Humanity’s interest with what lies beyond our own planet is an ancient fascination dating back to the age of prehistoric man. As technology has evolved and human intelligence has expanded, the desire for greater knowledge about the universe outside of Earth has also increased. The modern age has brought leaps in technology that have allowed for an exponential growth in information gained from studying the stars. Once limited to the stories of science fiction writers, space exploration is quickly becoming a bigger and bigger industry. But what does this mean for you?
Space Tourism
One of the most tantalizing aspects of developing space exploration is the possibility to offer trips into space for the average person. Previously reserved for trained astronauts and scientists, the chances of an ordinary person being able to experience the awe of looking back at Earth from a spacecraft is becoming increasingly more likely. This could create entirely new industries and therefore more jobs for a growing population, leading to a healthier economy. Of course, this is still a distant idea, but it won’t stay distant for very long.
Colonization
It appears to be a recurring impulse in human behavior to seek opportunities to expand the population into new territories. Now that the Earth has become so tightly connected by digital communication and efficient transport systems, the next direction to look is naturally up into space. For example, understanding the SpaceX project means thinking about the possibilities that space colonization could provide to humanity. Being able to exist on a multi-planetary level could help resolve some of the issues that face humanity as a species contained by a single planet.
Energy Alternatives
The more precise and frequent space travel becomes, the more opportunities there are for scientists to discover and make use of valuable energy alternatives back on Earth. For example, resources that societies rely upon that are dwindling in quantity could be found in space and brought back to replenish the supplies on Earth. Other planets and celestial bodies could contain valuable minerals and metals that can supplement those already mined on the planet.
International Relations
Space travel is a useful way of bringing nations together cooperatively. Uniting people across the globe towards the efforts of bringing about more efficient space travel has the potential to ease political and international tensions. A good example of this already in action is the ISS or International Space Station which helps scientists from all over the world to collect and share data found through studying the cosmos.
Technological Advancements
Through developing new technologies to create more efficient space travel, scientists can also discover new ways of improving life on Earth. For example, by testing various rocket technologies, the air travel industry can gain clearer insight into how to increase safety and speed for their flights.
Like with any development in technology and pushing the boundaries of possibility, there is uncertainty and risk. However, this is a natural part of striving for a better future.
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