Space Exploration
What Now?
Table of Contents
Space Exploration: Introduction History The Dilemma The Solution Strengths and Weaknesses of the Solution Future Potential of the Solution Works Cited Appendix
The Sun and our Solar System
Space Exploration There is a natural curiosity for man to explore their environment. We are a people who question, explore and stretch our boundaries. As our boundaries widen to the furthest reaches of our universe and beyond, so do the possibilities. Communication, medical, education, weather and geology fields have all benefited from our search to explore the universe. Space exploration inspires, uplifts, and motivates us to reach for the stars. But exploration is vastly expensive and uses up many resources. Can you put a price on possibility? When is the cost too high?
The Space Exploration Program History and the Dilemma
History NASA's birth was directly related to the pressures of national defense. After World War II, space exploration emerged as a major area of contest known as the space race. NASA began to conduct space missions within months of its creation, and during its first twenty years NASA conducted several major programs (NASA History).
Technology
The first cordless power tool was unveiled by Black & Decker in 1961. It was used by NASA and a number of spinoff products came out of that
The astronauts have manufactured miniature electronic parts that could only be produced in space during their experiments in the space stations and space shuttles
The agency has always reflected the changing values of U.S. society, focusing on technological supremacy from its inception in 1958, and adding goals like Earth observation- in 1985, in the wake of climatechange evidence (How Stuff Works). NASA has provided advancements in Medicine, Technology, and Earth Studies Medicine
Metal alloys that are manufactured to be used in spacecraft and space shuttles are also used in the health care industry
The miniature electronic components which were developed for the space program can be used in electronic paincontrol devices that some patients need to use
The implantable insulin pump is based on the mechanical robot arm developed for the Mars Voyager probe
Earth Studies
Minerals buried deep under the Earth's surface can be located using satellites
Precious fossil fuels can be found with the help of satellites
The Dilemma
Funding for NASA has historically been a problem and in this time of high national debt and increased need in other government programs, funding continues to be a problem
NASA has historically been underfunded and generally goes over budget
The Solution Partnership with commercial and government entities can provide opportunities to utilize funds to the most efficient level while accommodating the needs of the new space program. These ideas include:
Because the budget for research and space exploration is a budget allotted and approved by Congress, NASA does not always get the money it needs to accomplish its missions and goals
The business of building and researching new technology necessary for space exploration is expensive and doesn’t always have a monetary pay-off
Because of the end of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA currently has no vehicle to transport astronauts to space.
Using existing resources as a source of revenue o Since the end of the shuttle program, NASA currently has facilities and resources that are not in use o Johnson Space Center currently has an agreement with Boeing for use of part of the JSC facility o This is a good way to bring in revenue for something that NASA no longer has a use for, but could benefit the commercial and private sector
Using commercial entities to provide services where free market is a benefit (cost savings, innovation, competition, time) o Six private companies are in operation that could launch humans into space o NASA is contracting with SpaceX to put astronauts on their flights, which would cost a third of the price of what the Russians currently charge the U.S.
Collaboration within government agencies to reduce waste and to reduce cost for products and services o Instead of NASA looking to itself to fulfill certain needs, NASA can go beyond government and look to
other agencies, industries and companies to provide a wealth of cost saving opportunities o INL has been a conduit between government and private industry
Downsize to increase cost savings without compromising joint goals o Downsizing NASA makes it possible for space exploration to go forward while keeping values and goals intact o NASA’s standard: “To achieve the highest standards in engineering, research, operations, and management in support of mission success, NASA is committed to nurturing an organizational culture in which individuals make full use of their time, talent, and opportunities in pursuit of excellence in both the ordinary and the extraordinary.” (2011 NASA Strategic Plan)
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Solution Strengths
Free Market approach promotes innovation, cost savings and moves quickly Uses existing assets to their full potential allows collaboration within government agencies, facilities and also with commercial interests. Supports new, redefined industry of space travel and exploration.
Weaknesses
If needed services are not profitable, commercial enterprises will not want to provide them Collaboration with existing government agencies may be complicated. Each organization is used to existing and working as a solitary entity. Organizations are resistant to change within their established culture. NASA would undergo a huge culture change and overcoming issues with this culture change may be difficult.
