space exploration essay summary

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Essay on Space Exploration

• Updated on  
• Jun 11, 2022

For scientists, space is first and foremost a magnificent “playground” — an inexhaustible source of knowledge and learning that is assisting in the solution of some of the most fundamental existential issues concerning Earth’s origins and our place in the Universe. Curiosity has contributed significantly to the evolution of the human species. Curiosity along with the desire for a brighter future has driven humans to explore and develop from the discovery of fire by ancient ancestors to present space explorations.  Here is all the information you need and the best tips to write an essay on space exploration.

What is Space Exploration?  

Space Exploration is the use of astronomy and space technology to explore outer space. While astronomers use telescopes to explore space, both uncrewed robotic space missions and human spaceflight are used to explore it physically. One of the primary sources for space science is space exploration, which is similar to astronomy in its classical form. We can use space exploration to validate or disprove scientific theories that have been created on Earth. Insights into gravity, the magnetosphere, the atmosphere, fluid dynamics, and the geological evolution of other planets have all come from studying the solar system.

Advantages of Space Exploration 

It is vital to understand and point out the advantages of space exploration while writing an essay on the topic.

New inventions have helped the worldwide society. NASA’s additional research was beneficial to society in a variety of ways. Transportation, medical, computer management, agriculture technology, and consumer products all profit from the discoveries. GPS technology, breast cancer treatment, lightweight breathing systems, Teflon fibreglass, and other areas benefited from the space programme.

It is impossible to dispute that space exploration creates a large number of employment opportunities around the world. A better way to approach space exploration is to spend less and make it more cost-effective. In the current job market, space research initiatives provide far too much to science, technology, and communication. As a result, a large number of jobs are created.

Understanding

NASA’s time-travelling space exploration programmes and satellite missions aid in the discovery of previously unknown facts about our universe. Scientists have gained a greater understanding of Earth’s nature and atmosphere, as well as those of other space entities. These are the research initiatives that alert us to impending natural disasters and other related forecasts. It also paves the way for our all-powerful universe to be saved from time to time.

Disadvantages of Space Exploration

Highlighting disadvantages will give another depth to your essay on space exploration. Here are some important points to keep in mind.

Pollution is one of the most concerning issues in space travel. Many satellites are launched into space each year, but not all of them return. The remnants of such incidents degrade over time, becoming debris that floats in the air. Old satellites, various types of equipment, launch pads, and rocket fragments all contribute to pollution. Space debris pollutes the atmosphere in a variety of ways. Not only is space exploration harmful to the environment, but it is also harmful to space.

A government space exploration programme is expensive. Many people believe that space mission initiatives are economical. It should be mentioned that NASA just celebrated its 30th anniversary with $196.5 billion spent.

Space exploration isn’t a walk in the park. Many historical occurrences demonstrate the dangers that come with sad situations. The Challenger space shuttle accident on January 28, 1986, must be remembered. The spacecraft exploded in under 73 seconds, resulting in a tremendous loss of life and property.

Conclusion 

There are two sides to every coin. To survive on Earth, one must confront and overcome obstacles. Space exploration is an essential activity that cannot be overlooked, but it can be enhanced by technological advancements.

Space Exploration Courses

Well, if your dream is to explore space and you want to make a career in it, then maybe space exploration courses are the right choice for you to turn your dreams into reality.

Various universities offering space exploration courses are :

• Arizona State University, USA
• Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Exploration
• Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences)
• Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics)
• University of Leicester, UK
• Space Exploration Systems MSc
• York University
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Space Engineering

Tips to write an IELTS Essay  on Space Exploration

• The essay’s word count should be at least 250 words. There is no maximum word count. If you write less than 250 words, you risk submitting an incomplete essay. The goal should be to write a minimum of 250-words essay.
• There will be more than one question on the essay topic. The questions must be answered in their entirety. For example, for the topic ‘crime is unavoidable,’ you might see questions like 1. Speak in favour of and against this topic, 2. Give your opinion, and 3. Suggest some measures to avoid crime. This topic now has three parts, and all of them must be answered; only then will the essay be complete.
• Maintain a smooth writing flow. You can’t get off track and create an essay that has nothing to do with the issue. The essay must be completely consistent with the question. The essay’s thoughts should be tied to the question directly. Make use of instances, experiences, and concepts that you can relate to.
• Use a restricted number of linking phrases and words to organise your writing. Adverbial phrases should be used instead of standard linking words.
• The essay should be broken up into little paragraphs of at least two sentences each. Your essay should be divided into three sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. ( cheapest pharmacy to fill prescriptions without insurance )
• Don’t overuse complicated and long words in your essay. Make appropriate use of collocations and idioms. You must be able to use words and circumstances effectively.
• The essay must be written correctly in terms of grammar. In terms of spelling, grammar, and tenses, there should be no mistakes. Avoid using long, difficult sentences to avoid grammatical problems. Make your sentences succinct and to-the-point.
• Agree/disagree, discuss two points of view, pros and disadvantages, causes and solutions, causes and effects, and problem-solution are all examples of essay questions to practise.
• Make a strong beginning. The opening should provide the reader a good indication of what to expect from the rest of the article. Making a good first impression and piquing your attention starts with a good introduction.
• If required, cite facts, figures, and data. It’s best to stay away from factual material if you’re not sure about the statistics or stats. If you’re unsure about something, don’t write it down.
• The essay’s body should be descriptive, with all of the points, facts, and information listed in great detail.
• The conclusion is the most noticeable part. Your IELTS band is influenced by how you end your essay.
• Make sure there are no spelling errors. If you’re not sure how to spell something, don’t use it. It is preferable to utilize simple, everyday terms.
• Do not include any personal or casual remarks. It is strictly forbidden.
• Once you’ve finished drafting your essay, proofread it. It enables you to scan for minor and large grammar and spelling problems.

This was the Essay on Space Exploration. We hope it was helpful to you. Experts at Leverage Edu will help you out in writing your essays for IELTS, SOPs and more!

Sonal is a creative, enthusiastic writer and editor who has worked extensively for the Study Abroad domain. She splits her time between shooting fun insta reels and learning new tools for content marketing. If she is missing from her desk, you can find her with a group of people cracking silly jokes or petting neighbourhood dogs.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

The Future of Space Exploration Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Space Exploration

Benefits of space exploration, negatives of space exploration, increase in space exploration and possible future impacts, ways of space exploration with the least damage.

Space exploration is one of the most rapidly developing science which is known for its high financial implications and advanced cutting-edge technologies. Life beyond the planet was always an object of researches and investigation. Many new developments, equipment, and discoveries from space are notably useful and efficient for improving the level and the quality of life on the Earth. The history of that kind of researches started in ancient times when philosophers tried to investigate the night sky to find out the system of stars arrangement. Since then, studies in this field have progressed in a significant way, and now people even have their own space station in Earth orbit. Nowadays, there are specialized organizations such as the Aerospace Industries Association or American Astronautical Society the goal of which is to explore space. The purpose of this paper is to describe the particularities of space exploration, taking into consideration its advantages and disadvantages for humanity, ethical questions, and predictions about the future of this industry.

It is an erroneous belief that the exploration of space does not have any impact on the life of ordinary humans. It improves the quality of the life of millions of people every day: the technologies designed for space studies are now used in the medical sphere and for conducting other experiments (Rai et al., 2016). Nevertheless, space research also poses many ethical questions to society concerning colonization, financial resources, and ecological issues. With the advancement of this science, increasingly more questions rest without any answers. For many people who are not very familiar with the topic, it seems to be a complete waste of the governmental budget and just a way for experts to entertain themselves.

In the era of Gagarin and first trips into space, being a cosmonaut was considered to be highly prestigious, respected, and, at the same time, romantic. At the present moment, this science went too far away frthe om basic understanding that people regret that their taxes are spent on the exploration of the place that they would never visit. The attitude of the researchers in this field is rather ambivalent; the main beneficial and negative points of space exploration would be covered in the next parts to make the argumentative and clear statement.

The investigation of space has many advantages for society despite the fact that they are not highly notable for an ordinary person. For example, space researches encourage studies of different types of science (Panesor, 2009). What is more, the young specialists in chemistry, biology, or engineering become interested in the space sphere (Panesor, 2009). It is profitable for both sides – students provide innovative ideas, and the research centers help the new generation of scientists to get the job and to be well-paid. The benefits of space exploration cannot be counted only in money because the impact on society is non-quantifiable. According to Jacksona et al. (2019), a woman plays a crucial role in space studies. Thanks to women-cosmonauts, the level of social inequality declined rapidly in the last decade of the 20th century. A variety of studies show that women and men think and act in contrasting ways. It helps the industry of space exploration to function in a more efficient way considering several distinct points of view.

Space exploration is often claimed to be the sphere for wasting a large sum of money. This industry is one of the most expensive because of the intellectual resources and high-priced equipment details (“Cost of Space Exploration,” 1961). Nonetheless, Baum (2009) proposes the idea of cost-beneficial analysis; from his point of view, it is necessary to keep in mind the ethical risks and the alternative options of the distribution of the budget. In his other study, he raises the issue of the problem of colonization (Baum, 2016). According to his research, if people cannot save nature on the planet, there is no use to attempt to find other places to live. Moreover, the ecological situation becomes significantly severe because of the desire of humans to leave the Earth.

It is important to mention that the cost of space explorations is not always high. It generally depends on the type of research and its goal (“International Space Exploration Coordination Group,” 2013). If the data of previous experiments were used, it would help to make the price for the surveys lower (Battat, 2012). However, it requires more time and effort from the staff and makes this task, not an easy one. Another disadvantage is that it takes years or even decades for inventions and technologies to be a part of the life of ordinary people. The negatives of space exploration are highly notable for society because they cannot see the real impact.

The industry of space studies plays an essential role in the political, social, and economic spheres. If there were more money invested, it might result in a financial crisis in the country. Even though space exploration is supposed to have many non-material benefits and unexpected advantages in the nearest future. For example, the recent developments would be directly integrated into different fields of science. The robotics like the mechanic hand or neurotransmitter are now saving and improving thousands of Roboticsnks to space technologies. The level of intellectual needs in this sphere would encourage cultural and cognitive growth for many people interested in this area of study (Crawford, 2019). If the specialists would not find any place for colonization, it may influence the attitude of the society to the planet and its beautiful nature. People might become more accurate and carrying about the ecological situation on Earth.

