Space exploration is that
the physical exploration of space, both by human spaceflights and by robotic
spacecraft. Humans have always checked out the heavens and wondered about the
character of the objects seen within the night sky.
Humanity's interest within the heavens has been universal and enduring. Humans are driven to explore the unknown, discover new worlds, push the boundaries of our scientific and technical limits, then push further.
Well before technology made these achievements possible, however, space exploration had already captured the minds of the many people, not only aircraft pilots and scientists but also writers and artists.
Human space exploration
Human space exploration helps to deal with fundamental questions on our place within the Universe and therefore the history of our system .
Through addressing the challenges associated with human space exploration we expand technology, create new industries, and help to foster a peaceful reference to other nations.
Curiosity and exploration are vital to the human spirit and accepting the challenge of going deeper into space will invite the citizens of the planet today and therefore the generations of tomorrow to hitch NASA on this exciting journey.
A Flexible Path
This is the start of a replacement era in space exploration during which NASA has been challenged to develop systems and capabilities required to explore beyond low-Earth orbit, including destinations like translunar space, near-Earth asteroids and eventually Mars.
NASA will use the International space platform as a test-bed and stepping stone for the challenging journey ahead. By building upon what we learn there we'll prepare astronauts for the challenges of long-duration flight and therefore the permanent expansion of human exploration beyond where we've been before.
Why the International Space Station?
The first step in embarking on an extended and challenging journey involves laying solid groundwork for a successful endeavor.
The International space platform is a national laboratory for human health, biological, and materials research, as a technology test-bed, and as a stepping stone for going further into the system .
On the International space platform we'll improve and learn new ways to make sure astronauts are safe, healthy and productive while exploring and that we will continue expand our knowledge about how materials and biological systems behave outside of the influence of gravity.
Requirements for space exploration
Human space exploration must meet the wants for healthy life and productivity: air, food, water, energy, communications, transportation, productivity areas and tools, and recreation.
• Air Supply
Transportation vehicles, stations, and colonies need breathable air ((78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases). Modules and living areas need to be enclosed, to stay the air from escaping.
Rockets, space capsules, and space stations got to bring the air with them. an area colony or large space platform could create oxygen from water by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, using electrolysis or through photosynthesis from plants.
Transportation vehicles and space stations got to bring food with them, and space for producing food is extremely limited during a colony. In any self-contained colony, food must be renewable, as replacement stock won't be available from Earth.
Some foods into account to be used in space missions are soybeans and wheat, which take up a little amount of space and are very nutritious.
• Water
Humans need an excellent deal of water for drinking, washing, watering plants, etc. Recycling and purifying systems can recapture water from daily washing, moisture within the air from breathing, moisture from the heating and cooling systems, and water from urine.
Plans got to include water storage and recycling and possibly water production facilities.
• Temperature
Space stations, capsules, and colonies got to be insulated from extreme temperatures, like the cold temperatures on Mars, night on the Moon and on space stations, and therefore the high daytime temperatures on the Moon and in sunlight on space stations.
Electronic equipment also can generate excess heat, which can got to be vented into space.
• Waste Removal
Living and dealing in space creates waste. Much of that waste — like water waste — will eventually be recycled and reused. Efforts are made to make as little waste as possible.
Some may have to be returned to Earth, vented into space, or stored outside of the colony for future use.
What energy source(s) will power the space vehicles/stations/colonies? Plans got to determine whether power are going to be generated through solar or atomic energy , and wish to incorporate a back-up and energy storage system, like batteries to store solar power in the dark .
• Production and Research
What sorts of production will happen at your station or colony? Some examples may include mining for resources, science laboratories, telescopes and facilities to supply fuel or water.
• Living Quarters
Consider whether each space explorer needs a personal mensurable , which can depend upon how long they're going to spend at this facility. Every sq ft requires more resources, but people are happier once they feel they need sufficient space and privacy.
• Communications
How will people communicate with one another? Determine how the space explorers will communicate with one another (for instance, with those exploring during a rover), also like Earth. Plans may require satellites and antennas.
• Transportation
Transportation like EVA equipment and rovers must be planned for getting space explorers to space stations and colonies, but also for exploring the space and region around them, also as for returning to Earth. Fuel or an appropriate energy source will got to be planned also .
• Recreation Facilities
Remember that the mind needs exercise also because the body. How will these recreation facilities vary from those on Earth?
Consider the limited space and therefore the lower gravity on the Moon (one-sixth that of Earth) and on Mars (one-third that of Earth), also because the micro gravity of an area station in orbit.
Modules and Technology
A space station or space colony will need different sections:
• Habitation Modules – quarters which will include showers, private rooms, eating areas, etc.
• Laboratory Modules – Work quarters where the crew conducts experiments.
• Greenhouses – wont to grow food and contribute to the oxygen environment; also how to use excess CO2 .
• Solar Arrays – wont to collect and store electricity to power various systems and activities.
• Antennas – Used for communications back to Earth and with other spacecraft.
• Surface Rovers –Pressurized rovers for long trips and open rovers for short trips.
• Resource Utilization Facilities –Used to mine the resources of the Moon or planet to be used within the base or for manufacturing propellant (fuel) for space ships.
• Docking Facilities –Used for supply ships.
• Escape System –Used in case of an emergency.
• Telescopes - On the Moon where there's no atmosphere, telescopes would offer scientists and astronomers an excellent view of region beyond Earth's atmosphere.
• Supply Ships - Spacecraft used to bring crews and supplies to and from the space base.
• Space Suits - Astronauts will got to wear space suits for construction and repair of an area station or colony, also as for any research excursions onto the surface of another planet or moon.
The Future of Space Exploration
During Exploration Mission-1, Orion will venture thousands of miles beyond the moon during an approximately three-week mission.
Modern space exploration is reaching areas once only dreamed about. Mars is focus of recent space exploration, and manned Mars exploration may be a long-term goal of the us . NASA is on a journey to Mars, with a goal of sending humans to the Mars within the 2030s.
NASA and its partners have sent orbiters, lander, and rovers, increasing our knowledge about the earth . The Curiosity Rover has gathered radiation data to guard astronauts, and therefore the MARS 2020 Rover will study the supply of oxygen and other Martian resources.
Written by - Umme Amara Shaikh
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