and spacecraft; 58% of this group has a great deal of confidence in companies to do this. During the World War II, German scientists launched the V-2 rocket into space (Gifford 36). That future didn't arrive as planned. A five-gram bolt hitting at orbital speed packs as much energy as a 200kg weight dropped from the top of an 18-storey building. In this article, we will explore why space exploration is so important, the various benefits it brings, and the future possibilities it holds. Space exploration would benefit the environment. Studies regarding the evolution of the universe can furnish information about the origin of the earth (Scott 66). Abstract. The stars, however, are another matter. Radiation is not only stealthy, but considered one of the most menacing of the five hazards. Missions for human astronauts to explore Mars and return to the moon are among NASAs most high-profile programs. As we invest in space research and development, we also create a demand for skilled professionals in various fields, such as engineering, science, and manufacturing. What are some examples of space exploration milestones? Outside of work, Brenda is an avid traveler and enjoys exploring new experiences. We utilize security vendors that protect and This understanding is what helps us move forward and not become stale. Everything you need to know about space travel (almost), All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. Space tech comes back down to Earth. There are several ways we monitor NEOs to gather essential data. Such . Extending our reach into space is also necessary for the advancement of science. As we continue our journey beyond Earths orbit, we can expect significant contributions to these fields, ultimately enhancing various aspects of our daily lives. Astronomical discoveries, time after time, have influenced and, in some cases, shifted the very course of history. Assess the health of our ecosystems through measures like vegetation greenness and deforestation rates; Monitor urban development and changes in land use; Track natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; and. Three main areas of scientific study include evolution of life, astronomy, and advancement of technology for space exploration. As we push the boundaries of space exploration, advancements in technology and knowledge happen at an unprecedented rate. They help monitor natural disasters, track deforestation, and measure global temperature changes, among other applications. Your email address will not be published. We want to stand out. Conducting experiments in microgravity allows us to investigate phenomena that are impossible to study on Earth. Therefore, it exerts financial pressure on taxpayers. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2010. Space exploration speaks to that part of us which rises above the everyday. The main reasons for space exploration include scientific discovery and enhancement of national security. The universe is a vast place where hidden dangers could be lurking almost anywhere. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/the-main-reasons-for-space-exploration/. One exception is that those with at least a postgraduate degree are more likely than those with high school or less education to consider basic scientific research a top priority for NASA (63% vs. 38%). outer space and that military activities on Earth will continue to be dependent on space-based technologies. Stay up to date with the latest developments in the worlds of science and technology. Analyze water resources and oceanic patterns that influence climate and weather. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind. Yuri Gagarin and Alan Shepard were the first and second people to travel to space respectively (Gifford 35). In contemporary America, another reason for space exploration is for economic benefit. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. Asteroids or planets may have new materials that we don't have on Earth. 500 Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. There are probably dozens of planets with all the essentials of what we need water, air, sunlight, and oxygen. It might seem that burning millions of pounds of rocket fuel isnt helping the environment much. However, compared with other NASA programs, fewer Americans say such space exploration should be a top priority. Embarking on space missions often requires collaboration between various organizations, industries, and countries. Weather and environmental monitoring have become more accurate, allowing us to better prepare for natural disasters and monitor changes in the Earths climate. IvyPanda, 30 Apr. But there are also some very practical reasons, such as mining asteroids for materials that are extremely rare here on Earth. "The Main Reasons for Space Exploration." One of our main concerns in planetary defense is identifying and tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs) that could pose a threat to our planet. For instance, 88% of those who have heard a lot of space news believe it is essential for the U.S. to be a global leader in space exploration, compared with 60% of those who have heard nothing about NASA and private space companies. Pros of going to space include advancement of scientific knowledge, economic benefit, and technological advancement. Why do we feel the need to explore the unknown? Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. PLUS a free mini-magazine for you to download and keep. So, even though the costs seem pretty high, in reality they are only a minuscule fraction of what a country spends. Download PDF. One of the primary motivations for space exploration is our innate curiosity as humans. Space exploration is the future. IvyPanda. NASA oversees a diverse portfolio of space-related missions, from sending robotic probes to explore distant planets to launching satellites that study Earths atmosphere and oceans. Were now all too aware that global calamities can and do happen for instance, climate change and the giant asteroid that smashed into the Earth 65 million years ago, leading to the total extinction of the dinosaurs. Curiosity is the embryo of all sciences; without it, there would be no biology or medicine, chemistry or physics, or any other branch of science. The new survey finds men more likely than women to consider several of these missions a top priority for NASA, including conducting basic scientific research (54% of men vs. 40% of women say this should be a top priority). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. She is also a music enthusiast and loves to listen to a variety of genres. +VHF^`sn{9V $N3b`bd`V8` D Space exploration, just flashy photos and flags? Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics: Advanced AI and robotic systems are being developed to support space missions, from autonomous rovers exploring planetary surfaces to AI-driven decision-making systems for spacecraft. Print. The first flight excluded orbiting. Such initiatives expose students to diverse perspectives, work ethics, and problem-solving approaches, preparing them for the global community. Hearing about new discoveries and seeing images from distant planets can foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in children. "The Main Reasons for Space Exploration." Even now we are developing those ships, for in all of our hearts there lies a simple yearning for the stars. Some 16% of those not interested in space travel offered reasons other than the three options in the survey. Search for extraterrestrial life: The ongoing search for life beyond Earth, both within our solar system and in distant exoplanets. 1282 0 obj <> endobj In addition, space exploration programs are funded using taxpayers money. Three pros of space travel include advancement of scientific knowledge, economic benefit, and technological advancement (Morris 51). Establishing a human presence on the Moon would allow us to: Similarly, colonizing Mars would enable us to: Beyond the scientific and economic potential of space colonization, the long-term survival of humanity may well depend on our ability to establish settlements beyond Earth. The first American to travel into space was Alan Shepard who did not orbit but only enter space. In addition, satellites have helped enhance scientific understanding by providing data on Earths gravitational field, magnetic field, and other essential attributes. Like Hubble and Kepler, our space-based telescopes have revealed previously unseen celestial bodies and phenomena, like finding new exoplanets and black holes. increasingly poses a hazard to orbiting satellites and space stations. Just 18% and 13%, respectively, say that sending astronauts to Mars or back to the moon should be a top priority; 37% and 44%, respectively, express the view that these missions are not too important or that NASA shouldnt undertake these missions. The Main Reasons for Space Exploration. Fewer Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (44%) than Democrats and Democratic leaners (78%) believe that monitoring the Earths climate system should be a top priority for NASA. The country will benefit economically when space tourism commences. (Photo by NASA) Sixty years after the founding of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), most Americans believe the United States should be at the forefront of global leadership in space exploration. Now, NASA is hoping to land the. Then theres the growing cloud of space junk to contend with in Earth's orbit defunct satellites, discarded rocket stages and other detritus all moving just as fast. From building spacecrafts and designing spaceports to offering specialized training for astronauts, space tourism generates a myriad of business opportunities, making it an important economic driver. Gary Kitmacher. Why drown millions of dollars into space research? Satellites also help us look out for threats from the other side. Everything from LEDs, MRI Scanners, shoe insoles, smoke detectors, portable vacuum cleaners and many more such technologies have been results of space research that has been adapted for large scale use. Three cons of space travel include high costs, high risk, and possible source of conflicts among nations. Consider, for example, the development of advanced composites for spacecraft and launch vehicle construction or aerogels used for insulation in the Mars rovers. In addition, while about half or more of men and women believe human astronauts are essential for the U.S. space program, more men (63%) than women (54%) hold this view. The first human flight to space by the U.S. occurred in 1961. student. So take action! As it happened, Russia was the first to reach Earth orbit, when it launched the uncrewed Sputnik 1 in October 1957, followed a month later by Sputnik 2, carrying the dog Laika the first live animal in space. The lesson for the human species is that we keep all our eggs in one basket at our peril. Enlightio's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Among other Americans, the balance of opinion leans more clearly toward NASA remaining involved. Faster-than-light travel may be possible one day, but is unlikely to become a reality in our lifetimes. endstream endobj startxref Why? 2. In the U.S., the space exploration programs employ more than 500,000 people (Scott 28). 10 Scott, Carole. Yuri Gagarin was the first person to go into space on board a human spaceflight known as Vostoc 1. Philadelphia: Black Rabbit Book, 2005. Dr Paul Parsons is a science writer and analyst based in Aylesbury, England. Americans expect a range of scientific and technological developments ahead. April 30, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-main-reasons-for-space-exploration/. Discover our latest special editions covering a range of fascinating topics from the latest scientific discoveries to the big ideas explained. Shepard travelled to space through the Project Mercury flight program. This is a question that a lot of people keep asking. "The Main Reasons for Space Exploration." As such, international cooperation is a must for these nations. You can use them for inspiration, an insight into a particular topic, a handy source of reference, or even just as a template of a certain type of paper. In times of uncertainty, good decisions demand good data. Only 13% of U.S. adults have a great deal of confidence that companies will minimize that problem, with 35% saying they have a fair amount of confidence. Never published series of narratives on reasons for exploring space and for the International Space Station. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Space research has made us understand earth a lot better. Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Additionally, experiments on human health in microgravity contribute to our knowledge of how our bodies are affected by long-term spaceflight, which is essential for future deep space missions. She also has a passion for working with children and hopes to dedicate her career to positively impacting their lives. As we progress in our understanding of the Earth, we can embrace the responsibility to protect it, laying the foundation for a more sustainable future. Space exploration could help the population. When she's not on the road or working, Brenda can often be found watching interesting YouTube videos, such as Ted-Ed content. For Educators | For Students | For Media Beyond Earth Expanding Human Presence Into the Solar System Why We Explore Human Space Exploration Humanity's interest in the heavens has been universal and enduring. Youre reading this article because of a satellite out there somewhere floating around orbiting the earth. 1969: Apollo 11 mission successfully lands the first humans, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, on the Moon. Its evident that our pursuit of the cosmos has led to numerous benefits for humanity and our planet. When you factor in the breakthroughs of such innovations and technologies, the costs of running space programs dont seem to be too much, do they? A slew of robotic spaceflights followed, from both sides of the Atlantic, before Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin piloted Vostok 1 into orbit on 12 April 1961, to become the first human being in space. Overall, 58% of U.S. adults believe it is essential to include the use of human astronauts in the U.S. space program, while 41% say astronauts are not essential. This is how space exploration could lead to critical scientific discoveries. It is an opportunity to explore something new. Some 44% of Americans have a great deal of confidence these companies will make a profit in their space-related ventures, with 36% saying they are fairly confident that space companies will be profitable. The search for extraterrestrial life and a better understanding of the universes origin further enhances our curiosity and thirst for knowledge. 2012: Curiosity rover lands on Mars, beginning its mission to explore the Martian surface and search for signs of past life. It satisfies the human urge to explore and to travel, and in the years and decades to come it could even provide our species with new places to call home especially relevant now, as Earth becomes increasingly crowded. Some space experts argue that the life support systems required to sustain astronauts on a long interplanetary journey would be so expensive that it would be more cost-effective to send robotic probes.1 With regards to future expeditions into space, a majority of Americans say they would consider it essential that humans, not solely robots, make the trip. By monitoring NEOs, we can better predict potential impacts and take appropriate measures to protect our planet. TV broadcasts wouldnt be possible without satellites, the internet infrastructure we have now would be limited without satellites. Our everyday lives have been transformed by applications like GPS, which relies on a network of satellites to provide accurate positioning and tracking information. One of the most direct benefits of space exploration is the creation of jobs. The launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite in 1957 challenged the American space enterprise to a race for political and technological superiority. Strong public support that the U.S. should continue to be at the vanguard of space exploration is widely shared across gender, educational and political groups.