First of all, the previous experience and results should be attentively analyzed to make the price of the new inventions lower. Secondly, there should be specialists in public relations who would explain the society why space explorations are too crucial and what are the benefits of it. Finally, space study should become a global issue for developed countries (Krichevsky, 2018). It would reduce the cost for each separate country and would make the process more efficient.

In the modern world, space exploration has its benefits and negatives. The advantages are mostly non-economical and concern the social sphere of life, while the disadvantages are centered around the high costs of the researches. Nevertheless, there are several ways to improve the financial situation and to make the price lower: by using the experience of previous generations or by optimizing the process. Ethical questions should also be taken into consideration and make humanity reflect on ecological and moral questions. Space study is one of the fascinating spheres of science in the 21st century.

• Battat, J. A. (2012). Technology and architecture: Informing investment decisions for the future of human exploration [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Baum, S. (2009). Cost-benefit analysis of space exploration: Some ethical considerations. Space Policy, 25 (2), 75–80.
• Baum, S. (2016). The ethics of outer space: A consequentialist perspective. The Ethics of Space Exploration, 2 (1), 109–123.
• International Space Exploration Coordination Group. (2013). Benefits Stemming from Space Exploration .
• American Association for the Advancement of Science. (1961). Cost of Space Exploration. Science, 133 (3470), 2055–2055.
• Crawford, I. (2019). Widening perspectives: The intellectual and social benefits of Astrobiology, Big History, and the exploration of space. Journal of Big History, 3 (3), 205–224.
• Jacksona, M. S., Knezek, P., Silimon-Hill, M. D., & Cross, M. A. (2019). Women in exploration: Lessons From the past as humanity reaches deep space. International Astronautical Congress, 1 (1), 1–15.
• Krichevsky, S. (2018). Super global projects and environmentally friendly technologies used in space exploration: Realities and prospects of the Space Age. Philosophy and Cosmology, 20 (1), 92–105.
• Panesor, T. (2009). Space: Exploration and exploitation in a modern society . Institute of physics. Web.
• Rai, A., Robinson, J. A., Tate-Brown, J., Buckley, N., Zell, M., Tasaki, K., & Pignataro, S. (2016). Expanded benefits for humanity from the International Space Station. Acta Astronautica , 126 (2 ) , 463–474.
• Risk Management in the International Space Station
• Space Exploration History and Prospects
• History of Pluto Exploration
• Space Exploration: Attitude & Recent Breakthrough
• International Space Exploration: Improving Human Life
• Venus: The Object for Research and Space Missions
• Solar System Formation
• “Mega Project: Space Exploration” Scenarios
• Shuttle Columbia Accident: Lessons Learned
• Galileo's Discoveries Significance
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, February 17). The Future of Space Exploration. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-future-of-space-exploration/

"The Future of Space Exploration." IvyPanda , 17 Feb. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/the-future-of-space-exploration/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'The Future of Space Exploration'. 17 February.

IvyPanda . 2022. "The Future of Space Exploration." February 17, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-future-of-space-exploration/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Future of Space Exploration." February 17, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-future-of-space-exploration/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Future of Space Exploration." February 17, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-future-of-space-exploration/.

The History of the Space Race

During the time that has passed since the launching of the first artificial satellite in 1957, astronauts have traveled to the moon, probes have explored the solar system, and instruments in space have discovered thousands of planets around other stars.

Earth Science, Astronomy, Social Studies, U.S. History, World History

Apollo 11 Astronauts on Moon

A less belligerent, but no less competitive, part of the Cold War was the space race. The Soviet Union bested its rival at nearly every turn, until the U.S. beat them to the finish line by landing astronauts on the moon.

NASA photograph

Learning materials

Upcoming event.

• Explorer Classroom: Inventing NASA Technology for Ocean Exploration with Ved Chirayath | September 19

We human beings have been venturing into outer space since October 4, 1957, when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth. This happened during the period of hostility between the U.S.S.R. and the United States known as the Cold War .

Sputnik’s launch shifted the Cold War to a new frontier, space. The space race, a competition for prestige and spectacle, was a less-violent aspect of the Cold War, the often-deadly clash between the U.S.S.R. and the U.S. The endeavor was a soft-power ploy used to help win over potential nonaligned nations. Nonaligned nations were called the Third World — now seen as a disparaging term.

For several years, the two superpowers had been competing to develop missiles, called intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), to carry nuclear weapons between continents. In the U.S.S.R., the rocket designer Sergei Korolev had developed the first ICBM, a rocket called the R7, which began the space race. This competition became global news with the launch of Sputnik. Carried atop an R7 rocket, the Sputnik satellite sent out audio beeps from a radio transmitter.

After reaching space, Sputnik orbited Earth once every 96 minutes. The radio beeps were detected on the ground as the satellite passed overhead, so people around the world knew Sputnik was really in orbit. The U.S. was surprised that the U.S.S.R. had exceeded U.S. space capabilities. Furthermore, there was the fear the Soviets could now launch a bomb onto U.S. soil without a plane or a ship.

The origins of the space race began before the end of World War II . At the time, Germany was the world leader in rocket technology, creating the V2, the first operational, long-range rocket. This weapon of war pushed the U.S. and U.S.S.R. space exploration efforts, showing the dual nature of rocket technology. Prior to the launch of Sputnik, the United States was building its launch capability.

The United States made two failed attempts to launch a satellite into space before succeeding with a rocket that carried a satellite called Explorer on January 31, 1958. Explorer carried several instruments into space for conducting science experiments. One instrument was a Geiger counter for detecting cosmic rays. This was for an experiment operated by researcher James Van Allen, which, together with measurements from later satellites, proved the existence of what are now called the Van Allen radiation belts around Earth.

The team that achieved the first U.S. satellite launch consisted largely of German rocket engineers who had once developed ballistic missiles for Nazi Germany. Working for the U.S. Army at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, the German rocket engineers were led by Wernher von Braun, who had led the creation of Germany’s V2 rocket. His team used the V2 to build the more powerful Jupiter C, or Juno, rocket. Von Braun headed the U.S. rocket program, leading the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, until 1970.

At the close of WWII, the U.S.S.R. and the U.S. scrambled to recruit German rocket engineers and scientists to improve their rocket programs. The motivation for both governments was to improve their respective military technologies. Von Braun and most of his top deputies sought out U.S. forces to surrender to, preferring to work for the U.S. to the Soviets. The German specialists and some of their missiles and designs were relocated to the U.S. in what became known as Operation Paperclip (originally Project Overcast).

While the U.S. brought in von Braun and his scientists, except for Helmut Gröttrup, an expert on the V2 guidance system. The U.S.S.R., however, got more of the German technical personnel than the U.S. Homegrown talent was more involved in the leadership of the Soviet space program than the U.S. space program.

Von Braun and others on his team were members of the German Nazi Party. Von Braun was an officer in the SS, the Nazi paramilitary wing. He managed the science operations at the Mittelwerk factory, which used the labor of enslaved people. U.S. leadership was less concerned with their Nazi membership than using their technical expertise to defeat Japan, and later to gain an advantage over the Soviet Union. U.S. government officials lied about many of the Germans’ Nazi pasts to make working with them more acceptable to the American public.

In 1958, Though NASA leadership was almost entirely composed of White men, many of those doing the work as mathematicians, physicists, and engineers to put astronauts and machines into space were from underrepresented ethnicities and women of all ethnicities. Some examples of people of color who played important roles at NASA include mathematicians Katherine Johnson and Josephine Jue, engineers Miguel Hernandez and Walter Applewhite.

SEE HERE: Women of NASA and NASA’s West Area Computers

Space exploration activities in the United States were consolidated into a new government agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). When it began operations in October of 1958, NASA absorbed what had been called the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), and several other research and military facilities, including the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (the Redstone Arsenal) in Huntsville, Alabama.

Korolev’s R7 was the basis for the rocket family that would be the basis for the first launch successes and even the still-used Soyuz. Soviet’s space program had rival teams that worked on competing designs.

Von Braun’s influence extended far beyond the world of rocket scientists and space enthusiasts. He became well known after participating in three Disney-produced TV specials about space in the mid 1950s. Meanwhile, the role and accomplishments of von Braun’s Soviet counterpart, Korolev, were largely hidden by his government.

Both Korolev and von Braun shared a desire and commitment to exploring space, even though their governments preferred using rocket technology for military applications.

Despite the fact that Korolev drove the Soviet Space program’s early successes, he became a victim of one of Soviet Premier Josef Stalin’s political purges and was recalled from prison to head the rocket development program in 1944. After learning of the United States’ plan to launch an artificial satellite into space, it was Korolev who convinced and pushed the U.S.S.R. government to beat the U.S. in this endeavor, building the N1 rocket.

The U.S.S.R.’s win streak didn’t end there. A month after Sputnik’s launch, on November 3, 1957, the U.S.S.R. achieved an even more impressive space venture. This was Sputnik II, a satellite that carried a living creature, a dog named Laika.

The first human in space was Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who made one orbit around Earth on April 12, 1961, on a flight that lasted 108 minutes. A little more than three weeks later, NASA launched astronaut Alan Shepard into space, not on an orbital flight, but on a suborbital trajectory, a flight that goes into space but does not go all the way around Earth. Shepard’s suborbital flight lasted just over 15 minutes.

In addition to launching the first artificial satellite, the first dog in space, and the first human in space, the U.S.S.R. achieved other space milestones ahead of the United States under Korolev’s leadership. One of these milestones was Luna 2, which became the first human-made object to hit the Moon in 1959. Soon after that, the U.S.S.R. launched Luna 3. Less than four months after Gagarin’s flight in 1961, a second Soviet human mission orbited a cosmonaut around Earth for a full day. The U.S.S.R. also achieved the first spacewalk and launched the Vostok 6 mission, which made Valentina Tereshkova the first woman to travel to space.

Korolev was gearing U.S.S.R. to send a cosmonaut to the moon. The goal of sending a human to the moon became the final stage of the space race. Three weeks after Shepard’s flight, on May 25, U.S. President Robert F. Kennedy challenged the United States to an ambitious goal, declaring: “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth."

