TITLE: SPACE EXPLORATION
Introduction
Space exploration can be defined as the efforts and endeavors aimed at discovering different celestial bodies and learning more about them by use of various technological equipment. From various journeys and missions dedicated to locating distant celestial bodies, exploration of space has driven scientists into a unique form of curiosity and imagination as to what mysteries and wonders possibly lie outside of our planet. This is what has motivated the development of advanced technology systems capable of conducting such research.
Body
To begin, one way space exploration has been able to take place is through the utilization of various equipment such as rockets. These power-driven machines make use of propellants which get burned in the engine of the rocket This then produces a thrust that propels the rocket into space. Most rocket engines turn the fuel into hot gas. The gas is pushed to the back of the rocket which then propels it into space. Since rocket engines do not rely on oxygen, they are fully able to operate in space where there is no air. Most rockets apply Isaac Newton's law of motion which states that with every action is an equal and opposite reaction. When the rocket pushes backward on its exhaust, the exhaust pushes the rocket forward and propels it into space emitting a huge thrust beneath the rocket. One way rockets are used in space exploration is that they serve as launch vehicles for satellites. These launch vehicles contain fuel tanks and engines necessary to produce enough velocity to achieve a successful take-off into space. Rockets are also utilized in the collection and return of valuable samples from extraterrestrial bodies such as the moon and asteroids. The samples could range from atmospheric gases to rocks and soil. The collection of these samples allows scientists to conduct more advanced tests into the origin of these celestial bodies and provide valuable information that governments can use to educate the public. Some major companies such as NASA have made use of rockets because they can safely transport astronauts into space along with different cargo and measuring equipment.
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To add on, another way space exploration has been able to take place is by the use of space telescopes. These are large observatory tools launched into space to identify astronomical bodies and events. These types of telescopes operate similarly to normal ground-based telescopes, but they have better advantages. Space telescopes are placed to orbit the Earth at specific points where they would be able to maintain a stable trajectory to the position of the Earth and Sun. They come equipped with lenses that work by focusing light from other celestial bodies such as the sun. The bigger the lens, the more light the telescope can gather. That light is what we see when we look into the telescope. These lenses furthermore come with specialized coatings that maximize how efficiently the telescope can gather light. Space telescopes come equipped with scientific instruments such as spectrographs and cameras that analyse light from celestial objects. These instruments capture and measure the brightness of celestial bodies such as the stars, the moon, and other planets and analyse the constituents of their light to determine the temperature, chemical composition, and diameter of these celestial objects. Once these scientific types of equipment gather the necessary data, it is then converted into signals sent back to the earth through radio waves. Most space telescopes possess high-frequency radio transmitters capable of transmitting signals to ground-based control centres where data is relayed for scientific investigators to analyze.
Furthermore, space exploration has been able to occur through the use of orbiters. This can be defined as a spacecraft launched into space to orbit a celestial body without the need to land on its surface. Once the orbiter is launched in space, it is already equipped with remote-sensing equipment meant to capture high-resolution images of the celestial object they are orbiting. The orbiter works by capturing high-resolution images on the geological structure of bodies such as planets. It also records data such as temperature, humidity, and pressure of the atmosphere in bodies such as the moon to further give scientists an idea of how these celestial bodies have changed over the years. The orbiters are also equipped with magnetometers and spectrometers that keep track of any climate changes and atmospheric processes that may occur during the process of orbiting. Apart from keeping track of atmospheric processes, orbiters also provide long-term tracking of any other planetary resources such as mineral compositions of planets, the existence of plant life and other life forms on planets, water, and signs of volcanic activity. This permits scientists to record data and take note of any seasonal changes happening in those celestial bodies.
To add on, another valuable tool used in observing space is the spectrometer, an instrument that readily measures spectral components of a physical happenstance. However, in the context of space exploration, it is a tool that keeps track of the physical properties of light across different wavelengths. It operates through the use of an entrance slit which captures and measures the amount of light entering the spectrometer. The spectrometer is also capable of identifying the spectra of space objects such as the moon, comets, and asteroids. By analysing these components, it enables scientists to deduce the specific chemical elements contained in celestial bodies. Crucial elements such as Helium, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen direct scientists in their understanding of how these celestial bodies evolved and if there are any life forms present in them. Spectrometers moreover play a role in studying the atmosphere of planets. They measure how abundant a specific gas is in that planet, they keep track of the amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere all while sending this data back to scientists through ground-based relay stations for further and in-depth analysis. Spectrometers are also utilized by scientists to investigate cosmic background radiation, a type of residual heat that was left behind due to the occurrence of the Big Bang. The spectrometer works by focusing on a spectrum of cosmic background radiation, recording its fluctuations in temperature and heat, and sending this data back to scientists who are then able to deduce theories of what the universe contains.
Moreover, one way space exploration has been able to take place is by the use of rovers, Rovers are ground-based machinery designed to navigate on tough terrain on the surface of a planetary body. Some rovers operate as land vehicles whereas some are fully automated robots that operate by use of commands. Rovers are equipped with drills and sample collection gear which are used to collect physical tangible samples from the ground such as soil and rocks. The samples are then subjected to analysis by the use of onboard mass spectrometers. The analysis is conducted and valuable insights are generated to allow scientists to understand the chemical and mineral composition of the planet's surface. The rovers also serve the role of identifying any signs of past or present life on planets. They operate by examining different rock samples for microbial life. They also investigate areas with any present waterbodies such as lakes for any signs of existence, once the data is collected, it is sent to scientists who can conduct further tests to deduce which planets could be potentially habitable outside of Earth.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is evident that there have been numerous technological techniques and attempts aimed at trying to investigate space and what it comprises of, in the long run, if these techniques are maintained and sustained, they could serve as the potential for the discovery of other habitable planets and possibly other life forms outside of our planet.
References
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