The Future Potential of this Solution NASA has an explorer school that they use to teach kids from the 4th grade up to the 12th grade about space exploration.
NES provides free teaching and learning resources that promote student engagement in science,
At the end of the year, NES recognizes its best teachers and schools with NASA experiences; such as, field center training, research opportunities and flights aboard a reduced-gravity aircraft
(NASA Idaho Space Grant Consoritum. NASA Explorer School. N.D. Web.15 November 2011)
Local Ties to NASA
technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM The project provides opportunities for teachers and students to participate in NASA's mission of research and discovery through inquiry-based experiences directly related to the work of NASA scientists and engineers Throughout the school year, the NES Virtual Campus website will serve as a portal to dynamic learning experiences, allowing students to examine real-world problems and challenges based on NASA research and exploration Classroom activities are coupled with special events featuring interactions with NASA's scientific and technical workforce, so students highlights, new technologies and research findings
The Mars Rover Curiosity
Our local community has a tie with NASA and is key to expanding space exploration. After 9/11, security at Mound Lab in Dayton, Ohio where nuclear batteries were being developed became a problem. The town had built up surrounding the lab and it was difficult to secure. In August 2002, the Idaho National Laboratory was chosen for the new location for research and development of a nuclear space battery. The New Horizons mission in 2006 was the first mission to use a battery from the INL. The New Horizons spacecraft is scheduled to reach Pluto in July 2012. The latest mission to involve the INL is the Mars Rover Curiosity. The nuclear battery developed at the INL, called RTG (radioisotope thermoelectric Generator), is powered by plutonium 238, which gives off heat as it decays. This heat is then converted into electricity used to power the Curiosity rover. This battery is more efficient, and is a better fit for deep space travel. Curiosity was launched from Florida on November 26th and should reach Mars in August 2012.
Works Cited “Benefits of NASA Space Exploration Program.” Helium.com. 2011. 21 November 2011. <http://www.helium.com/items/418725-the-benefits-of-nasas-space-exploration-programsjustify-the-costs> “Man In Space”. Spaceexplorationday.us. 2011. 21 November 2011. <http://www.spaceexplorationday.us/benefits/man-in-space.html> “Space Exploration Benefits”. Buzzle.com. 2011. 21 November 2011. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/space-exploration-benefits.html> Pehrson Web Group. Why Should the U.S. Continue to Pursue the Exploration of Space?. N.D. Web.15 November 2011 Wired Science. Careers in Science: Teacher and Astronaut. 11April 2008. Web.15 November 20. Neighbor Newspapers & Marietta Daily Journal. Tucker NASA Ambassador: Space flight should continue.12 March 2003. Web.15 November 2011. NASA Idaho Space Grant Consoritum. NASA Explorer School. N.D. Web.15 November 2011. “Space Batteries: Reliable Energy for Space Exploration.” INL.gov. 2011. 16 November 2011. <https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=Community Page&parentid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true.> “Why the US Can Beat China: The Facts About SpaceX Costs.” INLportal.inl.gov. 2011.16 November 2011. <https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=Community Page&parentid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true.> “2011 NASA Strategic Plan.” INLportal.inl.gov. 2011. 16 November 2011. <https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=Community Page&parentid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true.> “As Shuttle Retires, a Vote for Commercial Space Flight.” INLportal.inl.gov. 2011. 16 November 2011. <https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=Community Page&parentid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true.> “NASA Leaders Testify on Future of Human Space Exploration.” INLportal.inl.gov. 2011. 16 November 2011.
<https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=Community Page&parentid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true.> “NASA Looks to Uncertain Future.” INLportal.inl.gov. 2011. 16 November 2011. <https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=Community Page&parentid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true.> “NASA’s New Horizons Mission Also a New Horizon for INL. INLportal.inl.gov. 2011. 16 November 2011. <https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=Community Page&parentid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true.> Photos courtesy Google Images.
