The race to get into space is now extending to include private individuals and companies, with human collaboration being an important factor. Many big names are lining up to try and take advantage of this unique opportunity; it could be you! Before you can get on a flight to take part in this exciting journey you will need to take part in one of the many NASA space race programs; you will also need to qualify for the NASA Commercialization Mentor Program if you want your idea for a new company going into space to be taken seriously.
Many people who have an interest in exploring space are generally aware that NASA is currently in the midst of an extended space research programme known as the Space Shuttle program. The space shuttle program was designed to provide daily services to the International Space Station (ISS) and to support other NASA programs like the Manned Spaceflight and the robotic missions to Mars. It also offers ground and space research which contributes towards the understanding of space and its physics. Over the course of history many people’s dreams of living in space have come true – including the first humans to walk on the surface of the Moon. Now that mankind has reached further into the Solar System than ever before it is vital to continue to support NASA in space research and to send astronauts to these destinations.
In order for you to participate in a NASA space race, you will need to demonstrate an ability to demonstrate a series of technology demonstrations. For example, if you were to design and construct a new type of aircraft or spacecraft, would you be able to show that concept to an audience of NASA officials? If you intend to design and construct a launch vehicle, you will need to meet certain qualification standards that are set down by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You will also need to work with NASA and secure necessary permissions to demonstrate these technologies.
One way in which aspiring designers and entrepreneurs can participate in a new space race is by starting their own team. As with any team in any sport, the key to winning is having the right people. In this case, it is important to note that this does not refer to star players on a team; rather, it refers to potential team members. Therefore, in order to select qualified individuals, the best option is to seek out those who have not been involved in flight tests, but who are undoubtedly capable of achieving success. This could involve talking to past flight crew members, former aerospace engineers or inspirational people in the aviation industry.
This brings us to our second option and one that is likely to become much more popular in the years to come: aspiring entrepreneurs can apply for scholarships provided there is a space industry within the University. In general, the higher the degree, the greater the chance of obtaining funding from either governmental or private companies. This is because it is unlikely that a non Aerospace major will have the capability to compete against seasoned and trained aerospace engineers, let alone to design and build an aircraft or a spacecraft. Therefore, the current academic infrastructure of most universities is best suited to educating these future technicians and engineers. In addition, space industry jobs and scholarships are rarely advertised, which means students are normally not aware of opportunities until they receive a call from a prospective employer or someone from NASA.
It is also possible for students to consider a career as an astronaut, if they are so inclined. However, the qualifications will be significantly more difficult than those needed for a normal astronaut, as the flight will not include a full complement of equipment and personnel. Although many wealthy individuals will choose to donate funds to fund a voyage to the moon or to contribute their time to help design a spacecraft, very few will choose to take this step, as it is not yet clear whether space travel will ever be possible. Thus, for the vast majority it would make little sense to spend large amounts of money towards such a mission. On the other hand, if funds were available, it could provide students with a valuable education in order to prepare them for a challenging career in aerospace design.
There is also a risk that an asteroid or comet may be headed towards Earth. If such an event occurs, the impact could cause a collision along the Earth’s surface resulting in damage to infrastructure. This could lead to a new international debate over the next step towards space tourism. Should private companies take control of such debris to use for parts or fuel and should the public pay for this new development?
Although the race to the moon and to Mars will continue, there may be limits to these ventures. One reason why is because of the limited number of humans who will be able to survive on the moon, let alone on Mars. Another issue concerns the extreme weather that will likely remain in some areas, such as the arctic circle. The United States and Russia may launch another mission to the moon in the coming decades. Nevertheless, the emerging space race will be good for the future of human beings, as we explore the unknown and find out more about the space.
