Since 1957, when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics launched Sputnik, humans have been exploring space beyond our planet’s atmosphere. This is often referred to as space travel, cosmic exploration or space research. Space missions benefit humanity in many ways, including opening up new domains of knowledge and driving innovations. They also encourage young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM fields), as well as forge partnerships and agreements between nations.
During the space race that climaxed with Apollo 11’s manned Moon landing in 1969, countries launched satellites and manned and unmanned probes into orbit and on to the Moon. Later, the International Space Station was constructed. The first reusable spacecraft, the shuttle, was developed in 1981. This was an important advance as it allowed for the reuse of a vehicle that could launch, fly and land like an airplane.
The exploration of space is not without cost, however. One early Soyuz capsule exploded on re-entry and killed three cosmonauts. In 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff. The disaster killed all seven crew members.
Space exploration requires a lot of equipment. For example, a space station or colony will require living quarters, scientific laboratories, and facilities for production of fuel and water. The explorers will need to have suitable clothing and tools, and they’ll need vehicles for excursions onto the surface of another body such as a Moon or planet. The explorers will need telescopes, too, as the light from these bodies is very different than that of our own Sun.