Appendix Amanda Machen: Writer #1
My name is Amanda Machen. I have grown up in this town for my entire life, with only moving to Rexburg to attend school. I love this community and want what is best for everyone who is here. I have a lot of family and friends from here also, and we are always coming back to enjoy the things that we have grown to love by living in Idaho Falls. Selection of issue: My team chose to look at Space Exploration because of all the benefits that we have learned to care about from Space Exploration. We have become accustomed to new technology, medical advancements, and also learning more about what natural disasters are coming into play before they happen. Team member tasks: I have been assigned the background and advancements of NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Space Exploration. We need to recognize the contributions and advancements we have come to enjoy in our own lives. Strategic research: My sources and research1) http://www.helium.com/items/418725-the-benefits-of-nasas-space-explorationprograms-justify-the-costs 2) http://www.spaceexplorationday.us/benefits/man-in-space.html 3) http://www.buzzle.com/articles/space-exploration-benefits.html Personal reflection: I never realized how much technology and how many other things we owe to space exploration. The information that they gain from going to different planets is used to get a better understanding on how to improve our lives here on Earth. Many people think that NASA is spending too much money on space, but what most donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize is that they are using it for here. NASA is helping to improve cell phones, ovens, and a lot of other things. They are also helping to advance medicine such as cancer and helping people live longer than they are today. I
believe that more people should look into the history and background of NASA before they decide that Space Exploration shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be continued.
Sarah Long: Writer #2
Bio: Sarah Long is currently a student at BYU-Idaho with a minor in Communications. She lives in Iona, Idaho with her husband and four beautiful children. Sarah loves to travel, read good books and spend time with her family. She enjoys teaching piano and sharing her love of music with her students.
Selection of Issue: In our research for possible topics, I came across an article that discussed the issue of the end of the NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shuttle program and the future of space exploration. I thought it was an interesting topic and would be exciting to research so I proposed it to our group. We discussed different topics on our discussion board and decided that this topic would work well to explore the pros and cons. It was not an easily decided issue, and has history and complex components, which makes it fun to debate. Team members on the affirmative as well as the negative side would have plenty of data, statistics and information to back up their argument. In this way it seemed like a great choice for the group projects in this class. Team member tasks: I took the role of writer #2, which included the scope of the problem. My part of the paper included research on the funding problems for NASA, the issue of not having a vehicle to transport astronauts to space, as well as how these problems could be addressed, and a solution to promote the future of the space exploration programs. My interview with the INL Space Nuclear Systems and Technology Division Director, Steve Johnson, brought knowledge of how the future of the space program is a relevant issue locally and members of the community should care about the work the INL does for NASA and the space program. Strategic Research: (by topic) Collaboration:
https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=CommunityPage&paren tid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true “6 Private Companies That Could Launch Humans Into Space.” "As Shuttle Retires, a Vote for Commercial Space Flight." "Commercialization of Space Travel Will Benefit Space Exploration" "Space Exploration Should Be Funded by the Private Sector" “Why The US Can Beat China: The Facts About SpaceX Costs.” Funding: “2011 NASA Strategic Plan.” "As Shuttle Retires, a Vote for Commercial Space Flight." "Commercialization of Space Travel Will Benefit Space Exploration" "Space Exploration Should Be Funded by the Private Sector" “Why The US Can Beat China: The Facts About SpaceX Costs.” Future of Space Exploration: https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1482&parentname=CommunityPage&paren tid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=1332&cached=true “2011 NASA Strategic Plan.” "As Shuttle Retires, a Vote for Commercial Space Flight." “NASA Leaders Testify on Future of Human Space Exploration” "NASA Looks to Uncertain Future." “NASA Proposes Orion Spacecraft Test Flight in 2014, Agency Moves to Implement Deep Space Exploration Plan.” “NASA’s New Horizons mission also a new horizon for INL.” “Space Batteries: Reliable Energy for Space Exploration.” “Why The US Can Beat China: The Facts About SpaceX Costs.” Technological Advances: “NASA’s New Horizons mission also a new horizon for INL.”
