Humans have an indefinite desire to explore the unknown and push their boundaries to discover new frontiers. Space exploration has allowed humans to test the limits of technology and understand the place of our planet in the solar system. However, the exploration of the cosmic world still remains debatable as some believe that the resources spent on space technology could be used to solve existing problems on Earth such as poverty. Conversely, space technology is the catalyst to form other technologies and innovations that are beneficial to our society. For example, the first satellite, 'Sputnik', used to study the orbital measurements of earth had provided new knowledge to develop satellites that are used for telecommunication, navigation
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In addition to this, space technology has helped to form strong partnerships with different nations through collaborations such as the International Space Station(ISS) to solve global challenges. It has also given rise to a new cultural aspect by introducing a new perspective to humanity in the solar system. (NASA, …show more content…
This left the Americans with deep concern about the national security. David Dwight Eisenhower, 34th president of the USA, was interested in collecting information about their enemy's military force. He sent illegal over flight troops to photograph the soviet union forces above Vladivostok, Russia. However, his plan was unsuccessful as they were caught by the Soviet union fighters. In order to keep the soviet union under continuous surveillance of the USA, Eisenhower decided to embark on a project to launch an artificial satellite. While the plans for the launch of an artificial satellite were carried under deep national secrecy, Eisenhower passed the law of freedom of space in May 1955 to legalise space exploration. He also announced an International Geophysical Year to launch a man-made satellite to study the orbital measurements of the Earth. However, within days the Russians announced the launch of the first man-made satellite into space. On 4 October 1957, the first artificial satellite, 'Sputnik', was launched by the Russians to understand orbital capabilities. On 31 January 1958, the Americans launched their first communication satellite, 'The Explorer'. By 1991, more than 130 international organizations formed control Intelsat that provided near Earth coverage. Today there are 1100 functional satellites launched into space for varied purposes. (Dickson,
In addition to this, space technology has helped to form strong partnerships with different nations through collaborations such as the International Space Station(ISS) to solve global challenges. It has also given rise to a new cultural aspect by introducing a new perspective to humanity in the solar system. (NASA, …show more content…
This left the Americans with deep concern about the national security. David Dwight Eisenhower, 34th president of the USA, was interested in collecting information about their enemy's military force. He sent illegal over flight troops to photograph the soviet union forces above Vladivostok, Russia. However, his plan was unsuccessful as they were caught by the Soviet union fighters. In order to keep the soviet union under continuous surveillance of the USA, Eisenhower decided to embark on a project to launch an artificial satellite. While the plans for the launch of an artificial satellite were carried under deep national secrecy, Eisenhower passed the law of freedom of space in May 1955 to legalise space exploration. He also announced an International Geophysical Year to launch a man-made satellite to study the orbital measurements of the Earth. However, within days the Russians announced the launch of the first man-made satellite into space. On 4 October 1957, the first artificial satellite, 'Sputnik', was launched by the Russians to understand orbital capabilities. On 31 January 1958, the Americans launched their first communication satellite, 'The Explorer'. By 1991, more than 130 international organizations formed control Intelsat that provided near Earth coverage. Today there are 1100 functional satellites launched into space for varied purposes. (Dickson,