Space, Invaluable in a Modern World
The necessity of space science, engineering and exploration being put under scrutiny is hardly a stranger to anyone interested in cosmic matters. Without omitting the unavoidable and necessary debate over national budgets, space agencies’ importance is sometimes underestimated by members of the public. With the boom in new space and extra-terrestrial pursuits in the minds of national space agencies and private companies alike, the discussion is ever pertinent and actual.
Firstly, it is very important to note that space agencies absolutely do not limit their sights off Earth. Of the 1738 active satellites orbiting our planet, over 80% are tasked with communications, earth monitoring and navigation. Carrier pigeons and physical maps would perhaps enjoy high demand if it weren’t for the eyes in the sky that provide lightning-fast connections and crystal-clear satellite images (avoiding extraneous digression, the issue of privacy is a discussion for another time). Tracking forest fires, retreating glaciers and forest cover is made possible with satellites and is essential for the health of the Earth. Naturally this argument is less received among sceptics of global warming; putting it bluntly, trying to argue your point in that instance may cost more of your sanity than raise any awareness in the other party.
Space agencies are undeniably at the forefront of technological development. The environment for which instruments are developed for is not only distant and exorbitant in travel costs but also unforgiving in its extreme conditions. Any piece of technology is optimised, carefully planned and executed. Yet time and time again, these new technologies, further refined in production and cost, become fitting also for tellurian applications. Examples in history range from UV-filtering sunglasses and surgical tools to advanced high-performance materials.
An argument that is personally important for me is that of exploration for its own sake. Humans have thrived on curiosity from the footfall of the first tribes on foreign continents to man’s one small step (or one giant leap) on our Moon. Space, in its cosmic vastness and unfamiliarity simply tempts exploration. Generations before set their eyes on the sky just as we do, yet we have the luck of being able to send spacecraft and even humans towards the specks of light that illuminate the black night. Similar ideas apply to developments of technology and science; researchers seek theoretical truths and innovative solutions to further humanity as well as out of the joy of discovery. However, my romanticising of science and space might agree with others of similar mindset but lack strength as an argument for the pragmatic discussion partner.
The arguments for development may be elementary but society is unavoidably monetary. For national space agencies that contribute colossally to space exploration and science, budgets are an ever-present issue. NASA, being one of the most influential national space agencies and having recently been allocated a new budget for 2019, is an important one to consider. Receiving less than a twentieth of the budgetary allowance of defence in the US, NASA still seems to receive unduly blame for taking money from sectors such as welfare; still, it has received a higher budget of $19.9 billion for 2019. A two percent increase, this is indubitably a positive, yet much of the directive redistributed money rather than allocating excess of it. Certain projects and sectors enjoy budget increases, while funding for the ISS is to be zeroed out in 2025. The station, due to metal fatigue and solar panel lifetime, isn’t designed for much life beyond that, but a worry should be noted in what will replace it. 150 million is allocated "to encourage development of new commercial low-Earth orbital platforms and capabilities for use by the private sector and NASA," which hopefully will provide a clear scheme for a new platform in the future.
A major change is signalled by the directive’s call for putting man back on the Moon, paving a path for eventual Mars exploration. It’s without a doubt that a Mars race is gearing up, although lead currently by a certain sports car. A focus to the Moon, even if presented as a stepping stone for Mars, feels less like a training wheel than a way for president Trump to be able to declare a concrete achievement in spaceflight. To alter an Akin law, “you can't get to Mars by climbing successively taller trees.” The six manned, and numerous unmanned, Moon missions have provided invaluable information but there’s a rationale to why humans haven’t returned recently and only leaps in development will propel interplanetary travel. In the current state of development, a new Moon mission would limit resources and budgets for any Mars ones, setting aback NASA. New space, SpaceX naturally in lead, looks to be the ones to set their flag on Martian soil but even with the longer development timelines of agencies like NASA, putting up a challenge with their expertise and fantastic personnel would positively contribute to a modern and encouragement-worthy space race.
A note should be made to commend companies such as SpaceX who are taking space exploration not only to cosmic heights, but also to the mainstream audience. The modus operandi of new space when compared to “old space” is notably different but there’s truly a place for both in the current state of space affairs. Space agencies’ reliability and meticulous work are fantastic, yet new space has risen to contest that whilst also fuelling the development of ideas often seemingly ludicrous. A breath of fresh, wild and clever air is welcomed by both the public and scientific professionals; it’s difficult not to enjoy a simultaneous booster landing or a car blasting Bowie en route to another planet.
Space eludes us less by the day and interplanetary exploration no longer poses itself as a chimera. With both old and new space butting heads, a foot may well imprint insignia of humanity on Martian earth in the next decade. Without sounding trite, there’s not been a better time to be a space-enthusiast. Whether it’s for the technology developed or the simple joy of discovery, humans always have turned and now turn their eyes to the skies; may that light inside blaze on, for it is the stars that hold the future.
