With more countries now launching space technologies, it’s easy to see how space travel will become a reality in the near future. The United Arab Emirates recently launched its Hope satellite that is due to arrive at Mars in 2021. China’s National Space Administration recently launched 34 different space technologies. The Tianwen-1 mission, for instance, will send an orbiter, lander, and rover vehicle to Mars. And the Chang’e 5 mission is the first sample return mission to the moon in 40 years.
While some say space travel is a futile endeavor, it has spurred a variety of products and technologies. These innovations are already benefiting industry. Some have even found applications for these technologies in mining, logistics, and agriculture. As space travel becomes more common, there is no reason why it shouldn’t influence all of these sectors. There are even new ways in which space technologies can improve industry. And just think about what the future will bring!
The power of advanced computers is key to the future of space travel. In fact, the IBM 7090 mainframe computer was instrumental in putting the first American in space decades ago. These days, supercomputers are even more important, and are used by private space ventures, NASA, and the ESA. Ultimately, we are closer to the day when we can travel to the moon. And the only way we can achieve this is by investing in advanced technology.
There are also hundreds of new technologies being developed by the space program. These innovations range from faster communications, more accurate maritime and aerospace technologies, and improved medical instruments. Some are even used in everyday life. Even today, NASA has selected 16 new futuristic space technology concepts to study. So, how do these innovations benefit us? We will have to find out. The possibilities are endless. And they will benefit our lives on Earth. So, we’ll need to keep working on space technology to keep our society functioning smoothly.
The development of advanced technologies in space travel has led to the creation of some amazing products. The mouse, for example, was originally created by NASA. Later, Taylor left NASA to head the ARPA network project, which led to the internet. Moreover, the development of cordless vacuum cleaners is due in part to research conducted by NASA. The Black & Decker “Dustbuster” was the first cordless vacuum cleaner. It was commissioned by NASA for the Apollo mission.
Several new space technologies are currently being developed, including Starshot-style laser beams, which could solve the rocket equation. The rocket equation links the motion of a spacecraft to its amount of propellant. The more fuel added to it, the heavier the spacecraft. The 1.4 million-pound Voyager probes were launched with rockets almost entirely fuel. But a single ion engine could propel a spacecraft to almost anywhere in the solar system.