Robots Will Continue to Be the Focus

Robots Will Continue to Be the Focus

Robots Will Continue to Be the Focus - There have been many new developments in the world of space exploration recently. The discovery of the massive star R136a1 is further proof of how small and young Earth and humanity are compared to the vast unknown. Advances in technology open the window of opportunity to travel farther and explore longer without having to venture off of the planet. The UK Space Agency has been developing the country's space program in the last few years to investigate the universe. But, unlike other nations who have ventured into the immense cosmos, Britain will do so without astronauts.

Though the overall expense of space exploration has decreased after years of development, refinement and research, the cost of such expeditions continues to cost hundreds of millions. To finance the training, outfitting and supplying of a human team for a journey into outer space is not as cost effective as sending equipment alone. Computers and other technology are capable of travelling without environmental and time constrictions. Astronauts remain in space for a couple of weeks, whereas remote controlled technology can orbit for months, travel farther and gather more useful data.

The US Air Force recently launched the X-37B, an unmanned craft equipped with various instruments and satellites which are scheduled to be tested in the atmosphere. Future hopes include establishing remote laboratories that will be controlled and operated around the clock from the safety of Earth. Previously, the British Space Organization has received assistance from the European Space Agency or NASA for exploration endeavours, but now are proudly capable to go it alone.

Though national space programs may be sending fewer astronauts into space, entrepreneurs have developed the means to escape the planet's gravity. Sir Richard Branson and partner Burt Rutan recently unveiled the VSS Enterprise, a miniaturized version of the space shuttle. The project will appease private individuals who long to experience orbiting the atmosphere. The VSS will carry 6 passengers and 2 pilots on a journey of a lifetime.

The Virgin Galactic is designed to be escorted into space with the assistance of a mother craft, which when joined, resembles three airplanes side by side. Once the transport reaches a predetermined altitude, the VSS detaches and climbs to over 15,000m from the planet. Passengers onboard will endure the treacherous G-forces and weightlessness that up until now only highly trained astronauts have experienced. The craft will travel in an arc path and descend back into Earth's atmosphere. The elaborate venture will be limited to those who can afford the £155,000 price tag.