I believe that space activities are impacting and will be impacting society through:
* gaining basic and applied scientific knowledge and extending the possibilities of humankind;
* creating the global system of space services ( communications, broadcasting, weather forecasting, observation, navigation, in perspective;
* space tourism), which will be widely available as much as possible;
* promotion of progress in the fields of science and technology related to evolution of astronautics;
* technological transfer to other industries (material, electronics, fuel cells, automation …);
* furthering knowledge.
Real progress in astronautics withstands anti scientific tendencies and ideas impeding the mankind progress. So the use of space capabilities and popularization of achievements in space science and technology are essential to educational programs. Space activities are a key element of efforts being pursued to guarantee the security of populations in worldwide, predict and mitigate the impact of natural hazards, including space threat.
Over the past 50 years space activities with its hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, and services to millions of people all over the world have become an important sphere of the world economy. I am convinced it will be developed and succeeded. Consider the outlook for space activities.
Its main lines have just formed: communications, science, Earth observation, launchers. Undoubtedly, they will be boosted, offering new knowledge, capabilities, and services.
Advanced problems are:
* for communications: creation of cheaper telecommunications and data transfer, ''Internet in the sky'';
* for Earth observation :prediction of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, climatic phenomena;
* for launchers : reusable transportation space systems, space tourism;
* for science: general cosmology (for example, the problem on "dark matter'', general planetology, including SETI, search of planets in the environment of another stars).
Among new avenues for space research are the advanced works related to exploration of the Moon and Mars. Major "negative" impacts of space activities are their high prices and potential ability of taking up a great number of resources needed for activities on Earth. That is the reason that this aspect will determine Moon/Mars manned missions and exploration of these planets. Using automated spacecraft, studies of space, Earth and planets will be developed, and will contribute to a better understanding the fundamental scientific laws and improving security and standard of living on Earth. Ultimately, the success of space activities over the next decade will depend on solution of global problems of mankind and real contribution of astronautics to solution of these problems. In any case, astronautics will be developed under limited resources and budget constraints conditions. Environmental effects will be able to be the most crucial challenge facing a number of advanced space technologies: nuclear power, solar power plants, projects of arctic region illumination. Requirements on utilization of space techniques and prevention of space contamination will be greater. Limited planetary resources and requirements on global security will aggravate the evident tendency in the last decade for a coordination of space policy and optimization of space activities through international cooperation. International institutions (primarily, United Nations) and leading space powers, possessing a world-class space industry and technologies, will be a driving force in this process. Among them is Ukraine which will pursue its efforts to develop its space activities for the benefit of society through closer international cooperation in its scientific, economical, and social interests and for good of the world community.
From my practical experience and professional skills in the fields of space technologies, rocket engines, and in my opinion conventional rocket engines, liquid/solid rocket engines will be the main facilities for space launching although other types of propulsion will play an increasing role. Creation of reliable and efficient combined cycle propulsion will enable to build reusable launchers and cut the cost of access to space, giving new avenues for activities. As to nuclear propulsion, its development will be determined by solution of environment and safety problems, almost having most political impact on nuclear engineering.
Prof.
Viktor
V.
Pylypenko
President
Prydniprovsk Scientific Center of the National Academy of Sciences
Professional Category:
Physical Sciences
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