During the 1960s, NASA made progress toward John F. Kennedy’s human moon landing goal with a program called Project Gemini, in which astronauts tested technology needed for future flights to the Moon, and tested their own ability to endure many days in spaceflight. Project Gemini was followed by Project Apollo, which did take astronauts into orbit around the Moon and to the lunar surface between 1968 and 1972.

In 1969, on Apollo11, the United States sent the first astronauts to the moon, and Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on its surface. During the landed missions, astronauts collected samples of rocks and lunar dust that scientists still study to learn about the Moon. As the U.S. manned space program rose, the Soviet program began to falter. There was internal disagreement about trying to send a human to the moon. Perhaps more importantly was Korolev’s death after a fumbled surgery in 1966. Today, the U.S. and the Russian Federation still have active space programs.

Articles & Profiles

Media credits.

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, last updated.

August 20, 2024

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Essay on Space Exploration

Students are often asked to write an essay on Space Exploration in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Space Exploration

Space exploration – a journey beyond earth.

Humans have always been curious about what lies beyond our planet. Space exploration is the process of exploring the universe and learning about it. It involves sending spaceships, satellites, and other spacecraft into space to collect information and conduct experiments.

Benefits of Space Exploration

There are many benefits to space exploration. It helps us learn more about the universe, our place in it, and the origins of life. Space exploration also has practical benefits, such as developing new technologies that can be used on Earth. For example, satellites help us with weather forecasting, communication, and navigation.

Challenges and Risks of Space Exploration

Space exploration is a challenging and risky endeavor. Space is a vast and hostile environment, and there are many hazards that can threaten spacecraft and astronauts. These hazards include radiation, extreme temperatures, and microgravity.

Future of Space Exploration

Despite the challenges, space exploration continues to progress. In recent years, there have been several major milestones in space exploration, including the landing of the first humans on the Moon, the discovery of water on Mars, and the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. These milestones have opened up new possibilities for space exploration and given us a glimpse of the incredible potential that lies beyond our planet.

250 Words Essay on Space Exploration

Space exploration: a journey beyond our planet, why do we explore space.

There are many reasons why we explore space. One reason is to learn more about the universe. We want to know how it began, how it works, and what else is out there. Another reason is to search for life beyond Earth. We want to know if there are other planets that can support life, and if so, what kind of life might exist there.

Space exploration has many benefits. It has helped us to develop new technologies that have improved our lives on Earth. For example, satellites are used for communication, navigation, and weather forecasting. Space exploration has also inspired us and made us think about our place in the universe.

Challenges of Space Exploration

Space exploration is challenging. It is expensive, dangerous, and requires a lot of time and effort. But despite the challenges, we continue to explore space because it is important for our future. We need to learn more about the universe so that we can better understand our place in it.

Space exploration is a fascinating and important field of study. It has the potential to teach us so much about the universe and our place in it. We can only imagine what discoveries we will make in the years to come.

500 Words Essay on Space Exploration

Space exploration: a journey beyond earth, the enthralling cosmos.

From the dawn of human history, we have gazed up at the night sky and wondered what lies beyond our Earth, wondering if we are alone in the universe. Space exploration is the answer to our insatiable curiosity, a quest to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos that surround us.

Exploring the Solar System

Venturing into the unknown.

Beyond our solar system lies the vast expanse of the Milky Way galaxy and beyond. Space exploration missions have ventured out to study distant stars, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena. The Hubble Space Telescope, among other powerful observatories, has revolutionized our understanding of the universe’s immense size and complexity, unveiling breathtaking images and insights into the universe’s origins.

Searching for Life Beyond Earth

A fundamental question in space exploration is whether life exists beyond Earth. Scientists are diligently searching for signs of life on other planets, moons, and celestial bodies. Missions like Mars rovers and the search for water on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus aim to identify environments capable of supporting life.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Space exploration is a challenging endeavor, fraught with technical difficulties and risks. Extreme temperatures, radiation exposure, and the vast distances between celestial bodies pose significant hurdles for spacecraft and astronauts. However, these challenges drive innovation and technological advancements that benefit humankind in many ways. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, we anticipate even greater discoveries and a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.

In conclusion, space exploration is a thrilling adventure that fulfills our innate curiosity about the cosmos, expands our knowledge, and inspires us to dream big. As we continue to explore, the possibilities are limitless, and the future of space exploration holds endless promise for generations to come.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Earth Observations from Space: The First 50 Years of Scientific Achievements (2008)

Chapter: 12 conclusions.

Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.

12 Conclusions Just as the invention of the mirror allowed humans to see their coverage than obtained during the intensive field expeditions own image with clarity for the first time, Earth observations of the IGY from the comfort of their desktops. from space have allowed humans to see themselves for the The advent of satellites revolutionized the Earth sci- first time living on and altering a dynamic planet. ences. They provided the first complete global record of biological, physical, and chemical parameters such as cloud THE EMERGENCE OF INTEGRATED cover, winds, and ice cover. They provided consistency of EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE coverage not available with ground measurements. Time series data revealed large-scale processes and features that During the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of could not have been discovered by other ways. Prior to the 1957-1958, 67 nations cooperated in an unprecedented effort availability of satellite-based observations, scientists seek- to study the Earth. In an age otherwise characterized by ing global perspectives from largely ground-based observa- Cold War tensions, the noted geophysicist Sydney Chapman tions were required to develop international collaborations (1888-1972) referred to the IGY as “the common study of and launch large-scale field campaigns. Piecing together our planet by all nations for the benefit of all.” This global data points required interpolation and extrapolation to fill effort laid the foundation for the integration of Earth sci- data gaps, particularly for remote locations. In addition, ences and demanded widespread simultaneous observations. large-scale sampling efforts involved extensive logistics It involved large teams of observers, many of whom were and advance planning, which prohibited frequent repetition. deployed to the ends of Earth—in polar regions, on high Because the rate of change of many parameters of interest mountaintops, and at sea—to study meteorology, oceanog- is much greater than the rate at which global maps could be raphy, glaciology, ionospheric physics, aurora and airglow, produced in the presatellite era, it was impossible to observe seismology, gravity, geomagnetism, solar radiation, and the full dynamics of the system. cosmic rays. Even in 1957 it was recognized that satellite Therefore, the unique and revolutionary vantage point data would bring observations of Earth that no amount of from space provides scientists with global images and maps ground-based observations could achieve. of parameters of interest unmatched by any ground-based Hundreds of sounding rockets were launched into the observing technology in terms of frequency and coverage. upper atmosphere and near space during the IGY, and the Because satellites collect data continuously and allow for “space age” officially began with geophysical satellites, daily (or at least monthly averaged) global images, changes although still in their infancy, playing an important role can be observed at the relevant temporal and spatial scale (Chapter 2). During the IGY the Soviet Union launched the required to detect Earth system processes. The full ­dynamics world’s first satellite, Sputnik, in October 1957. The United of the system have only been observed or characterized States launched its first satellite, Explorer 1, shortly there­after since the advent of satellite observations and have allowed in January 1958. Over the course of the next five decades, the the study of previously inaccessible phenomena such as United States and its international partners have launched an stratospheric ozone creation and depletion, the transport of array of satellites that fundamentally altered our understand- air pollution across entire ocean basins from China to the ing of the planet. A half-century later, Earth scientists can continental United States (Chapter 5), global energy fluxes acquire global satellite data with orders of magnitude greater (Chapter 4), ice sheet flow (Chapter 7), global primary pro- 98 

CONCLUSIONS 99 ductivity (Chapter 9), ocean currents and mesoscale features summer ice over the past decades (Chapter 7). Satellite (Chapter 8), and global maps of winds (Chapter 8). Prior to observations have become available and matured as scientific the satellite era, even if it was possible to compose a global data at a time when they are critically important in helping picture from individual surface observations (e.g., through society manage planetary-scale resources and environmental the World Weather Watch, established in 1963), the coverage challenges. Although many scientific challenges remain, it is and density of the network and lack of vertical resolution undeniable that satellite observations have allowed scientists left much to be desired. Other geophysical and biological to improve the ability to monitor and predict changes in the phenomena were sampled much less frequently, often as a Earth system and manage life on Earth (NRC 2007a). partial “snapshot” of an otherwise dynamic set of interacting It is widely known that satellite data, particularly from Earth processes. the southern hemisphere, have contributed to improvements Discovery of the variability in the velocity of ice sheet in weather prediction, resulting in protection of human lives flow is another example of how the dynamics of the sys- and infrastructure (Chapter 3). Since the availability of sat- tem went undetected until reliable and repeated satellite ellite images, no tropical cyclone has gone undetected, and observations became available (Chapter 7). This discovery the advance warning allows crucial time to prepare. In fact, revolutionized the study of ice sheet flow and yielded an the advent of satellites has been heralded as unquestionably important realization: sea-level change due to freshwater “the greatest single advancement in observing tools for input from the continental ice sheets was not a function of tropical meteorology” (Sheets 1990). Furthermore, because the balance between ice sheet melting and precipitation at satellite data give access to the largely undersampled ocean, higher elevation, but a function of the flow dynamics. The hurricane track forecasts have improved dramatically, help- increasing velocity of continental ice flow into the ocean in ing save lives and property every year (Considine et al. response to climate change and the collapse of the Larsen B 2004). Other aspects of human welfare have and will also Ice Shelf emphasized the sensitivity of ice sheet dynamics benefit from satellite observations. For example, it is also to a changing climate. unlikely that a famine early warning system would be avail- Satellite sensors provide a panoptic viewpoint, yet his- able to assist in planning aid distribution without the ability torically they suffered from poor resolution and calibration to observe vegetation cover and the availability of water problems. On the other hand, ground-based instruments, resources from space (Chapter 10). Given the projected although more precise and better calibrated, are limited to climate change and associated sea-level rise, having global their particular locales, and problems arise since they must be satellite coverage available in the future will serve crucial coordinated and intercalibrated with other ground stations. societal needs unmet by any other observing system. As satellite sensors and data processing have become more sophisticated, equaling or surpassing those for ground-based Conclusion 1: The daily synoptic global view of measurements, scientists have obtained not only images but Earth, uniquely available from satellite observations, has also quantitative global measurements of unprecedented revolutionized Earth studies and ushered in a new era of precision. Intercalibration proved particularly challenging in multidisciplinary Earth sciences, with an emphasis on putting together global maps of marine primary productiv- dynamics at all accessible spatial and temporal scales, ity from shipboard measurements (Chapter 9). Estimating even in remote areas. This new capability plays a criti- marine primary productivity requires sample manipulation cally important role in helping society manage planetary- and measurements of 14C uptake rates at each location, scale resources and environmental challenges. which are sensitive to variations in sampling techniques and methods. Although global marine primary productivity INTEGRATED GLOBAL VIEW OF THE CARBON CYCLE estimates had been attempted before the satellites era, they AND CLIMATE SYSTEM were flawed because of intercalibration issues. More impor- tantly, because it takes years to obtain global coverage of The global view of Earth from satellites has imparted ground-based marine primary productivity measurements, the understanding that everything is connected—land, ocean, satellites allowed for the first time observation of global and atmosphere. Interdisciplinary teams of ­researchers have marine primary productivity on a monthly and annual basis explored these connections to better understand the Earth and detection of decadal-scale trends. as a system beyond the sum of its elements. The concept Satellite observations also provide access to otherwise of studying the Earth as an integrated system at a national virtually inaccessible regions, such as polar regions, the upper level was led by the National Aeronautics and Space atmosphere, and the open oceans. Quantitative assessment Administration (NASA), inspired by NASA’s “Ride report” and monitoring of the sea ice extent in the Arctic has only (NASA 1987), and intended as the U.S. component to the been possible since routine satellite observations became International ­Geosphere-Biosphere Program. Consequently, available. Without satellite images, it is unlikely that trends in NASA launched its mission to planet Earth to study the decreasing Arctic summer sea ice would have been detected Earth’s geosphere and biosphere as an integrated system as readily, demonstrating univocally the drastic decline in instead of discrete but interrelated components (CRS 1990). 

