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Benefits of space exploration essay
Space exploration benefits
Benefits of space exploration essay
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It has long been said that the exploration of the cosmos should be secondary to the resolution of the problems on the planet Earth. However, as scientists and engineers reach further and further out into the reaches of the stars, they gain equally substantial insight into how to solve problems on Earth. Most people are ignorant to the potential gains the human race could make from exploring space. In fact, engineers have developed different ways to adapt technology from the space program to solve prevalent issues on Earth. Though the examples are plentiful, for the purposes of this paper, I will be focusing on a particular development in aquifer-detecting radar [1]. As one of the greatest challenges in today’s world is to find a way to provide clean water to the masses, finding a new, reliable source of water could be seen as a major breakthrough [2], [3].
SPACE TECHNOLOGY ADAPTED TO SOLVE EARTHLY PROBLEM
In the context of space exploration, finding water on another planet is one of the first steps to finding life. Many millions of dollars have been invested in engineering an effective technology to find water sources below the surface of a planet [3]. As a major problem in the world today is providing fresh water to Earth’s population, finding underground fresh-water sources could be a large step in achieving a solution [1]. Engineers have adapted Mars technology to do just that. This radar system is based on NASA’s Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface ad Ionospheric Sounding (MARSIS) [3]. Mounted on a helicopter, this system is an important step to helping geologists map the underground aquifer systems that have been largely untapped [3]. The human race could soon access an entirely new water source that can even be extract...
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[4] W. S. Bainbridge. (2009, Oct.) “Motivations for Space Exploration.” Futures. p. 514-522.
[5] D. Majors. (2009, July 20). “From cell phones to computers, technology from NASA’s space program continues to touch everyday life.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. [Online Article] Available: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09201/985039-51.stm
[6] D. Biccari, O. Bombaci, D. Calabrese, M. Cartacci, A. Cicchetti, S. M. Clifford. (2005, Dec. 23). “Radar soundings of the subsurface of Mars.” Science. p. 1925.
[7] G. Steyl, I. Dennis. (2010). “Review of coastal-area aquifers in Africa.” Hydrology Journal. p. 217-225.
[8] F. Guteri, M. Carmichael. (2002, June 10). “Water, Water Everywhere.” Newsweek. p. 41.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
J. Kluger. (2004, March 15). “The Blueberries of Mars.” Time. p. 74-75.
J. Oberg. (2005, Jan.). “MARSIS: shake, rattle, and roll.” Astronomy. p. 28.
Technology is evolving and growing as fast as Moore’s Law has predicted. Every year a new device or process is introduced and legacy devices becomes obsolete. Twenty years ago, no one ever thought that foldable and paper screens would be even feasible. Today, although it isn’t a consumer product yet, foldable and paper screens are a reality. Home automation, a more prominent example of new technologies that were science fiction years ago are now becoming an integral part of life. As technology and its foothold in today’s world grows, its effects on humanity begin to show and much more prominently than ever. In his essay, O.k. Glass, Gary Shteyngart shows the effects of technology in general and on a personal note. Through the use of literary
middle of paper ... ...2014. The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. The "NASA History" Congressional Digest 90.7 (2011): 196-224. Academic Search Premier -. Web.
4. Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWR): These radars systems detect targets near the horizon, early in the ballistic missi...
McQuaid, Kim. The Space Age at the Grass Roots: NASA in Cleveland, 1958-1990. (2006): 114, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40643956 (accessed April 18, 2014).
Reading, Gwem. "Radar Operator in WW2." Letter. 8 Nov. 2003. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. BBC WW2 People's War. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.
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Africa has a regular coastline characterized by few indentations. Because of the smooth coastline, natural harbors were non-existent. Today, however, there are important coastal cities, such as Lagos and Dakar. With the exception of the Mediterranean coast, most of the coastline is low-lying , generally narrow and rising sharply to high elevations. The African climate and topography varies greatly. Although temperatures are usually high, due to being so close to the equator, rainfall, soil quality and elevations are of various degrees. Because most of the African continent has not been covered by water for millions of years, soils have developed according to their weathering e...
Science and technology go hand in hand. Scientific discoveries result in technology advancements for the people. In today’s technological world, it has progressed to a whole new level. This type of modernization opened doors for new and improved computers, cell phones, medical treatment, and machinery. In a reference article, “Computers and the Internet in America: Modern World” by Christopher Cumo, he discusses how computers and the internet have impacted human life since the 20th century. Technology has always been a part of society and as
Works Cited Attoh, Samuel Aryeetey, ed. Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa. 3 rd. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc., 2010. Book.
Bailey, P., & Worthington, N. (n.d.). History and Applications of HAARP Technologies: The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program. Pegasus Research Consortium. Retrieved April 25, 2011, from http://www.thelivingmoon.com/45patrick_bailey/03files/HAARP97.html
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