Space exploration

From ArticleWorld

Space exploration is the term used for the physical exploration of space. This term includes all the issues associated with technologies, science and politics for the exploration of space. The first major step into space exploration was in 1957 when the USSR launched the first man-made object to orbit the Earth. Following this several other ventures into space were successful. These are highlighted by the first man in space occurring in 1961, the first space walk in 1965 and the first moon landing in 1969.These initial strides in space exploration have now resulted in the move towards renewable hardware such as the Space Shuttle. There is also now cooperation between the major countries involved in space travel. Tourism is also being evaluated as space travel can be a candidate as a new destination for adventurous travelers.

Reaching space

Space is considered as everything above 60 miles or in some cases above 50 miles. There are several methods for achieving spaceflight. There is however a clear distinction between sub-orbital and orbital spaceflights. In orbital spaceflight the spacecraft goes around the Earth in space at an angular velocity that is sufficient to cancel the effect of the Earth's gravity force. A sub-orbital spacecraft could achieve speeds higher than that of an orbital one with greater heights but the difference remains in the achievement of a closed orbit. This travel straight up will not achieve a closed orbit.

First flights

The first satellite launched into orbit around Earth was "Sputnik I" in 1957. This emitted beeps that could be heard by any radio around the world. These signals were used for the collection of data on the ionosphere and pressure and temperature readings were encoded in the duration of the beeps. This satellite however was destroyed on reentry into the Earth's atmosphere in 1958.

The first human in space was in 1961 in a spacecraft called "Vostok I" with Yuri Gagarin. This spacecraft completed one orbit around the Earth and lasted about one hour and forty-eight minutes. This flight opened the doors to a new era in space eploration, the use of manned flights.