100 EARTH OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE: THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS Other nations have also made significant contributions to which in turn affects the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) the ­capacity to observe Earth from space. This multinational uptake (Chapter 9); and water vapor is important as a investment has enabled much international collaboration greenhouse gas and in heat exchange processes between the among satellite projects. ocean, land, and atmosphere (Chapters 3, 4, 8, and 9). Due A prime example of an interdisciplinary research to water’s relatively high specific heat capacity and its large- endeavor is the study of the global carbon cycle, which scale circulation, the ocean plays a central role in storing and employs a wide range of research approaches such as ground transporting Earth’s heat content (Chapter 8). In fact, more and satellite observations, modeling studies, and laboratory than 80 percent of Earth’s heat is stored in the ocean. Improv- experiments. The well-known Keeling curve was obtained ing our understanding of ocean circulations and consequently from in situ observations and revealed atmosphere-biosphere the transport of heat is a major challenge to more accurate interactions, as well as the long-term trend of increasing climate models and predictions. Lastly, the above-mentioned atmospheric carbon dioxide (Keeling et al. 1976). These find- advances in understanding the global carbon cycle further the ings launched major efforts in understanding the role of the ability to predict future atmospheric CO2 levels. terrestrial and oceanic biosphere in carbon uptake through The long-term observations obtained during the past 50 photosynthesis and the impact of increased carbon dioxide years of Earth science from space combined with advances levels on global climate. However, primary productivity is in data assimilation, computer models, and ground-based controlled by geophysical processes; thus, understanding the process studies brought climate scientists to the point at interconnections, such as the effect of a changing climate which they could begin to project how climate change will and hydrologic cycle on the global biosphere and vice versa, affect weather and natural resources at the regional level, required observations at a global scale of land-cover changes the scale at which the information is of greatest societal (from Landsat and AVHRR [Advanced Very High Resolu- relevance (NRC 2001a). tion Radiometer]; see Chapter 11), biomass estimates and This comes at a time when improved understanding of primary productivity (AVHRR, CZCS [Coastal Zone Color the climate system is central to the viability of our economy, Scanner], SeaWiFS [Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sen- as seasonal-to-interannual climate fluctuations strongly sor], and MODIS [Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrora- influence agriculture, the energy sector, and water resources diometer]; see Chapters 9 and 10), changes in the hydrologic (CCSP 2003). However, important scientific challenges—for cycle (Landsat, AVHRR, MODIS, and Topography Experi- example, cloud-water feedback in climate models—must be ment (TOPEX)/Poseidon; see Chapters 6 and 7) and climate conquered with the aid of continuous satellite data before (AVHRR, MODIS, and SeaWiFS). Once the data were avail- the appropriate seasonal-to-interannual climate information able, major scientific advances came from assimilating them can be made readily available at the appropriate scale (NRC into three-­dimensional coupled modeling of the atmosphere, 2007a). The Earth science community has built over the past land, ocean, and cryosphere (Fung 1986, Heiman and Keel- decades the capacity to incorporate all the pieces into an ing 1986, Fung et al. 1987, Keeling et al. 1989). integrated systems perspective, thanks to ever more sophis- Equally interdisciplinary in nature is climate change ticated models. As the community is now poised to make research. In fact, many of the accomplishments highlighted major advances in climate science and predicting climate in this report have contributed to the improved understand- changes at various scales, the ability to provide sustained ing of the climate system and laid the groundwork modeling multidecadal global measurements is crucial (NRC 1999, for projecting climate change. One notable example is the 2001b, 2007a). long-term observations of Earth’s radiation budget, which The ability to observe and predict El Niño/La Niña revealed the role of the ocean and atmosphere in transporting conditions in advance of their full manifestation based on heat and the role of aerosols from the volcanic eruption of satellite and in situ data illustrates the significant break- Mount Pinatubo in cooling the climate (Chapter 4). With the through climate scientists have made in providing impor- understanding of the importance of aerosols to the climate tant regional climate information to resource managers system comes the need to observe continuously both natural (Box 12.1, Figure 12.1). and anthropogenic sources of aerosols (Chapter 4). Satellite As many accomplishments have shown, the length and observations have also been central in revealing the role of continuity of a given data record often yield additional sci- important gases, such as water vapor and ozone, in the cli- entific benefits beyond the initial research results of the mis- mate system (Chapters 4 and 5). sion and beyond the monitoring implications for operational Long-term observations of water in each phase are agencies. For example, the effect of aerosols from a volcanic central to understanding the climate system: sea ice contrib- eruption (Mount Pinatubo) on the global climate would utes to Earth’s albedo and its decrease not only indicates a have gone undetected without the continuous observations warmer climate but is also a positive feedback (Chapter 7); of the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE, Chapter melting of continental ice sheets contributes to sea-level 4). Thus, maintaining well-calibrated long-term data sets is rise (Chapter 7); the availability of liquid water is important likely to yield important scientific advances in understanding in controlling the productivity of the terrestrial ecosystem, the Earth system, in addition to contributing to societal appli- 

CONCLUSIONS 101 cations. The importance of stable, accurate, intercalibrated, to measure the geopotential and mean sea level to determine long-term climate data records is universally recognized, and the general circulation of the oceans and resolve the spatial strategies on how to collect and maintain such data streams variations of the gravity field as a goal for geophysics and have been provided in many previous reports (NRC 1985, physical oceanography. NASA responded to this challenge 2000, 2001b, 2003, 2004). Important elements to successful by launching three satellites within 9 years following the long-term climate data from satellites include a long-term Williamstown conference, with Seasat—the third and most strategy to guarantee that follow-on missions overlap to advanced satellite—providing accurate ocean elevation allow for cross-calibrations, leadership in data stewardship with a precision to tens of centimeters. For the first time the and management, and strong interagency collaborations. bathymetry of the ocean floor could be observed from space, Follow-on missions maximize the return on previously revealing the large mid-Atlantic ridges and trenches (Chap- made investments in technology development, including sen- ter 11). As the precision of altimetry data further increased sors and data analysis tools. Missions designed for process the importance of eddies in the mixing of the open ocean was studies of initially short durations may provide significant discovered (Chapter 8). scientific value by continuing a given data record in the It is common for any given satellite or instrument in context of global change research. The value of a continuous space to supply data that may be used in multiple fields of data record increases significantly through the development Earth science by design or serendipitously (see Table A.1). of uninterrupted follow-on missions, particularly if careful Although Landsat was designed to observe changes on land, cross-calibrations between subsequent generations of satel- including the terrestrial ecosystem, assembling the approxi- lite sensors are undertaken (NRC 2004). The long-term data mately 5,000 individual images for a global time series records from Landsat and AVHRR exemplify the scientific proved to be too computationally intensive. Instead, it was value of such carefully maintained data streams (Chapters 9 AVHRR data—designed to monitor the atmosphere—that and 10). turned out to be invaluable to producing global terrestrial primary productivity estimates. Due to careful intercalibra- Conclusion 2: To assess global change quantitatively, tions between the different sensors, the AVHRR data record synoptic data sets with long time series are required. The now extends over 20 years (Chapter 8) and has allowed value of the data increases significantly with seamless and the detection of trends in terrestrial primary productivity intercalibrated time series (NRC 2004), which highlight (Chapter 9). In fact, data from AVHRR have also been used the benefits of follow-on missions. Further, as these time in many other fields to study processes such as snow cover, series lengthen, historical data sets often increase in sci- sea surface temperature, cloud optical properties, and global entific and societal value. land-cover change (Chapters 6, 8, and 10). The design of MODIS illustrates the potential for using a single instrument to serve many applications. Its spectral MAXIMIZING THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT IN bands were designed to serve a diversity of user commu- EARTH OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE nities in the Earth sciences, allowing observations of the As scientists have gained experience in studying Earth following parameters: land, cloud, and aerosol properties; through satellite observations, they have defined new tech- ocean color and marine biogeochemistry; atmospheric water nology needs, helped drive technology development to vapor; surface and cloud temperature; cloud properties; provide more quantitative and accurate measurements, and cirrus cloud water vapor; atmospheric temperature; ozone; advanced more sophisticated methods to interpret satellite and cloud top altitude. It has led to scientific breakthroughs data (Chapter 2). Many scientific accomplishments have such as discovery of the brown clouds (Chapter 4), measur- resulted from rapid satellite technology development that ing marine primary productivity annually (Chapter 9), and responded to scientific needs and provided capabilities that observation of optical depth and effective particle radius in enabled major advances in the Earth sciences. The value of low clouds (Chapter 4). Because of the potential to design satellite observations from space grows dramatically as new, missions with spectral bands that can serve many different more accurate instruments are developed. Initially, satel- scientific user communities, creating follow-on missions lites provided a means for acquiring pictures. Now, satellite that continue measurements—and thus ensure the long- image acquisition and interpretation provide quantitative term climatic data records discussed above—does not have geo­physical or biological variables by transforming measure- to come at an increased cost or at the cost of research and ments of reflected or emitted electromagnetic radiation into development missions. desired parameters. For many applications such as ocean In addition, the measurement of a given variable, in and land topography, ice sheet dynamics, and concentra- some cases from multiple sensors, often contributes to tions of atmospheric gases, observations are scientifically several fields of Earth science. For example, few scientific valuable if they can be made with great accuracy, which has accomplishments are as “transformative” as the advances in driven technology evolution. For example, the Williamstown space geodesy over the past five decades (Chapter 11). This report (NASA 1970) outlines the need for satellite sensors breakthrough has not only transformed the field of geodesy 

