© Boardworks Ltd 20151 of 9

© Boardworks Ltd 20152 of 9

How is space observed?

Humans have observed space for the last 5,000 years.

The view from optical telescopes is affected by the Earth’s atmosphere and light pollution.

Astronomy was revolutionised 400 years ago when the optical telescope was invented.

The optical telescope allowed scientists to see more of the Universe than ever before.

They are often located on high ground in very remote areas to minimise these effects.

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What is the Hubble Space Telescope?

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a satellite in orbit around the Earth. It was deployed from the Space Shuttle Discovery on 24 April 1990.

The HST is outside the Earth’s atmosphere and does not experience the same interference as Earth-based telescopes.

This means that its images of the Universe are much more detailed than images observed from Earth.

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What about crewed space missions?

Since humans first travelled into space in 1961, crewed space missions have played an important part in space exploration.

Crewed missions are very expensive and put lives at risk. The Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters are tragic reminders of the dangers involved.

In total, 15 astronauts and 4 cosmonauts have been killed in space missions.

However, atmospheric pressure, distance and temperature all limit the places that humans can visit.

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What about uncrewed space missions?

Uncrewed space probes can travel further and endure more intense conditions than humans can.

Despite this, many people believe that a human geologist would still be more effective than any number of robots.

Astronauts need constant supplies of food and air on space missions. Imagine the size of the storage space that would be needed to take a human far out into space.

Some, like the Martian Rovers, have been so successful that they have had their missions extended.

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Advantages of space probes

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The future of space exploration

As a result of these goals crewed missions to Mars can become a reality. However, in order to fund these plans, projects like the Hubble Space Telescope have to be cut back.

In 2005, new goals were set out for NASA:

develop a new spacecraft return to the Moon by 2020.

complete the International Space Station by 2010

What do you think the future of space exploration should be?

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Could humans live in space colonies?

In order for humans to survive long term in space, sustainable artificial environments need to be built.

The results of these experiments may one day prepare the way for more complex structures such as permanent Moon bases, or maybe even space colonies.

The International Space Station is home to a crew of at least two astronauts.

They conduct research and perform experiments about the long-term effects of living in space.

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