Why is exploration of the universe important

In fact, NASA is behind many of the technologies we use today. Join us as we look at some of the benefits of space exploration on daily life. Space scientists study the entire universe, but they also study the Earth as part of that universe and try to figure out how it fits into the vast framework of solar systems and galaxies.

Studying outer space has given scientists many insights into our own planet that we would not have otherwise had. The study of space has many branches, including cosmology, astrophysics, planetary science, and astrobiology. While each of these branches aims to determine what is going on in the vast worlds beyond Earth, the conclusions and discoveries made in these areas have also informed scientists about our own planet in important ways as well.

Knowing about our cosmic origins helps us understand how we came to be as well as how we might impact the universe now and in the future. Studying outer space takes a great deal of creativity, problem-solving and ingenuity—skills that have benefitted humanity over the past few decades. All these experiments being handled by astronauts inside the ISS will be re-used in the near future to improve not only the medical sectors, but many others as well.

The EDEN ISS project, meanwhile, aims to develop ways to cultivate food crops in extraterrestrial environments in order to provide food for the ISS and, eventually, for space exploration vehicles and planetary outposts. Space travel is a great opportunity to test the circular economy.

Yes, of course — and I love it. Like many other kids, I used to gaze at the stars on summer evenings and dream of voyages into space. Dick or Ray Bradbury. In any case, this fascination with space exploration is helping drive great strides in our knowledge. In , an ExoMars spacecraft will be launched on a seven-month journey to the Red Planet.

The aim of the mission is to land a a rover on the surface of Mars to search for signs of past life. Moon exploration is also key, because it will serve as a forward base for human missions to deep space. Leveraging its long-standing experience in orbital infrastructures, robotics, space transportation systems and exploration, Thales Alenia Space has become a leading partner, providing 3 pressurised modules for the lunar Gateway space station.

We are also providing the backbone of the spaceship that will take the next man - and the first woman - to the Moon, while studying an innovative human landing vehicle and future solutions to guarantee a permanent human presence on the lunar surface. It certainly does! When combining both human and robotic exploration methods we will use technology and our senses to increase our ability to observe, adapt, and uncover new knowledge.

The first step in embarking on a long and challenging journey involves laying solid groundwork for a successful endeavor. The International Space Station serves as a national laboratory for human health, biological, and materials research, as a technology test-bed, and as a stepping stone for going further into the solar system. On the International Space Station we will improve and learn new ways to ensure astronauts are safe, healthy and productive while exploring, and we will continue expand our knowledge about how materials and biological systems behave outside of the influence of gravity.

NASA will continue its unprecedented work with the commercial industry and expand an entire industry as private companies develop and operate safe, reliable and affordable commercial systems to transport crew and cargo to and from the International Space Station and low Earth orbit.

Operating in translunar space, NASA can research galactic cosmic radiation—potentially the most threatening element to humans exploring deep space—and develop mitigation strategies that may also lead to medical advancements on Earth. The Lagrange points—places in cislunar space where the gravitational influences of the Earth and moon cancel each other out—are advantageous areas for exploration and research in which almost no propulsion is required to keep an object or spacecraft stationary.

Missions to translunar space will give NASA and its partners the opportunity to develop tools and operational techniques to support decades of future exploration, while remaining in relative proximity to Earth. Asteroids are believed to have formed early in our solar system's history—about 4. By visiting these near Earth objects to study the material that came from the solar nebula, we can look for answers to some of humankind's most compelling questions, such as: how did the solar system form and where did the Earth's water and other organic materials such as carbon come from?

In addition to unlocking clues about our solar system, asteroids may provide clues about our Earth. By understanding more about asteroids we may learn more about past Earth impacts and possibly find ways to reduce the threat of future impacts. Future robotic missions to asteroids will prepare humans for long-duration space travel and the eventual journey to Mars.

Robotic missions will provide reconnaissance information about asteroid orbits, surface composition, and even return samples to Earth for further evaluation. These robotic missions are a critical step in preparing humans to visit asteroids where we will learn about the valuable resources available in space, and further develop ways to use them in our quest for more efficient and affordable exploration.

Mars has always been a source of inspiration for explorers and scientists.