Space Travel: A Global Priority Or Pipe Dream?

Space travel has long been a source of fascination and wonder for humanity. From ancient civilisations to modern scientists, the desire to explore the cosmos and push the boundaries of our knowledge has been a driving force behind our development as a species. As we continue to face challenges and crises on Earth, the importance of space travel and exploration is a topic of ongoing debate. However, the benefits of space travel extend far beyond scientific curiosity, offering practical advantages and inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of what we know about our universe.

Protection from asteroids

Space travel is important for the protection of Earth from asteroids. While the chances of a major collision are low in the near term, it is a near-certainty that one will happen eventually unless defensive measures are taken.

Earth's atmosphere, which is thick and protective compared to the more exposed surfaces of the moon, mitigates the dangers of small collisions. However, life on Earth has been drastically altered by asteroid impacts before. For example, the Chicxulub crater is evidence of the planet-shaking strike that led to the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs.

Planetary defense systems work to identify potentially harmful objects (PHOs) in proximity to Earth. NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and other organizations are preparing to redirect or destroy dangerous objects. Telescopes around the globe regularly scan the sky to locate any bodies that are at risk of crashing into our planet.

Several methods have been proposed to avoid an asteroid impact. The first type of intervention involves sending spacecraft to act as stumbling blocks to delay or deflect a potentially hazardous object. This is also known as the "kinetic impactor" strategy. Another hypothetical way to prevent a collision is a "gravity tractor", a spacecraft that could alter a PHO's course using the weak force of gravity. The final major proposal for PHO deflection is a nuclear option: to send a nuclear bomb to detonate above the target's surface, vaporizing some of the material and causing the rest of the mass to recoil.

In 2022, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission successfully impacted Dimorphos, reducing the minor-planet moon's orbital period by 32 minutes. This was the first successful attempt at asteroid deflection. In 2025, China's CNSA plans to launch another deflection mission to the near-Earth object 2019 VL5, a 30-meter-wide asteroid.

Space travel is crucial for the protection of Earth from asteroids. By exploring space and developing technologies, we can defend our planet from potentially catastrophic events.

New inventions and research

Space travel has been a catalyst for numerous inventions and innovations that have benefited humanity. The research and exploration of space have facilitated the creation of new technologies and expanded our understanding of the universe.

One of the key areas of innovation has been in materials science. For instance, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed small, scientific-quality cameras for spacecraft in the 1990s, and now a third of all cameras use this technology. Additionally, the Viking Landers sent to Mars in the 1970s used a material five times stronger than steel, and this technology has been applied to create car tyres that last 10,000 miles longer. The same principle applies to Nike Air shoes, which utilise a process called 'blow rubber moulding' that was first used in making NASA space suits.

Space exploration has also led to advancements in medical technology. For example, NASA developed an electrolytic silver iodizer to sanitise water for astronauts, and this technology is now used in water filters and for purifying pool water. The space program also contributed to the development of infrared thermometers, which measure the amount of energy emitted from the eardrum to take a person's temperature.

The desire to improve the comfort and safety of astronauts has also resulted in several consumer goods inventions. Freeze-dried food, developed for the Apollo missions to save weight while maintaining nutrition, is now a common camping and hiking staple. Memory foam pillows, originally designed to cushion astronauts during landing, are now a common household item, providing a good night's sleep to millions.

Space exploration has also led to advancements in optics. For instance, the visors of astronaut helmets have a diamond-like carbon coating that provides at least ten times more scratch resistance than conventional lenses, and this technology has been applied to create scratch-resistant glasses.

Furthermore, space exploration has facilitated the development of new communication technologies. For example, cordless headphones were invented because NASA didn't want astronauts to get tangled in wires during spacewalks.

In addition to these inventions, space exploration has also led to numerous other innovations and discoveries, from improved water purification methods to a better understanding of our solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth. The knowledge and technologies gained through space travel continue to benefit humanity and expand our horizons, both on Earth and in the exploration of the cosmos.

Health benefits

Space travel has a wide range of health benefits, from improving our understanding of the human body to developing new medical technologies. Here are some of the key health benefits of space travel:

