Space has always fascinated mankind. The moon is the only natural satellite of earth and the nearest celestial body to us. It was considered an artificial object until 1609, when Galileo discovered its craters through his telescope. Today, there are hundreds of space exploration facts to mesmerize us.
We celebrate a whole week dedicated to space exploration called World Space Week. It is celebrated every year from October 4-10. The day also marks the anniversary of Sputnik 1, the first man-made satellite to be launched into outer space.
World Space Week 2022 is titled ''Space and Sustainability'', chosen to highlight the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while the theme for the previous year was ''Women in Space''. Over 90 countries are participating in World Space Week this year to celebrate sustainability in space and from space.
Space Industry Worldwide: Facts and Statistics
The space economy refers to all the economic activity related to the production and launch of satellites and spacecraft. The industry was worth $423,8 billion in 2019 and included the following:
- Research and Exploration: The research and development of new space technologies is an essential aspect of the space industry. It includes designing, building, and testing spacecraft and satellites.
- Communication Activities: Activities related to consumer television also come under this category. The communication satellites relay television signals from one place to another. It comprises 26% of the space economy. However, the share is expected to grow to 50% by 2040.
- Manufacturing: It includes the manufacturing of spacecraft and satellites.
- Ground Stations: Ground stations are used to track and communicate with spacecraft. They are also used for data collection and analysis.
The total global governments investment in space exploration is $24,8 billion (2022). In 2017, there were 33 commercial space launches in the world.
A space launch is essentially sending a satellite or any other payload into orbit using a rocket. The two types of space launches are:
- Piggyback Launch: A piggyback launch is when a small satellite hitches a ride with a larger rocket. Such a launch is less expensive and offers a shorter wait time.
- Stand-Alone Launch: A stand-alone launch is when a rocket is built specifically for a satellite.
Commercial space launches are expected to grow in the coming years as the demand for satellites increases. Currently, there are 4.852 satellites in orbit, and the number is expected to grow in the near future.
Major Players in Space Economy
One of the most exciting space exploration facts is about the major players in the space industry. The United States has the largest share of the space economy, followed by China and Russia.
NASA's total budget is $24 billion. The funding is used for various purposes, such as space exploration, research and development, and technology development.
Meanwhile, the budget for the European Space Agency is 7,15 billion euros, while that for Airbus Defense and Space is $7,27 billion.
Airbus Defense and Space is a leading manufacturer of satellites and spacecraft. It is also involved in the research and development of new space technologies.
The company has a significant share in the global space industry and is one of the major players in the field.
What's Next for Space Exploration?
The future of space exploration is exciting. There are many missions planned for the coming years, such as the Mars 2020 mission, which will focus on exploring the habitability of Mars and searching for signs of ancient life.
Other missions will focus on understanding the origins of the universe, studying dark matter and dark energy, and searching for Earth-like planets around other stars.
In addition, there are plans to send humans to Mars in the 2030s. It would be an incredible accomplishment for humanity to walk on the Martian surface and open up a new era of exploration.
Interesting Insights Into Space Tourism
Space tourism, being a burgeoning industry, is still in its early stages. Commercial space travel has yet to become routine, and there are still many unknowns about the risks and rewards of venturing into space.
Nevertheless, several private companies are already offering space tourism packages, and the industry is expected to increase in the coming years.
There are many reasons why people might want to go into space. Some might be curious about what it's like to float weightlessly and experience the vastness of the universe firsthand.
Others might be motivated by a desire to push the boundaries of human achievement or to make a statement about the importance of space exploration. Whatever the reasons, it's clear that there is a strong demand for commercial space travel.
In fact, the estimated orbital space tourism market revenue is 555 million (2030, up from 385 million in 2021) globally. Moreover, in a 2021 survey, US adults said that they believe private companies focusing on space exploration will be very profitable in the next decade.
The cumulative equity investment in global space companies is $235 billion, making the industry one of the most well-funded in terms of private investment. The funding is expected to grow as investors see the potential for space tourism to become a reality.
Random Interesting Space Exploration Facts
Here's a collection of interesting and little-known facts about space exploration!
- A space suit weighs 280 pounds, and that's minus the astronaut. The weight is due to the pressure suit and life support systems.
- Food in a space shuttle is packaged in pouches and tubes. No crumbs exist in space because they would float into an astronaut's eyes or equipment. The food is either ready to eat or requires minimal preparation, such as heating or adding water.
- It can take 45 minutes to put on a spacesuit.
- Skylab was the first American space station. It had a living space of 12.000 cubic feet, which is larger than a typical three-bedroom house.
- The concept of space NFTs (non-fungible tokens) was proposed in 2019. These would be digital assets, like art or music, that exist on the blockchain and can be bought, sold, or traded like cryptocurrency.
Conclusion
Space is an interesting phenomenon with many things still unknown about it. The space economy is valued at $423,8 billion and is expected to grow due to the increasing interest in space exploration and tourism.
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