The exploration of space is one of the most fascinating human endeavors. It has carried instruments and, finally, human beings beyond Earth’s atmosphere into a remoteness that until recently was hardly known or understood. These voyages have provided valuable information about the Solar System and beyond.
It has also forged international cooperation that has brought many economic benefits to society. It has stimulated electronics miniaturization and research in basic physical science, and it has created jobs and industries that would not otherwise have been available. It has contributed to the growth of nations and societies, and it has fostered new forms of national and personal pride and prestige.
Space exploration requires a massive investment of time, talent, and money. Its success depends on great ingenuity. It has required the development of multi-stage rockets that can place satellites, animals, and humans into orbit, as well as a space station that will serve as a platform from which to observe and explore the planets of our Solar System.
Among the major challenges to space exploration is the need for the safety of its crews. The risks of space travel are numerous and varied. For example, the astronauts on board a spacecraft may encounter sudden decompression, which exposes them to dangerously low air pressures. This hazard can be prevented by the use of pressure chambers, but if the pressure is too high, the spacecraft might explode.
Another hazard is the radiation produced by cosmic rays and charged particles that bombard the environment of our Solar System. This can be minimized by the use of radiation shields and sophisticated detectors that can identify such sources.