Importance of space technology
- 2. Introduction Space technology is technology developed by space science or the aerospace industry for use in spaceflight, satellites, or space exploration. With regards to developing as a civilization, expanding the frontiers of Space Technology is essential to the technological development as a population. This is often taken for granted and some governments are cutting back on it because of how costly they perceive it to be. In orbit, there are more than 20,000 satellites, stage 1 shuttle part as well as other metal scraps in the lower orbit of the earth. Project Space Fence has been set out to help clean these up, and recycle the parts. These parts are not just in a dangerously low orbit, but frequently collide with each other to create more debris.
- 3. Why space technology is important? Space technology is important for development for: 1. Traveling efficiently. It takes an inordinate amount of fuel to launch a rocket into space, so scientists are constantly developing new measures to make travel more efficient. These include new fuel types, new materials, and more aerodynamic designs. 2. Traveling safely. NASA engineers also need to make sure the travel is safe for the people on board. That means developing safer, more durable materials for the vehicles and better equipment for the people on board. 3. Improving human health. Astronauts face a variety of tough conditions in space, including low gravity and exposure to radiation. Accordingly, scientists have to incorporate new methods and materials to compensate for these health challenges. 4. Discovering new things. Along the way, researchers are constantly discovering new things about space and Earth-based life we take along for the ride.
- 4. Examples of space related tech ● Arthritis improvement. In one recent study, Rush University paired up with the National Institutes of Health to make space travel easier on astronauts’ joints. Because microgravity conditions take a toll on astronauts’ bodies, scientists need a way to compensate for that damage. Their insights have broader implications for arthritis and joint pain, and could lead to new treatments and technologies to ease that pain. ● Infrared ear thermometers. This commonplace technology was supported by NASA back in 1991, as it relied on the same temperature-taking technology used to measure the temperature of stars and planets.
- 5. Continued... ● Artificial limbs. In an effort to improve the capabilities of its robotic and extravehicular activities, NASA helped fund Environmental Robots Inc.’s breakthrough artificial muscle systems, which also used robotic sensing and actuation. These technologies were used for space exploration, but have also been revolutionary in creating more comfortable, functional prostheses for individuals. ● Baby formula. Baby formula seems removed from space exploration entirely, but it actually arose from a NASA research attempt to determine how microalgae could be used as a nutritional supplement on long trips. This work resulted in the invention of Formulaid, which is now a critical component of most baby formulas. ● Anti-icing tech. NASA is making the skies safer not just for astronauts, but also for everyday travelers. Their research into anti-icing technology has made flying safer for everyone, thanks to new electronic equipment, such as heating components.
- 6. Continued... ● Comfortable mattresses.Temper foam technology originally started as a project to improve the comfortability of astronaut seats. Since then, it’s been used in mattresses, shoes, and football helmets. ● Invisible braces. The material primarily used for invisible braces began life as a component for an advanced missile tracking (transparent polycrystalline alumina—TPA). The material’s ability to absorb light, it’s high strength (stronger than steel), and its smoothness makes it perfect for both applications. ● Water filters. Water and similar supplies present a massive challenge to space travelers. Even in the early days, NASA knew the best way to solve the problem was to recycle water that was being excreted or otherwise wasted—hence water filters, which have since been adopted by commercial companies and further developed for residential use.
- 7. Achievements in space technology 1.World’s first hubble space telescope to replace the old light telescope which gave only a very vague image of space. 2. Successful missions like Apollo 13 and Apollo 11. 3.Establishing International Space Station. 4.The Mars Pathfinder in 1996-97 was more of an experiment to send an unmanned mission to experience the conditions of the Red Planet.
- 8. India’s achievements in space technology 1.Mars Orbiter Mission(MOM) also called Mangalyaan is a space probe orbiting Mars since 24th September,2014. 2.On 18 June 2016, ISRO set a record with a launch of twenty satellites in a single payload, one being a satellite from Google. 3.On 15 February 2017, ISRO launched one hundred and four satellites in a single rocket (PSLV-C37) and created a world record.
- 9. Conclusion We come across a lot of people complaining about wastage of money and time on space technology, recently when Elon Musk’s company Space X launched Falcon Heavy sending Tesla Roadster to space orbit costing around $90 million, half of the people were discussing and were considering it as a waste of money. But the truth is, space exploration technology is incredibly influential and beneficial; not only does space research improve the economy by keeping scientists and engineers employed, it also results in discovery of new technology as well as gadget some of which we use in our everyday lives.