Reimagining the horizons: Space agencies’ goals for human space exploration

Catho Schoenmaekers, Angelique Van Ombergen, Sharmila Bhattacharya, Didier Chaput, Valérie Gil, Katrin Stang, Sarah Baatout

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    Human space exploration, a remarkable achievement, showcases our
    curiosity and commitment to innovation. From gazing at stars to advanced
    space travel, originating in the Cold War era, the Space Race began with the Soviet launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 1. Yuri Gagarin’s orbit in 1961 and
    Apollo 11’s Moon landing in 1969 marked iconic moments 2,3. Advancements
    continued with space shuttles, stations, and global cooperation like the
    International Space Station (ISS). Milestones include the Space Shuttle
    program, Hubble Telescope, and robotic exploration of planets. Technologies
    developed benefit life on Earth. Looking forward, human space exploration
    aims for Mars missions, commercial space travel, and exploration of distant
    moons and asteroids 4. The quest for knowledge ensures an ever evolving
    and captivating chapter in humanity’s story.
    Driven by human curiosity and the pursuit of the unknown, space exploration
    finds its rationale in scientific, economic, and existential motivations.
    Scientifically, space exploration provides a unique point of view to study
    celestial bodies, their compositions, and its effect on human physiology 5–12.
    Economic prospects include resource utilisation and technological
    advancements, with the potential for mining valuable minerals from asteroids
    or the Moon 13–16. This addresses resource shortages and fosters economic
    growth on Earth.
    In recent years, a profound shift has driven human space exploration to the
    forefront of global priorities. This transformation, driven by technological
    advances and the commercialization of space travel, has turned what was
    once a niche pursuit into an unprecedented focus for public and private
    investment 17. The shift towards prioritising human space exploration also
    arises from a heightened awareness of Earth’s finite resources and the
    imperative for sustainable alternatives 18,19.
    International collaborations, exemplified by organisations like NASA, ESA,
    and private entities forming global partnerships, have further reshaped the
    narrative around space exploration. This collaborative spirit not only expands
    the scale of space missions but also promotes unity and shared responsibility
    beyond geopolitical boundaries. Governments, private enterprises, and global
    alliances continue to prioritise human space exploration, setting the stage for
    a defining chapter in the story of human progress and resilience.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationISGP Annual Meeting, 2023
    Place of PublicationAntwerp, Belgium
    PublisherFrontiers
    Pages176-179
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Print)9782832512470
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jul 2023
    Event2023 - 42nd Annual ISGP Meeting: international society for gravitational physiology - Antwerpen
    Duration: 2 Jul 20237 Jul 2023
    https://www.isgp-space.org/isgp2023/

    Conference

    Conference2023 - 42nd Annual ISGP Meeting
    Country/TerritoryBelgium
    CityAntwerpen
    Period2023-07-022023-07-07
    Internet address

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