The new sciences

The “science” of space flight is often perceived by the general public to be a “new” skill, but is in fact one that is centuries old and comprises a melting pot of past experiences and developments. Today’s studies in, for example, materials and fluid physics, biochemistry, and medicine have evolved from the basic questions posed since ancient times: “How does this work and why?” The desire of human nature to “find out” and “experience” things, to address the unknown, has driven us from caves and “dark ages” to where we are today. True, not every develop­ment or advance can be called positive, but generally we have advanced in the understanding of our planet and our place in it and, in recent decades of course, how to leave the planet and explore beyond its boundaries.

In developing the sciences, there is often feedback and applications that can develop other fields. Such can be said for space exploration, though this is not always highlighted or promoted. This is a shame, as it offers an insight to those who do not understand the larger picture, who question the huge investments made in exploring away from Earth when there are still so many problems around us. Equally, advances in science, medicine, technology, sport, and even military operations can feed back to assist developments in space exploration. It is a two­way flow of knowledge.

As the science of space flight evolves, the division between automated and human space exploration will become less obvious as financial and other consid­erations push the requirements for such complex programs farther beyond national pride towards international cooperation. The farther we venture from Earth, so the need to sustain the crew by means of self-contained systems will increase, as will the reliance on automated systems. Robotic spacecraft will support and complement human endeavors and, in turn, human intervention will help sustain and maintain robotic operations.