• Advancing Medical Knowledge and Technology: Space exploration provides a unique environment for studying the effects of microgravity, radiation, and extreme conditions on the human body. This knowledge can lead to the development of new medical technologies and treatments. For example, space research has contributed to our understanding of bone and muscle loss, cardiovascular changes, immune system dysfunction, and sleep disturbances.
• Telemedicine and Telehealth: Space technology, including satellites, enables telemedicine and remote healthcare services. This allows medical professionals to provide consultations, diagnoses, and treatment advice to patients in remote or disaster-stricken areas, improving access to healthcare services.
• Disease Monitoring and Tracking: Satellites and space-based sensors can be used to monitor and track the spread of diseases, such as malaria, and vector populations. This information is crucial for early detection and response to epidemics.
• Climate Change and Health Impact: Space technology plays a vital role in monitoring and understanding climate change, which has direct and indirect effects on global health. By tracking environmental changes, such as temperature variations and air quality, we can anticipate and prepare for potential health risks associated with climate-related events
• Nutrition and Agriculture: Satellite imagery provides valuable data on agricultural practices and food production, which directly impact nutrition and food security. By monitoring crop health and yield, we can predict potential food shortages and take timely action.
• Spinoff Benefits: Space research has led to numerous spinoff benefits in the medical field. For example, advancements in medical imaging and diagnostics, such as MRI and CT scans, have been influenced by space technology. Additionally, the miniaturization of sensors and electronics used in space missions has paved the way for wearable health monitoring devices.
• Vaccine Development and Drug Testing: The unique conditions in space, such as microgravity, can provide insights into molecular structure and biological processes, aiding in vaccine development and drug testing. For instance, space experiments have helped us understand how microorganisms behave and how human cells respond to different conditions.
• Disaster Management and Humanitarian Aid: Space technology is crucial for disaster management and humanitarian aid efforts. It provides rapid and accurate information about disaster-affected areas, helping coordinate relief efforts, assess infrastructure damage, and plan medical response operations effectively.
• Water and Sanitation Management: Remote sensing technology, often used in space applications, plays a vital role in monitoring water quality and identifying potential sources of contamination. This is essential for ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water, preventing waterborne diseases, and improving global public health.
• Education and Outreach: Space agencies often engage in education and outreach programs to promote interest in STEM fields, including healthcare. These programs can inspire students to pursue careers in medicine and contribute to a skilled healthcare workforce.

National security

Space travel is important for national security for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for the detection and prevention of potential threats from outside the Earth, such as asteroids or comets that could cause catastrophic damage to the planet. By exploring space, we can identify and prepare for these dangers, and potentially develop ways to neutralise them.

Secondly, space travel contributes to national security by fostering international cooperation and peaceful collaboration between nations. The International Space Station, for example, involves the cooperation of multiple countries, strengthening diplomatic ties and creating new jobs. Space exploration also provides opportunities for nations to work together on common interests, such as the search for extraterrestrial life or the development of new technologies.

Thirdly, space travel enhances a nation's military capabilities. The development of space-based weapons or the protection of navigational, communications, and surveillance satellites are crucial aspects of modern warfare. The U.S. Space Force, established in 2019, is a dedicated branch of the armed forces focused on safeguarding American interests in space.

Additionally, space travel has led to numerous technological advancements that have military applications. These include GPS, accurate weather prediction, instantaneous global communication, and medical research that can aid in protecting troops and civilians alike.

Finally, space travel is essential for national security as it provides a potential backup plan for humanity's survival. With the ever-present threat of global pandemics, economic crises, and climate change, having the option to colonise other planets or build orbiting habitats ensures the continuation of the human species, even in the face of Earth-based disasters.

In conclusion, space travel is of paramount importance to national security. It enables the detection and mitigation of external threats, fosters international cooperation, enhances military capabilities, leads to technological advancements, and provides a potential backup for humanity's survival. By embracing the exploration of space, nations can strengthen their security posture and protect their citizens from a multitude of dangers.

Space colonisation

There are, however, many challenges to overcome before space colonisation can become a reality. Protection from radiation, the impact of low gravity on the human body, and the psychological toll of isolation are just some of the issues that need to be addressed.

Despite these challenges, there are numerous benefits that could be gained from space colonisation. Architectural design, alternative fuel production, 3D printing, and low-gravity manufacturing are just some of the areas that could see advancements.

The history of the idea of space colonisation dates back to ancient times, but the first account of an actual space colony appeared in Edward Everett Hale's 1869 novel, Brick Moon. Since then, the concept has been explored in numerous works of science fiction and has gradually moved into the realm of scientific possibility.

Today, space colonisation is seen as a potential solution to the problem of an increasingly enclosed and circumscribed humanity. The benefits of space colonisation are thought to include the creation of new resources, the expansion of human knowledge, and the mitigation of existential threats such as asteroids.

While there are valid concerns about the cost of space exploration and colonisation, it is important to note that space research is not as expensive as many people think. In the United States, NASA's budget represents only about 0.5% of the total federal budget, and the proportion is even smaller for other spacefaring nations.

In conclusion, space colonisation is a complex and challenging endeavour, but one that offers the potential for significant advancements and benefits for humanity. It is a topic that continues to capture the imagination and spark scientific inquiry, and it will be fascinating to see what the future holds for human exploration and colonisation of space.

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