The New Horizons In The History Of Space Exploration
Space exploration is the use of astronomy and the space technology to explore the outer space. It was developed by sending large rockets to space in the early 20th century. The benefits of exploring space include scientific research, bringing unity in different nations, ascertaining the future survival of humanity and increasing military and strategic advantages against other countries. The early era on space exploration was by Soviet Union and United States of America. From 1990 onwards space tourism was also developed. Today the history of space exploration is seeing new horizons with space tourism, which has also been promoted by the USA in which common people are sent to space as a tourist. Not all can afford it as it is a very expensive program.
The history of space exploration began with the first U.S. satellite, Explorer 1, went into orbit on January 31, 1958. In 1959 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration listed the United States military services members who met specific qualifications. . The first person to fly in space was 1 Alan Shepard in 1961 in which he belongs to the United States of America. The passion to orbit the earth got satisfied in February 29, of the year 1962 when John Lenon of United States of America successfully orbited the Earth. Later man took a step in Earth’s natural satellite, Moon when Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin landed on the moon. John F. Kennedy remarked this achievement as a giant leap for mankind.
An automated spacecraft which is designed by National Aeronautics and Space administration (NASA) come in many shapes and sizes. The automated spacecraft shared much in common although they are designed to fulfill separate and specific objectives in every mission. Each spacecraft’s consists of scientific instruments, basic subsystem for electrical power and equipment’s for communication with earth and also for data processing. Between 1959 and 1971 NASA sent spacecraft to study about the moon and the solar system. They also scanned inner planets such as earth, mercury, Venus. In 1972 NASA launched pioneer 10, a Jupiter spacecraft. The interest was also spread to the outer planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune which was unique in the history of space exploration.
The space exploration now has become a chance for man to explore the survival probabilities of outer space and is in the process of researching the possibilities of colonizing other planets, satellites in the solar system. Mars, Moon etc are the prime contenders for human invasion and expedition for life other than earth. The advancement in the space technology has been the prime criterion for this ascent reached by man in space expedition. Adhering to the curiosity of man, this advancement has provided the fodder for getting into greater heights in terms of the history of space exploration. Now many growing countries like China, India, France, and Germany have launched space programs that can further develop this space technology to the next level. Henceforth history of space exploration will reach new heights with human invasion in other planets are prone to happen in the years to come and man spending his life in Mars or Moon is a possibility in the near future.