102 EARTH OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE: THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS BOX 12.1 El Niño-Southern Oscillation El Niño is a condition that has been known for well over a century. In some years waters off the west coast of South America would become warmer than usual, and the fish populations normally found there would disappear, bringing hardship to fishermen in the region. It occurs periodically around Christmastime and thus was named “El Niño”—the Spanish term referring to the Christ Child. Much of the groundwork for understanding and describing the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as a coupled atmosphere-ocean phenomenon was laid in the 1970s and 1980s and based on in situ data and modeling studies (e.g., Rowntree 1972, Wyrtki 1975, Rasmusson and Carpenter 1982, Zebiak 1982, Shukla and Wallace 1983, Cane 1984). However, satellite data confirmed observations and model efforts and revealed the global impact of ENSO (Friedler 1984). The improved understanding of the atmosphere-ocean connection has improved the ability to predict ENSO conditions and has advanced our understanding of the teleconnections and impacts on the marine and ter- restrial biosphere (Barber and Chavez 1983). In normal years winds blow from east to west, causing warm surface waters to “pile up” in the western tropical Pacific. During an El Niño, the winds relax and the warm surface waters flow back toward the eastern Pacific. Wind- driven upwellings do not reach deep enough to bring nutrients from below the thermocline. Without the supply of nutrients, phytoplankton do not thrive and this creates a chain reaction in the marine ecosystem. The major El Niño event of 1982 revealed its impacts not only on the ocean but also on global weather patterns, which invigorated re- search efforts to improve ENSO predictions. Because ENSO events are accompanied typically by drought conditions in Indonesia and Australia and heavier-than-normal rainfall in South America, their effects can be seen in virtually every form of Earth observations from space. By piecing together the different observations (sea surface temperature [SST], winds, sea surface height, biological productivity, rainfall, and land cover), scientists are working to develop theories to explain what triggers an El Niño and to predict consequences once an El Niño has developed. Satellite observations of SST and winds combined with in situ data are also used to predict El Niño events up to a year in advance. Figure 12.1 illustrates­ how the physical and biological properties of the Pacific are related during an El Niño and the opposite, La Niña, condition. FIGURE 12.1  These images of the Pacific Ocean show conditions during an El Niño (1997) and La Niña (1998). The upper images were produced using sea surface height measurements made by the U.S.-French TOPEX/Poseidon satellite. They show variations in sea surface height relative to normal conditions as an indicator of the amount of heat stored in the ocean. The two lower images show variability in chlorophyll concentration relative to normal levels as a measure of phytoplankton biomass. These were produced using data from SeaWiFS. In 1997 the warm surface water in the eastern Pacific (shown in white in the upper figure) was 14 to 32 cm (6 to 13 in.) higher than normal and about 10 cm (4 in.) above normal in the red areas. The same waters were abnormally low in chlorophyll (shown in blue in the lower image) because the supply of nutrients from upwelling was greatly reduced. This El Niño condition results in the well-known absence of fish off the west coast of South America. The images for 1998 show the low sea level or a cold pool of water (shown in purple in the upper image) during the La Niña phase. The lower figure shows higher- than-average chlorophyll (yellow) associated with this cold pool. During La Niña, nutrients were upwelled into the cold pool, resulting in an extensive phytoplankton bloom at the equator that lasted for several months. SOURCE: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (top row); provided by J. Campbell and based on data from SeaWiFS Project, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and GeoEye (bottom row). 

CONCLUSIONS 103 a b Mapped – 1997 Mapped – 1998 c d 12-1 a,b,c,d 

104 EARTH OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE: THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS but also provided vital information for studying global sea- increasingly important in pushing satellite sensors to provide level change, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Furthermore, more quantitative and accurate measurements. Ocean buoys Earth scientists from all disciplines rely on an International and drifters as well as shipboard observations have been Earth Reference Frame from which geographical positions used extensively to validate sea surface temperature, ocean can be accurately described relative to the geocenter, in three- color, and wind observations from satellites (Chapter 8). In dimensional Cartesian coordinates to centimeter accuracy or addition, as satellite data have become more quantitative and better—a 2 to 3 orders of magnitude improvement compared more readily used by the broader research community, they to 50 years ago. have contributed to field campaigns and altered the scientific Measured by AVHRR and SAGE (Stratospheric ­Aerosol endeavor. For example, ground-based campaigns are more and Gas Experiment), aerosols represent a geophysical effectively planned and guided because of the information variable important to Earth’s radiation budget, air ­ quality made available from satellite observations. forecasts, cloud formation affecting weather forecasts, Just as the synergy between satellite and ground-based and hydrologic applications (Chapter 4). Thus, a scientific observations yields new insights, so does the combination accomplishment in one field can lead to major advances in of satellite observations from different instruments. Thus, other fields and drive interdisciplinary research efforts. The to capitalize fully on some investments in satellite sensors, advances in understanding and predicting El Niño-Southern simultaneous measurements are necessary. The recent analy- Oscillation (ENSO) conditions exemplify the advantage of sis of the merged altimetry data set from TOPEX/Poseidon studying the Earth as an integrated system and the benefit of and the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS) revealed combining in situ and satellite observations with modeling the prevalence of westward-propagating eddies not seen from studies. individual sensors (Chapter 8). This discovery would not have been possible without merging the two data sets from Conclusion 3: The scientific advances resulting from the individual sensors. Earth observations from space illustrate the successful synergy between science and technology. The scientific Conclusion 4: Satellite observations often reveal and commercial value of satellite observations from known phenomena and processes to be more complex space and their potential to benefit society often increase than previously understood. This brings to the fore the d ­ ramatically as instruments become more accurate. indisputable benefits of multiple synergistic observations, including orbital, suborbital, and in situ measurements, The observational vantage point from space added a new linked with the best models available. appreciation for the complexity of many previously known Earth science processes. Because of the problem of spatial The greatest benefit of Earth observations from space and temporal undersampling by ground-based observing is gained when data are integrated into state-of-the-art tools, composing a synoptic view required interpolation m ­ odels, combined with ground-based observation net- across data gaps. Consequently, more complex features work and process studies, and analyzed with sophisticated were averaged out through the interpolation process and methods. Model development has aided in developing an not revealed until satellites observed these features directly. inter­disciplinary thinking in the Earth sciences. Building Similarly, the frequency of synoptic views available from sophisticated models and data analysis tools often involves daily satellite overflights made an unprecedented temporal long lead times and requires training of a skilled workforce. resolution available. As altimetry measurements became Consequently, the major scientific breakthrough might accurate to the centimeter scale, they revealed how highly f ­ ollow years after the satellite data have first become avail- time dependent and essentially turbulent the ocean was, able. To capitalize fully on the investment, satellite data also which is in contrast to the presatellite view that the ocean was require careful calibration (NRC 2004). In addition, building primarily in steady state with slowly changing, large-scale long-term data records for climate research requires cross- circulation (Chapter 8). This resulted in a ­paradigm shift with and intercalibration between various sensors and follow-on implications for climate change research that have yet to be missions, data processing and archiving, and maintenance of fully understood (Wunsch 2007). the metadata (NRC 2004). In the case of many scientific accomplishments, signifi- To develop the aforementioned infrastructure and data cant results are not solely based on satellite data but include assimilation and analysis tools, scientists need to be trained in situ data and model components. In fact, the value of in using and analyzing satellite data. Thus, investment in space-based observations increases with well-coordinated training and supporting a remote sensing community is ground-based observations, suborbital observations, and/or important to guaranteeing scientific advances from satellite cross-calibration among satellites with complementary instru- data (NRC 2007a). Attracting young scientists to the field of ments. Ground-based observations also provide an important remote sensing is made easier by the prospect of stability in “surface validation” for satellite data and are used to calibrate the satellite data supply. In contrast, data gaps may result in spaceborne instruments. Such surface validations become the loss of a highly specialized workforce (NRC 2007a). The 

CONCLUSIONS 105 full benefit of satellite data is only realized when a robust OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE OF scientific community is trained to use the data to address EARTH OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE fundamental and applied research questions. Fifty years from now a report similar to this one is The Landsat story, described in numerous accounts (e.g., likely to describe many more astounding discoveries about NRC 2002), is a case in point: wholesale commercialization the Earth system, if the commitment to satellite observations of the data led to a precipitous drop in their use for science from space is sustained. Although this report provides an and commercial applications, which recovered upon return extensive sampling of important accomplishments enabled to the earlier policy that made data access affordable. Only by Earth satellite data, many scientific questions and societal when academic, government, and commercial scientists challenges remain unresolved, including improving 10-day are given liberal access to data and a sufficient number are weather forecasts, more accurately forecasting hurricane trained in the effective use of these data will the analysis intensity, increasing resolution of earthquake fault systems tools mature to the benefit of all parties. Similarly, obtain- and volcanoes to detect precursors of events, mitigating ing the maximum benefit from weather satellites required a climate change impacts, and protecting natural resources decade-long process of improving methods of radiance data (NRC 2007a). assimilation (Lord 2006; see Chapter 3). Because the critical infrastructure to make the best use of satellite data takes decades to build and is now in place, the Conclusion 5: The full benefits of satellite observa- scientific community is poised to make significant ­progress tions of Earth are realized only when the essential infra- toward understanding and predicting the complexity of the structure, such as models, computing facilities, ground Earth system. However, building a predictive capability relies networks, and trained personnel, is in place. strongly on the availability of seamlessly intercalibrated long-term data records, which can only be maintained if NASA’s open and free data policy has created a world- subsequent generations of satellite sensors overlap with wide linked community of Earth scientists. This open-access their predecessors. Unfortunately, the current capability to policy encourages use of the data for scientific purposes and observe Earth from space is jeopardized by delays in and lack maximizes the potential societal benefits of the observations. of funding for many critical satellite missions (NRC 2007a). The long list of accomplishments is unlikely to have mate- Because important climate data records and important Earth- rialized without this open data policy that encouraged the observing missions are at risk of suffering detrimental data growth of the field (NRC 2004). As previously mentioned, gaps or of being cut altogether, the committee strongly agrees when the Landsat program was privatized during the late with the following recommendation by the decadal survey 1980s and early 1990s, the data became so costly that it (NRC 2007a): severely hampered the research program (Malakoff 2000), illustrating the importance of maintaining free or affordable The U.S. government, working in concert with the data streams. private sector, academe, the public, and its international Open access also increases the societal benefits of the partners, should renew its investment in Earth-observing data by allowing nations without the observational capa- systems and restore its leadership in Earth science and bilities of the developed world to gain access to important applications. environmental observations. The Famine Early Warning System Network, although developed by a U.S. agency, is an To sustain the rate of scientific discovery and advances, example of such an application that aids developing nations committing to the maintenance of long-term observing in resource management without having to first build the capacities and to innovation in observing technology is ground-based observational capabilities. Consequently, data equally important. Because past observations taught scien- sharing among agencies and other countries leads to more tists that the Earth is a highly dynamic system and not as than the sum of its parts, particularly if nations with Earth- predictable as initially assumed, long-term observations are orbiting satellites collaborate on an international strategy required if humans wish to understand and predict future regarding the important satellite missions and data needs to changes. Future advances will be associated with tremendous observe the Earth system (NRC 2007a). societal benefits, given the current challenges presented, for example, by climate change and loss of biodiversity. One can Conclusion 6: Providing full and open access to global envision the availability of regional annual climate predic- data to an international audience more fully capitalizes tions to assist in water resource management, an infectious on the investment in satellite technology and creates a disease early warning system, operational use of air pollution more interdisciplinary and integrated Earth science com- maps, and improved ability to foresee volcanic eruptions or munity. International data sharing and collaborations on earthquakes (NRC 2001a, 2007a). satellite missions lessen the burden on individual nations The committee strongly agrees with the following lines to maintain Earth observational capacities. from the interim report of the decadal survey (NRC 2005): 

106 EARTH OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE: THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS Understanding the complex, changing planet on Conclusion 7: Over the past 50 years, space observa- which we live, how it supports life, and how human tions of the Earth have accelerated the cross-disciplinary activities affect its ability to do so in the future is one of integration of analysis, interpretation, and, ultimately, the greatest intellectual challenges facing humanity. It is our understanding of the dynamic processes that govern also one of the most important challenges for society as it the planet. Given this momentum, the next decades will seeks to achieve prosperity, health, and sustainability. bring more remarkable discoveries and the capability to predict Earth processes, critical to protect human lives If the nation’s commitment to continue Earth observa- and property. However, the nation’s commitment to tions from space is renewed, we have seen just the beginning Earth satellite missions must be renewed to realize the of an era of Earth observations from space, and a report in 50 potential of this fertile area of science. years will be able to highlight many more valuable scientific achievements and discoveries. 

Over the past 50 years, thousands of satellites have been sent into space on missions to collect data about the Earth. Today, the ability to forecast weather, climate, and natural hazards depends critically on these satellite-based observations. At the request of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Research Council convened a committee to examine the scientific accomplishments that have resulted from space-based observations. This book describes how the ability to view the entire globe at once, uniquely available from satellite observations, has revolutionized Earth studies and ushered in a new era of multidisciplinary Earth sciences. In particular, the ability to gather satellite images frequently enough to create "movies" of the changing planet is improving the understanding of Earth's dynamic processes and helping society to manage limited resources and environmental challenges. The book concludes that continued Earth observations from space will be required to address scientific and societal challenges of the future.

READ FREE ONLINE

Welcome to OpenBook!

You're looking at OpenBook, NAP.edu's online reading room since 1999. Based on feedback from you, our users, we've made some improvements that make it easier than ever to read thousands of publications on our website.

Do you want to take a quick tour of the OpenBook's features?

Show this book's table of contents , where you can jump to any chapter by name.

...or use these buttons to go back to the previous chapter or skip to the next one.

Jump up to the previous page or down to the next one. Also, you can type in a page number and press Enter to go directly to that page in the book.

To search the entire text of this book, type in your search term here and press Enter .

Share a link to this book page on your preferred social network or via email.

View our suggested citation for this chapter.

Ready to take your reading offline? Click here to buy this book in print or download it as a free PDF, if available.

Get Email Updates

Do you enjoy reading reports from the Academies online for free ? Sign up for email notifications and we'll let you know about new publications in your areas of interest when they're released.

AIR & SPACE MAGAZINE

The real reasons we explore space.

Ambition, curiosity, and a reason the NASA Administrator admits has nothing to do with economic benefit.

Michael Griffin

I am convinced that if NASA were to disappear tomorrow, if we never put up another Hubble Space Telescope, never put another human being in space, people in this country would be profoundly distraught. Americans would feel that we had lost something that matters, that our best days were behind us, and they would feel themselves somehow diminished. Yet I think most would be unable to say why.

There are many good reasons to continue to explore space, which most Americans have undoubtedly heard. Some have been debated in public policy circles and evaluated on the basis of financial investment. In announcing his commitment to send the country back to the moon and, later, on to Mars, President Bush quite correctly said that we do it for purposes of scientific discovery, economic benefit, and national security. I’ve given speeches on each of those topics, and these reasons can be clearly shown to be true. And presidential science advisor Jack Marburger has said that questions about space exploration come down to whether we want to bring the solar system within mankind’s sphere of economic influence. I think that is extraordinarily well put.

But these are not reasons that would make Americans miss our space program. They are merely the reasons we are most comfortable discussing. I think of them as “acceptable reasons” because they can be logically defended. When we contemplate committing large sums of money to a project, we tend to dismiss reasons that are emotional or value-driven or can’t be captured on a spreadsheet. But in space exploration those are the reasons—what I think of as “real reasons”—that are the most important.

When Charles Lindbergh was asked why he crossed the Atlantic, he never once answered that he wanted to win the $25,000 that New York City hotel owner Raymond Orteig offered for the first nonstop aircraft flight between New York and Paris. Burt Rutan and his backer, Paul Allen, certainly didn’t develop a private spacecraft to win the Ansari X-Prize for the $10 million in prize money. They spent twice as much as they made. Sergei Korolev and the team that launched Sputnik were not tasked by their government to be the first to launch an artificial satellite; they had to fight for the honor and the resources to do it.

I think we all know why people strive to accomplish such things. They do so for reasons that are intuitive and compelling to all of us but that are not necessarily logical. They’re exactly the opposite of acceptable reasons, which are eminently logical but neither intuitive nor emotionally compelling.

First, most of us want to be, both as individuals and as societies, the first or the best in some activity. We want to stand out. This behavior is rooted in our genes. We are today the descendants of people who survived by outperforming others. Without question that drive can be carried to an unhealthy extreme; we’ve all seen more wars than we like. But just because the trait can be taken too far doesn’t mean that we can do without it completely.

A second reason is curiosity. Who among us has not had the urge to know what’s over the next hill? What child has not been drawn to explore beyond the familiar streets of the neighborhood?

Finally, we humans have, since the earliest civilizations, built monuments. We want to leave something behind to show the next generation, or the generations after that, what we did with our time here. This is the impulse behind cathedrals and pyramids, art galleries and museums.

Cathedral builders would understand what I mean by real reasons. The monuments they erected to the awe and mystery of their God required a far greater percentage of their gross domestic product than we will ever put into the space business, but we look back across 600 or 800 years of time, and we are still awed by what the builders accomplished. Those buildings, therefore, also stand as monuments to the builders.

The return the cathedral builders made on their investment could not have been summarized in a cost/benefit analysis. They began to develop civil engineering, the core discipline for any society if it wishes to have anything more than thatched huts. They gained societal advantages that were probably even more important than learning how to build walls and roofs. For example, they learned to embrace deferred gratification, not just on an individual level, where it is a crucial element of maturity, but on a societal level, where it is equally vital. The people who started the cathedrals didn’t live to finish them. The society as a whole had to be dedicated to the completion of those projects. We owe Western civilization as we know it today to that kind of thinking: the ability to have a constancy of purpose across years and decades.

It is my contention that the products of our space program are today’s cathedrals. The space program satisfies the desire to compete, but in a safe and productive manner, rather than in a harmful one. It speaks abundantly to our sense of human curiosity, of wonder and awe at the unknown. Who can watch people assembling the greatest engineering project in the history of mankind—the International Space Station—and not wonder at the ability of people to conceive and to execute the project? And it also addresses our need for leaving something for future generations.

Of course the space program also addresses the acceptable reasons, and in the end this is imperative. Societies will not succeed in the long run if they place their resources and their efforts in enterprises that, for whatever reason, don’t provide concrete value. But I believe that projects done for the real reasons that motivate humans also serve the acceptable reasons. In that sense, the value of space exploration really is in its spinoffs, as many have argued. But it’s not in spinoffs like Teflon and Tang and Velcro, as the public is so often told—and which in fact did not come from the space program. And it’s not in spinoffs in the form of better heart monitors or cheaper prices for liquid oxygen for hospitals, although the space program’s huge demand for liquid oxygen spurred fundamental improvements in the production and handling of this volatile substance. The real spinoffs are, just as they were for cathedral builders, more fundamental.

Anyone who wants to build spacecraft, who wants to be a subcontractor, or who even wants to supply bolts and screws to the space industry must work to a higher level of precision than human beings had to do before the space industry came along. And that standard has influenced our entire industrial base, and therefore our economy.

As for national security, what is the value to the United States of being involved in enterprises which lift up human hearts everywhere? What is the value to the United States of being a leader in such efforts, in projects in which every technologically capable nation wants to take part? The greatest strategy for national security, more effective than having better guns and bombs than everyone else, is being a nation that does the kinds of things that make others want to do them with us.