Firstly, it is very important to note that space agencies absolutely do not limit their sights off Earth. Of the 1738 active satellites orbiting our planet, over 80% are tasked with communications, earth monitoring and navigation. Carrier pigeons and physical maps would perhaps enjoy high demand if it weren’t for the eyes in the sky that provide lightning-fast connections and crystal-clear satellite images (avoiding extraneous digression, the issue of privacy is a discussion for another time). Tracking forest fires, retreating glaciers and forest cover is made possible with satellites and is essential for the health of the Earth. Naturally this argument is less received among sceptics of global warming; putting it bluntly, trying to argue your point in that instance may cost more of your sanity than raise any awareness in the other party.
Space agencies are undeniably at the forefront of technological development. The environment for which instruments are developed for is not only distant and exorbitant in travel costs but also unforgiving in its extreme conditions. Any piece of technology is optimised, carefully planned and executed. Yet time and time again, these new technologies, further refined in production and cost, become fitting also for tellurian applications. Examples in history range from UV-filtering sunglasses and surgical tools to advanced high-performance materials.
An argument that is personally important for me is that of exploration for its own sake. Humans have thrived on curiosity from the footfall of the first tribes on foreign continents to man’s one small step (or one giant leap) on our Moon. Space, in its cosmic vastness and unfamiliarity simply tempts exploration. Generations before set their eyes on the sky just as we do, yet we have the luck of being able to send spacecraft and even humans towards the specks of light that illuminate the black night. Similar ideas apply to developments of technology and science; researchers seek theoretical truths and innovative solutions to further humanity as well as out of the joy of discovery. However, my romanticising of science and space might agree with others of similar mindset but lack strength as an argument for the pragmatic discussion partner.
The arguments for development may be elementary but society is unavoidably monetary. For national space agencies that contribute colossally to space exploration and science, budgets are an ever-present issue. NASA, being one of the most influential national space agencies and having recently been allocated a new budget for 2019, is an important one to consider. Receiving less than a twentieth of the budgetary allowance of defence in the US, NASA still seems to receive unduly blame for taking money from sectors such as welfare; still, it has received a higher budget of $19.9 billion for 2019. A two percent increase, this is indubitably a positive, yet much of the directive redistributed money rather than allocating excess of it. Certain projects and sectors enjoy budget increases, while funding for the ISS is to be zeroed out in 2025. The station, due to metal fatigue and solar panel lifetime, isn’t designed for much life beyond that, but a worry should be noted in what will replace it. 150 million is allocated "to encourage development of new commercial low-Earth orbital platforms and capabilities for use by the private sector and NASA," which hopefully will provide a clear scheme for a new platform in the future.
A major change is signalled by the directive’s call for putting man back on the Moon, paving a path for eventual Mars exploration. It’s without a doubt that a Mars race is gearing up, although lead currently by a certain sports car. A focus to the Moon, even if presented as a stepping stone for Mars, feels less like a training wheel than a way for president Trump to be able to declare a concrete achievement in spaceflight. To alter an Akin law, “you can't get to Mars by climbing successively taller trees.” The six manned, and numerous unmanned, Moon missions have provided invaluable information but there’s a rationale to why humans haven’t returned recently and only leaps in development will propel interplanetary travel. In the current state of development, a new Moon mission would limit resources and budgets for any Mars ones, setting aback NASA. New space, SpaceX naturally in lead, looks to be the ones to set their flag on Martian soil but even with the longer development timelines of agencies like NASA, putting up a challenge with their expertise and fantastic personnel would positively contribute to a modern and encouragement-worthy space race.
A note should be made to commend companies such as SpaceX who are taking space exploration not only to cosmic heights, but also to the mainstream audience. The modus operandi of new space when compared to “old space” is notably different but there’s truly a place for both in the current state of space affairs. Space agencies’ reliability and meticulous work are fantastic, yet new space has risen to contest that whilst also fuelling the development of ideas often seemingly ludicrous. A breath of fresh, wild and clever air is welcomed by both the public and scientific professionals; it’s difficult not to enjoy a simultaneous booster landing or a car blasting Bowie en route to another planet.
Space eludes us less by the day and interplanetary exploration no longer poses itself as a chimera. With both old and new space butting heads, a foot may well imprint insignia of humanity on Martian earth in the next decade. Without sounding trite, there’s not been a better time to be a space-enthusiast. Whether it’s for the technology developed or the simple joy of discovery, humans always have turned and now turn their eyes to the skies; may that light inside blaze on, for it is the stars that hold the future.
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