When we hear the term “Space Exploration” we can only imagine astronauts stepping on the moon, and so on. What we fail to notice is how astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science play an important role in contributing to the betterment of civilization.
For instance, the night sky has been a guide for navigators throughout the centuries. Similarly, space exploration sparks new innovations that can lead to the development of mankind. In this article, we will be exploring various reasons why space exploration is important.
Space Exploration paves the path to invention and innovation
Before astronauts begin their voyage to space to space, years of dedication and hard work are put in to develop technologies that will survive the space environment. For example, artificial limbs, solar panels, or even scratch-resistant lenses, which are crucial to human technology are a result of space exploration.
Surprisingly, these inventions have also contributed to the betterment of our daily lives. Many inventions, that have upgraded our standard of living have come into the picture just because NASA and other space agencies have been putting their heart and soul into solving the problems that the astronauts have been facing on the moon.
Such inventions are later modified so that consumers can also avail the benefits of such modern technology. NASA’s purification system for ISS was later used for accessing clean water on the earth. This is just one among many examples.
Space Exploration as a way toward discovery
Through space exploration, we can explore galaxies and the Milky Way that are several light years away from us. This is a result of intense and exemplary research in various fields like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and medicine. Many phenomena would not have been discovered had it not been for space exploration.
- ISS Medical Research
In 2018, the ISS astronauts tested an advanced treatment for cancer in space just because they could not test that on Earth. Likewise, a lot of medical treatments for bone and muscle atrophy are products of space exploration. A unique implantable device has been invented and has aided a lot of people who suffer from muscular conditions. Another project, concerned with artificial cartilage, is being researched, and hopefully, in the near future, it will help many who suffer from knee injuries.
- A Unique Environment Facilitating experiment
Space provides a unique environment of microgravity for experiments that cannot be conducted on the earth. This environment facilitates a lot of inventions that otherwise would have not been possible as the earth’s environment does not facilitate such experiments.
- Satellites
Satellites are the most well-known inventions that have been a result of space exploration. Satellites are extremely important in various aspects of our lives. Satellites provide us with internet access, make maps, monitor weather circumstances and the list can go on and on. We would not be laying back on our couch and watching television if not for satellites. Through space exploration, now we can look at advancing satellite technologies so that the pertinent challenges are resolved and worked upon.
Conclusion
These were, to name a few, the benefits of space exploration. Space exploration no doubt has an unwavering impact and hence, we should put all our heart and soul into contributing to such space exploration.
By: Somdatta Ghosh
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