History of Space Exploration

As humans, we are born with a natural desire to learn and discover. With space exploration, we are able to do just that. In an online essay called “Is Space Exploration Worth the Cost”, Dr. Joan Vernikos,

Humans have been mesmerized by the stars since the beginning of their existence. This fascination is documented throughout history from simple drawings in the caves of Neanderthals to the great minds of Copernicus, Galileo, and Ptolemy, leading to today’s massive research institutions such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (better known as NASA). The concept of time itself is credited to the understanding of the universe. Our race’s vast determination to explore space has led to the most remarkable scientific discoveries and technological advancements. This willingness to push boundaries in notably seen in NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, where scientists were able to put a man on the moon in just eight few years.

Since the mid twentieth century, humankind has been obsessed with the vast greatness that is the universe. In the sixties, the U.S and what was then known as the Soviet Union were in what we call today The Space Race. Space exploration was at its peak, the cold war brought about an era that made people excited for space missions, people would gather together and watch. Since then, the hype revolved around space travel has died down (Launius). What most people don’t realize is that many of the now common technologies are being used by the world are thanks to space technologies and satellites. Innovations such as LED’s (Light-Emitting Diodes), GPS (global positioning system), firefighting equipment, enriched baby food, the ability to harness solar energy, and water purification are all technologies that we often don’t credit space exploration and programs for (NASA). Pioneers and explorers of the past helped us to discover things about the world and the way that it works, that at the time was hard for people to imagine. Now, we, the people the of the present and the future have a responsibility to humankind to treat the universe as a new world to explore.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has had as a strategy the development of space exploration. All missions from the most historical to those planned, have been directed under the same institution to enrich the scientific knowledge of the Earth, the solar system and the universe. However, the goals, the accomplishments and errors committed throughout the history of the space, technological advances and experiences in each of the missions, have been making the differences. The Apollo mission is an example of the first attempts to landing on the moon, and the planned Mars mission is an example for traveling to the Red Planet; both were created through NASA, but their goals, historical epoch

Neil Armstrong 's 1969 lunar landing was one of humanity 's greatest accomplishments. Since then, we have found that an infinite supply of knowledge and resources await us just outside our atmosphere. Today, however, critics are beginning to argue more and more that the cost of space exploration is too high, and therefore new technological developments should be left to the private sector. Whether funded privately or by the government, funding of space exploration is imperative because NASA is essentially the only agency with the technological capabilities to support aircraft manufacturing, air safety and air transportation. Space exploration has also resulted in remarkable innovations that has played a key role in aeronautics research, preventative medicine, and allows scientists to study asteroids, along with other space debris and their impacts on Earth.

America’s space program is undoubtedly one of its greatest modern achievements. Few people cannot recall the famous quote “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” or do not know where it came from. The story leading up to the moment a man walked on the moon, as well as everything that came after, is just as interesting and important as the moment itself. The significance of the history of America’s aeronautics programs cannot possibly be overestimated, and their story is one that is incredibly important to the modern world of today. It would not be the nation that it is, with the technology it possesses, without its crucial involvement in the “space race”. If the technology that sent a man to the moon did not exist, our daily lives would be impacted and basic tools would be missing. Beginning with America’s first official aeronautics organization, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (or NACA) and continuing through to the present day and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (or NASA), the story of America’s aerospace programs is interesting and extremely important. It is a story that spans many years and giant leaps in technology, and involves important locations like Wallops Flight Facility and Kennedy Space Center. From the early beginnings of NACA and Wallops, and continuing on to the rise and success of NASA and Kennedy Space Center, aeronautics

The biggest affect increased space exploration would have could be its change on the education landscape. In 1998, NASA scientists Adriana Ocampo, Louis Friedman, and John Logsdon explored NASA’s effect on education in their article, “Why Space Science and Exploration Benefit Everyone.” Though their writing is nearly 20 years old, Ocampo, Friedman, and Logsdon explain why handcuffing NASA creates a “brain drain” in America –

Space exploration has exploded in the past 56 years. From the first successful satellite mission in 1961, to the first mission space walk in 1969 a to the first time lettuce was grown and eaten in space in 2015. These are just the beginning steps towards potential space exploration and advancing technology to the maximum.

The invention of new technology carried over throughout the years. After World War II, technology has progressed so much, that the first space shuttle had been made in 1957. Technology only progressed further to put rovers on other planets by 2004. By 1971, there was enough equipment to make computers.

“Many say exploration is part of our destiny, but it’s actually our duty to future generations and their quest to ensure the survival of the human species.” This was spoken by Buzz Aldrin, retired NASA astronaut, on the 37th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Landing. Humans have an astounding ability to take ideas from their imaginations and with time, bring those ideas to life. Calculus has made this possible. The invention of the laws of motion and the creation

Throughout history, there have been many discoveries, achievements, advances, and adventures. When people make these discoveries they bring something new into the human civilization. Space history has improved the world in many ways. Many space probes and satellites have contributed valuable information. NASA has worked hard to make many improvements in space knowledge and history.

Today I am writing you in regards to express my desire for your support of H.R. 2039. While it may not be the ‘golden age’ of space exploration anymore, I believe space exploration and technologies are still necessary for America’s overall political, economic and scientific prowess. Approving this budget would aid to the development of the Space Launch System (SLS) which would allow us to send astronauts to asteroids and Mars. While there is no longer a ‘space race’ or any seeming pressure to get to Mars there are numerous benefits than stand aside from simply being the first nation to reach Mars. Economically, development of the SLS would create not only new advancements in space technologies, but also create many jobs that would be necessary

“It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.” Neil Armstrong said this about his famous trip in which he was the first man to have stepped on the moon, being one of the few who have had this opportunity. Earth has been home to humankind since its birth. Now humanity has managed to tame Earth and the next step is to traverse into the reaches of the solar system, although Earth will always be the home to humanity but there are other possible homes for us in this galaxy through colonization. Colonizing space is the next step for humanity that will bring the race causing significant

This peer-reviewed journal article talks about the positive consequences of developments in future space exploration in scientific perspective. The author states the development of future space exploration by using resources from the solar system will produce varies beneficial results, such as space tourism, asteroid resources, and so on. The main beneficiary among all the others is science. Supported by space resources, the growth of space economy can provide the cost of building scientific instruments, outposts, and infrastructures in space. Improvement in scientific technology leads to further discoveries and knowledge. Which shows the symbiotic relationship existed between science and space resources.

The future technologies that could result from more space missions could be astronomical level. For an example, the Apollo missions led to innovating athletic shoe material, by getting rid of the foam midsole that typically wore out quick. In an article published by NASA, recognizing the technological advancements made from the Apollo missions, like the: