Exploring Space: Past, Present, & Future
Telescopes allow humans to extend their ability to observe space. Different telescopes study different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, including optical, radio, infrared, and X-ray waves. Satellites and probes visit regions in space too difficult for humans to explore. New technology is quickly making ideas such as colonization and terraforming possible.
Before getting started, let's take a moment to stop and see what we already know about Space Exploration:
Your predictions should be recorded in your individual Google document, Space Exploration – Exploring Space: Past, Present, & Future.
Once you have finished your brainstorming you should move on to Time to Research portion of this activity. While you are reading the notes below and watching the videos, you should be making notes in your individual Google Document, Space Exploration – Personal Notes, if you prefer you can record your "personal notes" on paper.
- Can you name any astronauts that have gone to space?
- Can you name a space mission? Do you know what the mission was set to accomplish?
- Why are humans so interested in exploring space?
Your predictions should be recorded in your individual Google document, Space Exploration – Exploring Space: Past, Present, & Future.
Once you have finished your brainstorming you should move on to Time to Research portion of this activity. While you are reading the notes below and watching the videos, you should be making notes in your individual Google Document, Space Exploration – Personal Notes, if you prefer you can record your "personal notes" on paper.
Important Terms
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Time to Research (Read, Watch, and Take Notes)
Earth-Based Observation TechnologyUntil the invention of the telescope, knowledge of space was very weak, and mythology and speculation were the rule. The telescope was invented in the 17th century by the Dutch eyeglass maker Lippershey.
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Did You Know?
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Optical Telescopes
There are two main types of optical (light) telescopes: refracting and reflecting.
- Refracting telescopes use lenses to gather and focus light
- Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to collect light and project it onto an eyepiece.
Non-Optical Telescopes
Early optical telescopes improved viewing of space greatly, but other electromagnetic waves could also be used to gather information about space.
- X-rays, gamma rays and radio waves can all be gathered and analyzed to learn about space.
- Radio telescopes look like satellite dishes.
- By joining radio telescopes together in a network, results can be obtained as though one very large telescope was being used.
Space-Based Observation Technology
As good as many of the telescopes on Earth are, by moving outside the atmosphere, space-based observation has become our most powerful method of space observation.
Satellites
Satellites launched from Earth provide us with communication and safety every day. Geosynchronous satellites orbit at the same rate as the Earth rotates, and stay above one point.
Geosynchronous Orbit
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NASA's Earth Satellites
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Probes |
Rovers |
Probes launched from Earth have visited Venus, Mars and Saturn’s moon Titan, and have traveled through space to the far reaches of our solar system.
Parker Solar Probe
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Rovers are used to maneuver scientific equipment after landing on planets and moons.
Rendition of NASA's 2020 Mars Rover
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Technology of Space Travel
Rockets
The challenge of using rockets to launch scientific equipment - and astronauts - into space now sees us attempting to establish colonies in space.
A rocket is used whenever we want to get something - called a payload - into space. The rocket has a large amount of thrust, and very little drag, in order to break through the Earth's atmosphere.
A rocket is used whenever we want to get something - called a payload - into space. The rocket has a large amount of thrust, and very little drag, in order to break through the Earth's atmosphere.
Space Shuttle Program |
International Space Station |
The space shuttle program also uses rockets for launch, but also relies on having the equipment return to Earth safely for return trips.
Space Shuttle Atlantis
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The International Space Station (ISS) is an attempt to provide a location in space from which to operate without needing to always use rockets to get there.
STS132 Undocking ISS
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Space Travel
Early attempts at space travel were unmanned, or carried animals. In the past 40 years, we have sent humans into space, as well as having them return safely.
International collaboration promotes friendly politics.
International collaboration promotes friendly politics.
Canadian Contributions to Space ExplorationCanadians have aided in space travel by contributing to the development of the International Space Station, as well as work on the Canadarm system for the Space Shuttle, as well as sending astronauts on space missions.
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Canadarm During STS-72 Space Mission
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Rewards of Space Travel
Spinoff Technology
A great deal of technology that was originally invented and designed for use in space has found new purpose on Earth. These spinoff technologies include hundreds of items we use in our day-to-day lives. The list is long, but some examples are
- freeze-dried foods, high-tech running shoes, bicycle helmets, cold weather clothing, light sportswear, sunglasses, insulin pumps, eye examination systems, locator beacons, and self-repairing computers
Space TourismProgress in space travel technology has meant improvements in safety and significantly lowered costs.
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Risks of Space Travel
Equipment Failure
Perhaps more than in any other area, space travelers rely heavily on the equipment used for travel to provide safety.
Two shuttle failures have resulted in the loss of several astronauts.
Two shuttle failures have resulted in the loss of several astronauts.
Hazards From Orbiting Space Debris |
Hazards From Falling Space Debris |
Our equipment is very sensitive to the debris found in space, from large fuel tanks to small flecks of paint.
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Sometimes, this debris can also re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and threaten us on the surface.
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Space Debris
(Lionel et al. 2008. Space Debris, p. 443.)
Unethical Use of Space Resources
Space poses a huge advantages to those who control it, and have access to its resources. Environmental, safety and political concerns can arise if we do not use space ethically.
New Ideas for Interplanetary Travel
To reach farther into space, particularly for manned missions, new methods of transportation will be necessary. Our current space travel technology uses very large amounts of fuel to travel relatively short distances with very few passengers.
Space Sled |
Space Elevator |
The ‘space sled’ uses magnetic technology to help propel a small craft without the use of much fuel.
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A ‘space elevator’ would be very useful for moving people and materials into space without the constant use of rockets.
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Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) System
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Space Elevator - Green Mars
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(Irving, B. 2005. Space Elevator - Green Mars.)
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Videos
- List of Videos with hyperlinks
Check-In - To Be Completed Before Moving On
Let's have a check in. Take the time to answer the questions provided to you; record your answers on the worksheet provided. (You should be able to answer the questions without having to refer to your notes).