1. Describe the goals of the U.S. space shuttle program, the International Space Station, and "flyby" missions.
2. What is the next big focus for U.S. space exploration?
3. Describe at least two benefits and two risks associated with space exploration.
4. You will sometimes hear the terms "natural satellite" and "artificial satellite." What is an example of each one?
1. The main goals of the shuttle program was to build spacecraft that could be re-used and sent into space multiple times, to send satellites on exploratory missions, and to take astronauts to a permanent space station. The goals of the International Space Station are to research the effects on the human body of staying in space for long periods of time and to conduct research on astronomy and physics. Flyby missions use satellites to fly past celestial bodies and capture photographs or images of them so we can study areas of the solar system that we could not otherwise see. For example, we have been able to see the dark side of the Moon through flyby missions. From Earth we would never otherwise be able to see that side of the Moon.
2. The next big focus for U.S. space exploration is to send humans to Mars.
3. Benefits include the many technological devices that are used in everyday life, which have their origins in space exploration. These include medical devices and gaming components. Another benefit is the simple satisfaction of human curiosity and increased knowledge. Risks of space travel include the danger to humans and the high costs, which may take money from other worthy pursuits, such as fighting disease or poverty.
4. Any object that orbits a planet is a satellite. Natural satellites are a planet's moons. Artificial satellites are spacecraft that humans send into a planet's orbit to observe and study that planet.