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Humans VS Space. Space breached.
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NOTE: This article is part of our International Publicity Campaign. Please click here for details
Humans VS Space. Space breached.
By Andreea Radulescu
andreea@iHUB.org
Opening the energy and material resources of space for human benefit by completing the missing technological links to make possible the productive use of the abundant resources in space should be the main focus within every nation.
The time has come to supersede the present haphazard, chaotic approach to strategic space studies with a formal international structure to plan for future advanced space missions under the aegis of the world’s national space agencies and supported by governments and the corporate sector. Public non-profit organizations such as: The National Space Society with its mission philosophy “To promote social, economic, technological, and political change, to advance the day when humans will live and work in space”, iHUB Organization, which is using science as its main tool in order to safeguard humanity as well as ensure sustainable global development and also promotes particular programs which students who are capable of making a positive contribution to raising the quality of their communities can pursue, Space Generation Advisory Council with its vision of ”Employing the creativity and vigour of youth in advancing humanity through the peaceful uses of outer space” and many others try to raise awareness within people around the world, regarding the importance and benefits of space explorations. All these organizations and many others have a main goal of educating the human society in space knowledge and all the benefits that it can provide for the survival and preservation of human specie.
Paul S. Hardersen examines in his book “The Case for Space” why the public's fascination with space exploration has faded recently and emphasizes the importance of civil space activities to average citizens. He discusses how space research has already served society, and cites case histories of advanced medical technology. The book illustrates how remote sensing satellites facilitate studies, ranging from endangered African gorillas and American tick populations, to archaeological sites and earthquake zones. Space research offers many environmental benefits, e.g., for ozone depletion and global warming studies, and the potential of solar power satellites for unlimited clean energy. Hardersen argues that space explorations will advance new technologies, foster international cooperation and spur economic growth. They merit continued public support and funding.
“What's more, space exploration offers the nations of the world the chance to leave the history of warfare behind and work together toward a new, peaceful age. Our changing world political situation can benefit from international cooperation in space.”
Excerpted from “The Case for Space” by Paul S. Hardersen
“The cold-war was symbolized by the race to the Moon. The new world order could well be symbolized by cooperating in the space arena. There also is new knowledge to be gained -- about new technologies, about medical advances, about climate control and environmental protection -- that can enhance our quality of life. The potential of space development is perhaps our greatest incentive.”
Excerpted from “The Case for Space” by Paul S. Hardersen
Some of the most frequently asked questions about the space program are related to the issue of: "Why go into space when we have so many problems here on Earth?" and "What does the space program do for me?" These are legitimate questions and unfortunately not enough people have been made aware of the vast benefits the space program provides that increase the quality of our daily lives and therefore doubtful questions like those above arise. Applications on Earth of technology needed for space flight have produced thousands of "spin-offs" that contribute to improving the national economy, productivity and lifestyle. It is almost impossible to find an area of everyday life that has not been improved by these spin-offs. Collectively, these secondary applications represent a substantial return on the national investment in aerospace research. We should be spending more funds and time on developing awareness within citizens and advancing technology in order to improve even more the quality of life here on Earth.
If we were to list all the benefits that we are provided with by these space programs, there is hardly any domain that has not been touched by it. Domains like: Computer Technology, Consumer/Home/Recreation and in this category it can be mentioned the scratch-resistant lenses, the ribbed swimsuit, golf ball aerodynamics, potable coolers/warmers, athletic shoes, then in the category of Environmental and Resource Management we can mention the micro-spheres – extremely accurate calibration of instruments in research and industrial laboratory, weather forecasting aid - space shuttle environmental control technology led to the development of the Barorator which continuously measures atmospheric pressure and calculates the instantaneous rate of change, plant research, fire resistant material. However the most breakthroughs I think have been done in the domain of Health and Medicine: breast cancer detection, digital imaging breast biopsy system, human tissues stimulator, ocular screening, automated urinalysis and many more. Other domains that are worth mentioning are: industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology, Transportation. And the list can go on and on.
And all these benefits are due to the technology used by space programs. Applications on Earth of technology needed for space flight have produced thousands of advantages that contribute to improving the economy, productivity and lifestyle. However, we have to take into consideration the fact that significant scientific experiments for a reliable result can only be carried out in space. While here on Earth simulations of space environment are provided in order to experiment the product’s behaviour, a reliable and factual result can only be obtained once the product is tested in the mend environment in this case in space.
Of course the price we have to pay for science is sometimes terrible (lost lives). But there always has to be a willingness to accept risk in the pursuit of knowledge – knowledge that might improve the quality of life for all humankind.
There is still a lot to be discovered and to be experienced and together, we can make a difference. The exploration of space becomes not just a symbol of the reach of human endeavour, but a motivation to create a positive future - here and on other worlds - for humankind.
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NOTE: This article is part of our International Publicity Campaign. Please click here for details
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