Current and Future space exloration

While great leaps were made by both the Soviets and the United States, there are still more giant leaps to be made. One leap that has yet to be made is sending humans to the closest planet, Mars. The company, Space X, has been created with that one goal in mind. They were created by Elon Musk, and are backed by his financial support. With his support they have personally been able to make leaps with in the rocketry community, most notably with their reusable rocket called the grasshopper. This rocket has the capability of launching a satellite into orbit and being able to return back to the launch pad in a vertical position. Previously the rockets were a one-time use machine but not with this advancement, the cost of going into orbit would be able to be reduced. While going to Mars is amazing and a great leap forward, that journey would not be for a common citizen. Sir Richard Branson has been able to pioneer the common citizens means to a space adventure with his company, Virgin Galactic. Starting in 2004 it has been a top competitor in this market, creating new technology to cheapen the cost of a ticket. One advance they made was the development of the idea that the rocket is first brought high up into the air before it is launched. This is accomplished through the use of specially designed airplane which brings the rocket into high altitude before it is released and launched. This does come with some risks though like when a test pilot was killed during a testing stage of the rocket. Once they get to space though, they can utilize another continuing advancement called the ion thruster. This is not an engine nor a motor since this is a small continuous force over a long friction less journey. This truster works by ionizing a specialized gas which then in turn creates plasma which is shot out the back of the rocket. This truster is not like a conventional propulsion system since an average household fan creates more thrust than one truster does. However, with advancing technology, scientist are hoping to up the power so this technology can be utilized to reach Mars cheaply. Currently it is being used in the satellite that passed Pluto, New horizons, and in the proses has worked very reliably due to no moving parts. A possibility for this technology could be reaching asteroids to be mined. NASA has predicted that we may need to mine asteroids for their minerals. A company, Planetary Resources, heard this call and was created in 2012. They have been able to utilize another advancing technological field in space exploration call the Cube Sat. This is a mini personal satellite that anyone can launch into low earth orbit to do whatever the satellite is designed to do. Planetary Resources has been able to outfit these personal satellites to contain new technology that they wish to test out in space. With all of the advancing technology in space exploration it is only a mystery what is a head for the human race.

One thought on “Current and Future space exloration

  1. avo5227

    I really liked this post! I enjoy how you discussed the ways that space travel is becoming more accessible to the mundane public. The idea that one day we could be relocated to space is scary yet learning that there are strides to make innovative, safe, and cost-efficient forms of space travel is reassuring .

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