“Space Batteries: Reliable Energy for Space Exploration.” “Why The US Can Beat China: The Facts About SpaceX Costs.” Personal Reflection: I have always been interested in NASA and space travel. I think the idea of space travel is inspiring and the technological advances made because of the problem solving issues that space travel brings are extremely valuable. I love to look at the amazing photos from the Hubble and other telescopes. In the recent years I haven’t really been paying attention to what NASA is doing. I’ve heard of a few missions here and there and would maybe watch a program on TV about NASA and what has gone wrong with some of their missions. The projects for this class have allowed me to research a subject that has endless fascination for me. As I heard about the new Mars Rover Curiosity launch, it seemed like our group had perfect timing for this topic. We were able to research an issue that is local, with the INL nuclear battery, but also see the launch of this Rover come to pass. Because of the amazing timing that has come with the launch, I was able to get an interview with Steve Johnson, the INL Space Nuclear Systems and Technology Division Director. Not only was I able to interview him, I was able to do so while he was down in Florida coordinating with NASA to ready the RTG battery for the Curiosity mission. If it had been any other time, I don’t think I would have had such an amazing interview from such a key person in the program. It is all so exciting. Saturday morning I was able to watch the launch of the Rover online. It was awe-inspiring. This is an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life.
Sarah Cantrell: Writer #3
My name is Sarah Stowell. I currently live in Shoshone, Id and have four children. I have been married for eight years to my husband who grew up in this community. As a family we have been a part of this community for six years. My oldest daughter attends kindergarten in this community’s school district. As a parent I want the best programs to be available to all my children as they begin attending school. Our team selected the issue of space exploration because space exploration has made many important contributions to our society. I personally feel that it is important to teach our young school age people about space exploration because it lets them dream and find out that when it comes to our potential, the sky and beyond is the limit.
My task in completing this project was to focus on the educational aspect that space exploration provides for the world. You are never too old to learn about space. The websites I researched are listed below: (Pehrson Web Group. Why Should the U.S. Continue to Pursue the Exploration of Space?. N.D. Web.15 November 2011) (Wired Science. Careers in Science: Teacher and Astronaut. 11April 2008. Web.15 November 20(Neighbor Newspapers & Marietta Daily Journal. Tucker NASA Ambassador: Space flight should continue.12 March 2003. Web.15 November 2011.) (NASA Idaho Space Grant Consoritum. NASA Explorer School. N.D. Web.15 November 2011) As I have been doing research for this book I have realized the importance of space exploration and the impact it has on the education of our children. Through all the research I have done I have realized just how important these two things are. They go hand in hand. Without education there would be no drive to explore new things. Curiosity is a big factor in learning and in exploration. It also drives us to make new findings in technology and other things. There are still so many things to learn about space that it would be a shame to quit exploring it. You never know how learning about something like space will affect a child. It may drive them to become the next astronaut who makes a great discovery in space.
KaReena Smith: Editor
Bio: KaReena is a senior at Brigham Young University-Idaho, and is expecting to graduate in April of 2012. She and her husband, Brian, have been married for twelve years. They live in the Idaho Falls, Idaho area, and are the proud parents of two children, Lydia, six, and Daxton, eight. She works part-time as a payroll clerk at a company in Idaho Falls. KaReena loves to read, write, spend time with her family, and garden. She also enjoys volunteering at her childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school. Selection of the Issue: From the beginning of this project Sarah Long and I had discussed picking a topic that light and enjoyable. The idea of taking on a large semester on abortion or capital punishment seemed like a difficult task. When Sarah suggested the NASA program we all agreed with the idea, which I am grateful for, because it has been truly interesting. Sarah
Cantrell has a good base on education, so she took that section. Amanda found some great information on the history of our topic. Sarah Long had a great interview to help us understand more clearly what is at stake, and what the issues are in regard to this subject. My task in this project has been to put the book together. I came up with the design of the book, and I was able to pick and choose what information to put into our book. I collaborated with the other ladies in my group in the exact direction we were going to take with this, and it helped to have a more cohesive assignment. Research Guide: All pictures courtesy of Google Images What I learned: This has been an amazing journey. I have so enjoyed learning more about the universe, and how little we still know. There is a vast amount of knowledge and understanding that we have learned from the space exploration program, and it has given us a great deal in our daily lives. I have never really enjoyed science, but this is an area where I am totally enthralled. I have always loved seeing the pictures from space, and this project has given me the opportunity to learn more about what all these pictures are, and what we are able to learn from them. It discourages me a bit that funding is such a problem in the exploration of our universe, but I believe that there are some options that could help curtain the huge costs associated with space exploration.