What do you have to do, how do you have to behave, to do space projects? You have to value hard work. You have to live by excellence, or die from the lack of it. You have to understand and practice both leadership and followership. You have to build partnerships; leaders need partners and allies, as well as followers.

You have to accept the challenge of the unknown, knowing that you might fail, and to do so not without fear but with mastery of fear and a determination to go anyway. You have to defer gratification because we work on things that not all of us will live to see—and we know it.

We now believe that 95 percent of the universe consists of dark energy or dark matter, terms for things that we as yet know nothing about. Is it even conceivable that one day we won’t learn to harness them? As cavemen learned to harness fire, as people two centuries ago learned to harness electricity, we will learn to harness these new things. It was just a few years ago that we confirmed the existence of dark matter, and we would not have done so without the space program. What is the value of knowledge like that? I cannot begin to guess. A thousand years from now there will be human beings who don’t have to guess; they will know, and they will know we gave this to them.

Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

Argumentative Essay On Space Exploration

There has been a long debate over whether space exploration is worth the cost. Supporters of space exploration argue that the benefits outweigh the costs. They point to the scientific discoveries that have been made as a result of space exploration, as well as the potential for future discoveries. They also argue that space exploration helps to inspire people and promotes international cooperation.

Opponents of space exploration argue that the costs are simply too high. They point to the billions of dollars that have been spent on space exploration without any clear return on investment. They also argue that there are more pressing priorities here on Earth that should be funded instead.

So, what do you think? Is space exploration worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the arguments on both sides.

Supporters of space exploration argue that the benefits outweigh the costs. They point to the scientific discoveries that have been made as a result of space exploration, as well as the potential for future discoveries.

One of the key benefits of space exploration is the opportunity for scientific discovery. NASA has funded countless research projects that have led to new discoveries about our universe. For example, the Hubble Space Telescope has provided scientists with valuable information about the origins of the universe and the evolution of galaxies.

Space exploration also has the potential to yield further discoveries. In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in exploring Mars and other planets in our solar system. Scientists believe that there may be valuable resources on other planets that could be used to help improve life here on Earth.

In addition to the scientific benefits of space exploration, supporters also argue that it helps to inspire people. Space exploration is an awe-inspiring endeavor that captures the imagination of people around the world. It promotes international cooperation and inspires people to pursue science and engineering careers.

Opponents of space exploration argue that the costs are simply too high. They point to the billions of dollars that have been spent on space exploration without any clear return on investment.

There is no doubt that space exploration is a costly undertaking. NASA’s budget is currently about $19 billion per year, and exploratory missions can cost billions of dollars more. Given the current state of the economy, some people believe that this money could be better spent elsewhere.

Opponents also argue that there are more pressing priorities here on Earth that should be funded instead of space exploration. They point to the many problems that we face here on our planet, from poverty and disease to climate change and terrorism. They believe that we should focus our resources on solving these problems rather than exploring space.

We are all explorers, motivated by an elemental yearning to understand the unknown. We have been exploring for centuries. That indomitable desire has most likely become humanity’s greatest strength. As a result, we must ask ourselves if it is worthwhile. Is looking into the infinite expanse of space worth our time and energy?

There are a few things we must consider when answering this question. Firstly, what is space exploration? Simply put, it is the investigation of outer space by means of spacecraft. That includes everything from manned missions to robotic probes. Secondly, what does exploring space entail? It involves learning about everything out there: the planets, the stars, the black holes. It also means traveling and investigating these places. Finally, what are the benefits of space exploration? There are many potential benefits, both tangible and intangible. Some of these include new technologies, increased scientific knowledge, and international cooperation.

So then, should we explore space? The answer is yes. Space exploration is worth it because it provides us with a wealth of opportunities and benefits.

One of the primary benefits of space exploration is that it gives us access to new technologies. In order to explore space, we have to develop new technologies. And these technologies often have a multitude of applications here on Earth. For example, NASA’s Curiosity rover is helping us to learn more about Mars. But the technology that was used to build the rover can also be used in other ways, like developing better medical imaging devices. So space exploration not only helps us to understand and explore the universe, but it also helps us to improve our lives here on Earth.

Another benefit of space exploration is that it increases our scientific knowledge. By exploring space, we are able to learn more about our universe and how it works. We can study the planets, the stars, and other objects out there. This increased knowledge can help us to solve problems here on Earth, like climate change. It can also help us to develop new technologies.

Finally, space exploration helps to promote international cooperation. When different countries work together on a space mission, it helps to build trust and cooperation between them. This is important because it can lead to better relationships and cooperation in other areas as well.

Humans have recently enjoyed a burst of technology, innovation, and knowledge that has been extremely fortunate. We’ve been stuck in the Stone Age for thousands of years, so our intellect hasn’t caught up to our accomplishments because we’ve experienced this tremendous change in our lifestyle. We confront today’s issues with the wisdom of our forefathers.

This is the root of all our conflicts, whether we realize it or not. One day, future generations will judge us in the same way. They will ask themselves whether we were good stewards of the resources and opportunities we were given. They will ask whether we explored space to its fullest potential and made the most of our time on this Pale Blue Dot.

The answer to that question is complicated, but it comes down to one simple fact: yes, space exploration is worth it. It has been proven time and again to be an invaluable investment, both in terms of scientific knowledge and technological advancement. For centuries, humans have gazed up at the stars, dreaming of discovering new worlds. Now, with modern technology, we have the ability to turn those dreams into reality.

Space exploration has led to some of the most significant scientific discoveries of our time. It has helped us to better understand our place in the universe and the nature of the universe itself. It has also led to advances in technology that have made our lives better in countless ways. From the development of GPS systems to life-saving medical treatments, space exploration has had a profound impact on humanity.

In conclusion, space exploration is worth it because it provides us with many opportunities and benefits. It helps us to develop new technologies, gain scientific knowledge, and build international cooperation. We should continue exploring space because it has the potential to improve our lives here on Earth.

More Essays

• Argumentative Essay: Is Space Exploration Worth It?
• Pros And Cons Of Space Exploration Research Paper
• Space Exploration Research Paper
• Essay about The Pros And Cons Of Space Exploration
• How Did Copernicus Contribute To The Scientific Revolution Essay
• The True Story of Creation Religion or Science
• Argumentative Essay On Shipwrecks
• Ethical And Managerial Issues In The NASA Space Shuttle Program Essay
• Essay on Age Of Exploration Dbq
• Mars Social Impact Essay

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Home — Essay Samples — Science — Space Exploration — The Importance of Space Exploration

The Importance of Space Exploration

• Categories: Space Exploration

About this sample

Words: 455 |

Published: Mar 6, 2024

Words: 455 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

National Security and Defense

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Karlyna PhD

Verified writer

• Expert in: Science

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 573 words

3 pages / 1193 words

3 pages / 1147 words

5 pages / 2442 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Space Exploration

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), launched into low Earth orbit in April 1990, has revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Named after the eminent astronomer Edwin Hubble, whose work in the early 20th century [...]

United Parcel Service (UPS) Airlines is a vital component of the UPS delivery network, providing air transportation services for packages and freight around the world. With a fleet of over 250 aircraft and an extensive network [...]

Both mitosis and meiosis are processes that are essential for the reproduction and growth of living organisms. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that make them unique. In this essay, we will [...]

""Alan Shepard Bibliography."" Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2016. Ellis, Meridel. ""Alan Shepard."" Encyclopedia.com. HighBeam Research, 01 Jan. 2004. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.

Sir Francis Drake, a name synonymous with exploration, piracy, and heroism, was one of the most renowned figures of the Elizabethan era. His daring voyages, strategic prowess, and naval victories have solidified his place in [...]

Few years back, our solar system had nine planets-Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. But today it consists of only eight planets. These may be classified into two groups- the first four rocky inner [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• IELTS Scores
• Life Skills Test
• Find a Test Centre
• Alternatives to IELTS
• General Training
• Academic Word List
• Topic Vocabulary
• Collocation
• Phrasal Verbs
• Writing eBooks
• Reading eBook
• All eBooks & Courses

Space Exploration Essays

by Arvind Sharma (India)

Space exploration is much too expensive and the money should be spent on more important things. What is your opinion? In many countries, a big proportion of expenditure is being spent on exploring the space. It is argued that this expenditure should be spent on other important things rather than on space exploration. However, in my opinion, keep other significant things in mind, space program is very crucial and important for the whole world and should be funded due to the fact that it will help to improve the communication between countries in the world and also helping to search a new alternate to live. To begin, a reason to support funding space program is communication between all over the globe. Because business and organizations are being expanded geographically, they need a communication channel to run these businesses in an effective manner. It has become possible after launching satellites in the orbit. For instance, NASA, which is a reputed space organization has launched many satellites in the orbit, which are being used to broadcast the signals in the form of audio and video to across the globe. Moreover, the satellite television has only become possible due the space programs, and people are able to watch the global events instantly from anywhere. Thus, it can be said that by doing the space exploration, world communication has utterly been changed and for this reason it should be financially aided. Furthermore, As global warming has become a serious concern for the whole world, scientist have started to find the alternate planet to live. Due to this fact, there are going to be conducted more space programs and eventually more money is needed to support these programs. For instance, ISRO, which is an Indian space research organization has been funded by the Indian government. As a result, they have managed to launch own satellite without help of other countries. In addition, there is a need to resolve the problem of global warming and this could only be possible if more space programs will be aided financially. Thus, it has been important for every country to give financial support to these programs so that the next generation can live in a better place. In conclusion, I firmly believe that space program should be supported financially as there is need to get together the whole world to improve the communication and fight against the environmental problems. *** Please can you check my essay on space exploration.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to IELTS Essay Feedback Forum .

Spending Money on Space Exploration

by sayali vilas jadhav (pune)

Money spent on space exploration is a waste and can be put to better use on earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Nowadays, most of the countries in the world are giving more importance to space exploration because it is a thing of pride for a country to achieve success in space exploration. According to me, money spends on space exploration is worth as this gives us a chance for us to know new things around us. space exploration gives us a chance to innovate new things for the welfare of people.As we know, we found out that there is water on the moon. Due to this scientists planning for sending people to the moon to minimize population and to provide quality life to people. But sometimes I feel that the money which we are spending on space exploration can be minimized and put into the welfare of poor people. due to this roadside children may also get an education and poor people may get jobs. The bottom line is there should be a balance between both things as both things are good for the welfare of people. space exploration is also important like minimizing the poverty from the country.

