Space exploration has come a long way in recent decades. Today, technology enables us to venture further into the cosmos than ever before, unlocking incredible scientific breakthroughs and promise. Here we explore seven of the most interesting and inspiring space technology advances of our times.
Increased Accessibility
With more and more private companies getting into the space travel and exploration field, access to space travel has never been greater. Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic have made tremendous progress when it comes to reusable rocket technology and have helped bring the cost of space missions down considerably.
Separately, new launch capability from companies like Rocket Lab, Relativity Space and Firefly Aerospace are helping to make space launches more affordable and reliable than before.
Robotics and Automation
Robotics and automation has also increased access to space, with robots and satellites now being used to explore outer space on behalf of humans. Thanks to ground breaking advancements in robotic capabilities from companies such as Maxar Technologies, SpaceX, and Orbital ATK, humans no longer have to rely on pricy in-person missions to explore space.
Robots and satellites can now survey, survey the far reaches of the solar systems remote planets and space. This is a major boon for the progress of space science as robots can go where humans can’t, and often for a fraction of the cost of a human mission.
High-Power Density Batteries
High-power density batteries have enabled us to go further in space by powering spacecraft with electrical energy. This has also made spacecraft lighter, more efficient and easier to operate than before, helping to reduce the costs of existing missions while enabling us to explore further into the unknown. With high- speed power density batteries, computers on board can work faster and smarter than ever before.
New Propulsion Systems
State of the art propulsion systems have helped make space exploration safer, more efficient and cost effective. Many of these propulsion systems are aimed at lower orbit missions, helping to reduce costs associated with deep space exploration. For example, the R-7 engine, developed by Aerojet Rocketdyne and powered by Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and RP-1, is capable of providing up to 8 times the thrust of an engine powered by solid fuel.
Advanced Failure Detection
Space technology has made tremendous leaps forward in terms of detection systems. Detection of problems aboard spacecraft and other spacecraft or parts, enabling authorities to take quick corrective measures to prevent or reduce damages. The ability to detect problems before they become grave or even catastrophic can save lives, preserve missions and helps astronauts reach their goals in a safer environment.
Robust Communications
High-end communications technology has become an integral part of modern space exploration. With robust and reliable communication systems, astronauts are able to communicate with their teams on the ground and each other effortlessly. Technology such as SDR communications, laser and radio-wave communications, Lasercom and advanced optics allow humans to not just share data but accurately position and orientate objects in space.
The Emergence of Private Industry
Since the dawn of space exploration, governments have been the major players in space technology. However, in recent years, private industry has grown significantly due to the advancements made in reusable rocket technology, satellite launches, astronomy and other areas of space technology.
Private industry has made space exploration and science research more accessible, and has opened the door for individuals, companies and organisations to get involved in the space sector. This has helped to bring down costs associated with space missions and has made it possible for more people to explore and research space and the discovery of new Heavenly bodies and phenomena.
Space exploration and technology has come a long way over the last few decades and it continues to grow. As technology advances, so do the possibilities — from the possibility of exploring and discovering new planets, to the potential of using space technologies to make life here on Earth easier and higher quality. The most exiting space technologies of our time provides humanity with the potential to reach greater heights and is boundless.
