FINAL FRONTIER
Space Science
Human space exploration helps to address fundamental
questions about our place in the Universe and the
history of our solar system. Through addressing the
challenges related to humanspace exploration, we
expand technology, create new industries, and help to foster
a peaceful connection.
Space Exploration has contributed to many diverse aspects
of everyday life, from materials, power generation, energy,
storage, recycling, waste management, advanced robotics,
health, medicine, transportation, engineering, computing
and software, solar panels, implantable heart monitors,
cancer therapy to light-weight materials, water
No other activity on Earth compares to the unique challenges of Space
Exploration. It offers a unique and evolving perspective on humanity’s
place in the Universe, what is the nature of the Universe? Is the
destiny of humankind bound to Earth. Are we and our planet unique?
Is there life elsewhere in the Universe?
New opportunities for job creation and economic growth are being
created by governments and private enterprises that are increasingly
investing in space exploration.
Branches of
Space Sciences Astronomy
- Fields of astronomy defined by approach
- Observational astronomy
– Observatories on the ground as well as space observatories take measurements
of celestial entities and phenomena - Astrometry – studies the position and
movements of celestial objects - Amateur astronomy
- Theoretical astronomy –mathematical modelling of celestial entities and phenomena
- Fields of astronomy defined by scope
- Space architecture
- Archaeoastronomy – the history of human understanding of the universe
- Planetary geology
- Galactic astronomy –the study of our Milky Way galaxy
- Extragalactic astronomy
– the study of the larger universe beyond the Milky Way - Physical cosmology –the study of the Universe as a whole
- Aerospace engineering
- Astronautics
- Astrophysics – study of the physics of the universe; of extraterrestrial objects and interstitial spaces
- Space plasma physics
- Orbital mechanics or astrodynamics, which also has applications to spacecraft
- Stellar astronomy – the study of stars
- Solar astronomy – the study of our Sun
- Planetary science – the study of planets, especially those other than Earth
- Space archaeology – the study of human artifacts in outer space
- Space-related interdisciplinary fields
- Astrobiology
- Astrobotany
- Astrochemistry or cosmochemistry
- Cosmology
- Planetary science –overlaps with Earth science
- Micro-g environment research
- Forensic astronomy
- Space archaeology – the study of human artifacts in outer space
