Today’s space activities have a number tangible impacts on society through: Communications, Earth Observation, Science, Navigation and Manned Spaceflight. Spacecraft communications is perhaps the most developed commercial space industry. It is different from other terrestrial links through its robustness and controllability. For instance after 9/11 the only non-military communications links that did not crash due to over loading were those provided by satellite service providers. Space communications can be the only method of sending messages in remote areas where there are no landlines in wilderness and some parts of the developing world. Finally space Comms are important for military users, and form a vital technological advantage over terrorists and other less technologically advanced enemies.
Earth Observation is important for weather prediction. It can be shown that the accuracy of weather prediction has noticeably improved with the launching of certain space missions. Earth Observation is very important for environmental science from Oceanography to the study of climatic change, giving information that could not be obtained by other means. Radar missions now offer sub metre resolution in all weathers in all parts of the world. Earth Observation is also important for map making and the planning of trips to remote locations. In terms of military activities missions offer the ability to collect information and plan all means of operations. Spacecraft can also be used for eaves dropping to collect further information.
Science missions fall in to two broad categories: astronomy and exploration. In terms of astronomy and particle physics, space missions have revolutionised our understanding of the universe and led us into the golden age of astronomy, now the fastest progressing fundamental science. Exploration missions to mars and other planets help place humanity in the universe and our superb test beds for cutting edge technology that will be used on commercial missions in the future.
Navigation missions provide important position and timing information for a number of users. Whilst the GPS system was developed for military purposes, the majority of the users are civilian. This ranges for receivers for civilian aircraft to time stamping business transactions by providing the definitive universal time. Future applications would include the incorporation of receivers in mobile phones, so that in the future it may never be possible for individuals to become lost again.
Finally manned spaceflight is the most important and the most expensive. It serves to develop the world’s aerospace industry in all spectrums by providing jobs for the most gifted engineers and scientists. The International Space Station provides a platform for the world to unite and work together to build a project for everyone to take part in. Spaceflight technologies have many technological spin offs as a result of employing the best people to solve the hardest problems. Manned missions also have a direct benefit to medicine by providing more information about the human body in a harsh environment. Finally I believe the future of manned spaceflight is at hand though the development of space tourism. This will finally unlock commercial money rather than government funding to be spent on manned missions.
Mr.
Richard
Broughton
Spacecraft Operations Engineer
EADS Astrium
Professional Category:
Engineering
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