Deep space exploration

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Deep Space Network
's Canberra facility in Australia.

Deep space exploration (or deep-space exploration) is the branch of

robotic spacecraft
.

At present the farthest space probe humankind has constructed and launched from Earth is

interstellar space on August 25, 2012.[4]
Deep space exploration further than this vessel's capacity is not yet possible due to limitations in the propulsion technology currently available.

Some of the best candidates for future deep space engine technologies include

anti-matter, nuclear power and beamed propulsion.[5] The latter, beamed propulsion, appears to be the best candidate for deep space exploration presently available, since it uses known physics and known technology that is being developed for other purposes.[6]

Current research

In 2012, the

Houston, Texas, to discuss interstellar travel. Topics discussed include "time-distance solutions, life sciences in space exploration, destinations and habitats, becoming an interstellar civilization, space technologies enhancing life on Earth, and commercial opportunities from interstellar efforts".[8]

Research in deep space is ongoing and rapidly developing. In 2011, after the retirement of the Space Shuttle, NASA announced its intentions to invest money into developing three technologies vital to deep space exploration. The "must-have technologies" include a deep space atomic clock, a large solar sail and a more advanced laser communications system to improve communication, navigation, and propulsion in future missions.[9] In June 2013, NASA announced the selection of eight American astronauts that will begin to train for future deep space missions beyond low Earth orbit. NASA intends that these eight astronauts to train for future Mars or asteroid travel.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Space and its Exploration: How Space is Explored". NASA.gov. Archived from the original on 2009-07-02. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
  2. ^ "Voyager - the Interstellar Mission". Archived from the original on 2012-01-06. Retrieved 2011-12-19.
  3. ^ "The Farthest Spacecraft". NASA.gov. 1998-02-24. Archived from the original on 2014-01-07. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
  4. ^ Bryn, Brandon (2013-09-12). "Voyager 1 Now Probing Unexplored Region of Space". Science.
  5. ^ "Future Spaceflight". BBC. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
  6. Bibcode:1996JBIS...49...23F
    .
  7. ^ Vastag, Brian (May 22, 2012). "Starship dreamers launch 100-year mission with DARPA grant". The Washington Post.
  8. ^ Moskowitz, Clara (10 September 2012). "Interstellar Starship Meeting Warps Into Houston This Week". Space.com. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  9. ^ Wall, Mike (22 August 2011). "NASA Picks 3 Pioneering Technologies for Deep Space Travel". Space.com. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  10. ^ Moskowitz, Clara (17 June 2013). "NASA Unveils New Astronaut Class for Deep-Space Exploration". Space.com. Retrieved November 22, 2013.

External links

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