Student Article
Everything You Need to Know About Space Travel (Almost)
Altitude (noun): The height above the Earth's surface.
Nuclear (adjective): Relating to the energy released by splitting atoms.
Propulsion (noun): The force that drives something forward.
Spin-off (noun): A new product or technology developed from something else.
Space travel has come a long way since the first rocket was launched. Let's explore the history, importance, and future of space exploration.
The first rocket to space
The first human-made object to go into space was a German V2 missile launched in 1942, reaching an altitude of 117 miles. After World War II, German rocket scientists helped America and Russia develop rockets capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
The Space Race begins
Russia was the first to reach Earth orbit with Sputnik 1 in 1957. This was followed by Sputnik 2, which carried the first animal, a dog named Laika, into space. The USA joined with Explorer 1 in 1958, and the space race began. Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space in 1961, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon in 1969.
Why space travel matters
Space travel is important for several reasons. It satisfies our curiosity and desire to explore new places. It also advances science by providing new information about the Universe through space telescopes and probes. Mining asteroids and the Moon for rare materials could be beneficial for future technology.
The challenges of deep space travel
Humans might travel to the farthest parts of our Solar System, but interstellar travel is challenging. We need new propulsion technologies, like ion drives and laser propulsion, to make it possible.
Space tech at home?
Space exploration has led to many useful inventions, such as memory foam mattresses, artificial hearts, and WD-40. These spin-off technologies improve our everyday lives.
© Paul Parsons / Our Media
Altitude (noun): The height above the Earth's surface.
Nuclear (adjective): Relating to the energy released by splitting atoms.
Propulsion (noun): The force that drives something forward.
Spin-off (noun): A new product or technology developed from something else.