Since the late 20th century, humankind has taken a major step into outer space by launching rockets that achieve orbital velocities. Known as space exploration, this journey into the cosmos has played a vital role in promoting innovations and economic development on Earth. Space exploration is also a powerful symbol that demonstrates to people of all nations that they can work together and share resources for the benefit of humanity as a whole.
National governments have supported research in space and on celestial bodies with an eye toward national prestige and economic benefits. Developing a space program is a costly enterprise, with countries vying for status as leaders in the field. A dramatic accomplishment, such as the first lunar landing in 1969, can boost a nation’s prestige and contribute to peace between rivals.
Exploration is often conducted by launching spacecraft into the orbit of other planets or other celestial bodies to observe their features from a distance without being obscured by the atmosphere of the host body. The resulting data contribute to our understanding of celestial bodies, fundamental physics, and the origin of the universe.
Space stations and colonies in orbit and on other worlds require complex, specialized equipment and facilities to provide everything humans need for a successful long-term stay in space. These include production and research facilities such as science laboratories and telescopes, as well as living quarters with sufficient space for privacy. A space station or colony also requires recreation facilities to help astronauts deal with a lower gravity than that of Earth (one-sixth that of the Moon), and may need to have onboard fuel or energy sources.
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