Click here to post comments

Contacting Aliens Essay

by LennyBoyyy

Some Scientists think that there are intelligent life forms on other planets and messages should be sent to contact them. Other scientists think it is a bad idea and would be dangerous. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. The opinions of scientists go apart when it comes to the topic of other life forms. Some say there exist other life forms and that they should be contacted, while others would not do that because it could be dangerous. There are without a doubt pros and cons regarding this topic, but in my opinion it would not be a good idea to contact them, because I would find it better to gain some knowledge about the other life forms before you contact them. On the first hand would It be an unbelievable success to get to know other life forms. Scientists are searching for other life forms probably since decades, but never got any signs. Millions of Dollars were spent to reach these goal. It would change drastically people’s lives. In addition, the technology could in cooperation with the other life forms, advance massively. On the other hand, could the contact with other life forms become very dangerous, because of the lack of knowledge the humanity has regarding other life forms. Not knowing how your communicating partner looks like, functions or thinks could be very risky. Additionally, it could be also the case that there don’t exist other life forms and that huge amounts of money were spend without any sense. Summarized, I would not try to contact other life forms, because the cons in form of the uncertainty if other life forms exist and the danger in which humanity could be exposed exceeds in my opinion the pros in form of the probability that other life could be found and that a stable communication could be build.

Spending Resources to Explore Space

by Nidhi Pareek (Ahmedabad )

Some people think that space exploration is a waste of resources while others think that it is essential for human kind to continue to explore the universe in which we live. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. It is an undeniable fact that over the past few years space exploration has become one of the most discussed topics in today’s society. As a result, some people think that studying space is crucial for humanity, others argue that it is a waste of resources. In this essay, I would like to put forth my views on both the sides with a valid opinion in the conclusion. Firstly, space research has many benefits such as latest technological advancements in satellite communications which include smartphones, satellite television and radio broadcasting are all breakthrough of space research. Furthermore, space research is important for getting minute-details of weather conditions and it also provides the future predictions of climatic conditions. Moreover, space scientists are keen to find the possibility of life on other planets like Mars and if they get success then growing population problem of earth will be solved. Finally, having well developed space research organisation in any country is a matter of prestige for government and it's citizens. However, we seldom give a thought to ponder over the other side of this essay so there are some drawbacks of space research and that is why some people are against the exploration of space. Foremostly, space research requires colossal amount of budget and it is a time consuming study. Furthermore, success ratio of space research is very low. In addition, risk of life is always there with space explorations. For an example, in the year 2006 a prominent astronaut of NASA, Ms. Kalpana Chawla and her team travelled to space for research but unfortunately their space-shuttle crashed while they were returning back to earth. The seemingly inexorable description about the space research can keep on going. Nevertheless, showing a deep reverence and observing the finer nuance of the matter mentioned above I espouse the notion of supporting that space research is an essential part for an economic development but as we all know it is considered as the most expensive scientific discovery so countries should collaborate and there should be a joint efforts for space studies to make it cost effective.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

Bargain eBook Deal! 30% Discount

All 4 Writing eBooks for just  $25.86 Find out more >>

IELTS Modules:

Other resources:.

• All Lessons
• Band Score Calculator
• Writing Feedback
• Speaking Feedback
• Teacher Resources
• Free Downloads
• Recent Essay Exam Questions
• Books for IELTS Prep
• Useful Links

Recent Articles

IELTS Essay: Living with Climate Change

Aug 23, 24 02:37 AM

Grammar in IELTS Listening

Aug 22, 24 02:54 PM

IELTS Line Graph: Governments Expenditure on Research

Jul 23, 24 01:27 PM

Important pages

IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening   IELTS Reading All Lessons Vocabulary Academic Task 1 Academic Task 2 Practice Tests

Connect with us

Before you go...

30% discount - just $25.86 for all 4 writing ebooks.

Copyright © 2022- IELTSbuddy All Rights Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center
• Introduction
• Motivations for space activity
• Major milestones
• Significant milestones in space exploration
• Tsiolkovsky
• Other space pioneers
• United States
• Soviet Union
• Preparing for spaceflight
• The first satellites
• International participation
• Involvement of industry
• Gemini and Voskhod
• The American commitment
• The Soviet response
• Interim developments
• The Apollo lunar landings and Apollo-Soyuz
• Space stations
• International space endurance records
• Summary of space stations launched since 1971
• The space shuttle
• Risks and benefits
• Selecting people for spaceflights
• Biomedical, psychological, and sociological aspects

Solar and space physics

• Solar system exploration
• Exploring the universe
• Microgravity research
• Observing Earth
• Meteorology
• Positioning, navigation, and timing
• Military and national security uses of space
• Satellite telecommunications
• Remote sensing
• Commercial space transportation
• New commercial applications
• Issues for the future
• Crewed spaceflights, 1960–69
• Crewed spaceflights, 1970–79
• Crewed spaceflights, 1980–89
• Crewed spaceflights, 1990–99
• Crewed spaceflights, 2000–09
• Crewed spaceflights, 2010–2019
• Crewed spaceflights, 2020–

Science in space

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Official Site of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
• Council on Foreign Relations - Space Exploration and U.S. Competitiveness
• National Geographic Society - The History of Space Exploration
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Space exploration and economic growth: New issues and horizons
• space exploration - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• space exploration - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

In the decades following the first Sputnik and Explorer satellites, the ability to put their instruments into outer space gave scientists the opportunity to acquire new information about the natural universe , information that in many cases would have been unobtainable any other way. Space science added a new dimension to the quest for knowledge, complementing and extending what had been gained from centuries of theoretical speculations and ground-based observations.

Recent News

After Gagarin’s 1961 flight, space missions involving human crews carried out a range of significant research, from on-site geologic investigations on the Moon to a wide variety of observations and experiments aboard orbiting spacecraft . In particular, the presence in space of humans as experimenters and, in some cases, as experimental subjects facilitated studies in biomedicine and materials science . Nevertheless, most space science was, and continues to be, performed by robotic spacecraft in Earth orbit, in other locations from which they observe the universe, or on missions to various bodies in the solar system . In general, such missions are far less expensive than those involving humans and can carry sophisticated automated instruments to gather a wide variety of relevant data.

In addition to the United States and the Soviet Union , several other countries achieved the capability of developing and operating scientific spacecraft and thus carrying out their own space science missions. They include Japan , China , Canada , India , and a number of European countries such as the United Kingdom, France , Italy , and Germany , acting alone and through cooperative organizations, particularly the European Space Agency . Furthermore, many other countries became involved in space activities through the participation of their scientists in specific missions. Bilateral or multilateral cooperation between various countries in carrying out space science missions grew to be the usual way of proceeding.

Scientific research in space can be divided into five general areas: (1) solar and space physics, including study of the magnetic and electromagnetic fields in space and the various energetic particles also present, with particular attention to their interactions with Earth, (2) exploration of the planets, moons, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and dust in the solar system, (3) study of the origin, evolution , and current state of the varied objects in the universe beyond the solar system, (4) research on nonliving and living materials, including humans, in the very low gravity levels of the space environment , and (5) study of Earth from space.

The first scientific discovery made with instruments orbiting in space was the existence of the Van Allen radiation belts , discovered by Explorer 1 in 1958. Subsequent space missions investigated Earth’s magnetosphere , the surrounding region of space in which the planet’s magnetic field exerts a controlling effect ( see Earth: The magnetic field and magnetosphere ). Of particular and ongoing interest has been the interaction of the flux of charged particles emitted by the Sun, called the solar wind , with the magnetosphere. Early space science investigations showed, for example, that luminous atmospheric displays known as auroras are the result of this interaction, and scientists came to understand that the magnetosphere is an extremely complex phenomenon.

The focus of inquiry in space physics was later extended to understanding the characteristics of the Sun , both as an average star and as the primary source of energy for the rest of the solar system, and to exploring space between the Sun and Earth and other planets ( see interplanetary medium ). The magnetospheres of other planets, particularly Jupiter with its strong magnetic field, also came under study. Scientists sought a better understanding of the internal dynamics and overall behaviour of the Sun, the underlying causes of variations in solar activity, and the way in which those variations propagate through space and ultimately affect Earth’s magnetosphere and upper atmosphere. The concept of space weather was advanced to describe the changing conditions in the Sun-Earth region of the solar system. Variations in space weather can cause geomagnetic storms that interfere with the operation of satellites and even systems on the ground such as power grids.

To carry out the investigations required for addressing these scientific questions, the United States, Europe, the Soviet Union, and Japan developed a variety of space missions, often in a coordinated fashion. In the United States, early studies of the Sun were undertaken by a series of Orbiting Solar Observatory satellites (launched 1962–75) and the astronaut crews of the Skylab space station in 1973–74, using that facility’s Apollo Telescope Mount. These were followed by the Solar Maximum Mission satellite (launched 1980). ESA developed the Ulysses mission (1990) to explore the Sun’s polar regions. Solar-terrestrial interactions were the focus of many of the Explorer series of spacecraft (1958–75) and the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory satellites (1964–69).

In the 1980s NASA , ESA, and Japan’s Institute of Space and Astronautical Science undertook a cooperative venture to develop a comprehensive series of space missions, named the International Solar-Terrestrial Physics Program, that would be aimed at full investigation of the Sun-Earth connection. This program was responsible for the U.S. Wind (1994) and Polar (1996) spacecraft, the European Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO; 1995) and Cluster (2000) missions, and the Japanese Geotail satellite (1992).

Among many other missions, NASA has launched a number of satellites, including Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED, 2001); the Japanese-U.S.-U.K. collaboration Hinode (2006); and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO, 2006), part of its Solar Terrestrial Probes program. The Solar Dynamics Observatory (2010); the twin Van Allen Probes (2012); and the Parker Solar Probe (2018), which made the closest flybys of the Sun, were part of another NASA program called Living with a Star. A two-satellite European/Chinese mission called Double Star (2003–04) studied the impact of the Sun on Earth’s environment.