Space.com Articles, Essay Example

An article on space.com (Space.com, 2011) talks about the technologies portrayed in the cult-favorite Star Trek TV series that are now a reality. The article reminds us that science fiction media (both print and electronic) are often a fun way to learn about science and get a glimpse into the world of tomorrow. The article gives us the feeling that some writers of science fiction TV series do take their work seriously and perform considerable research to ensure that the ideas or products demonstrated are at least consistent with the accepted or proposed scientific theories. This may be why the writers of Star Trek were able to foresee that portable cordless communication devices like Star Trek Communicators would be a reality one day.

Similarly, the idea of a Universal Translator might have seemed far-stretched when the series originally aired but now the technology has been realized in the form of online tools like Google Translator. Star Trek also introduced its viewers to the concept of a mapping technology as the Enterprise Transporter could locate the exact location of a crew member. A modern day version would be a GPS technology that helps us know exactly where we are and software tools for cell phones also exist that can be used to keep a tab on a person of interest.

In addition to consumer technology, Star Trek also gave hints to a number of future medical and space technologies. The trusty tricorder in Star Trek could analyze the surface of alien planets for minerals and life forms just as NASA is thinking of sending rovers with sensors to Mars in the near future. Dr. McCoy in Star Trek introduced audience to non-invasive surgery methods.

Star Trek was not only an entertaining series but also informative though its educational value has become clearer more recently due to advancements in computing technologies. Besides Star Trek one can also think of other entertainment creations such as Minority Report that offer useful clues into emerging technologies.

Space.com has an article about NASA’s recent finding according to which Moon has rich Titanium resources (Space.com, 2011). Some lunar rocks have been found to hold ten times as much the rocks on earth. NASA hopes that this knowledge will also help the geochemists understand the evolution of the moon. The researchers indicated that findings like these could lay the ground for future mining activities on the moon. These reports are both a cause of concern as well as good news.

The good news is that these resources could be used to further speed up humanity’s progress towards more sustainable environment as well as improve standards of living. As the article points out, titanium-rich minerals are more efficient at retaining solar wind particles such as helium and hydrogen. This raises hope for construction of lunar colonies and for exploration of the moon. In addition, it is also good news for alternative technologies with less environmental costs that may require titanium as a component. The possibility of lunar colonies also means that humanity has one less reason to worry about running out of natural resources on earth as well as over-population.

But at the same time, it also raises ethical questions as well as potential of political conflicts. First of all, moon doesn’t belong to any single country, thus, how the mining rights may be assigned. In addition, it is possible that mining exploration on moon may have environmental costs of which we are unaware at the moment. The political conflicts may also arise if some countries believe that others are unjustly stripping the moon of its valuable resources.

This article doesn’t come as a surprise because one could have expected other planetary and non-planetary bodies to have natural resources as well, just like earth. But this discovery has confirmed our suspicions and may also serve as a commercial incentive to explore Mars and other planets for natural resources.

Many of us are fascinated by space and often sees astronaut as having fun and glamorous jobs. While answering space.com readers’ questions, NASA’s astronaut Mike Fossum, a commander of the space station (Chow, 2011) gave us a more realistic view of an astronaut’s life. Mr. Fossum claims that besides missing family and friends, astronauts also miss food such as fresh fruits and vegetables during missions that are usually several months long. Mr. Fossum further ads that he also misses the nature one enjoys on planet earth before life during missions can become quite lonely as team members sometimes also work by themselves depending on their area of specialization.

But despite the sacrifices involved, Mr. Fossum did admit that he feels fortunate to have achieved his dream of going into space and realize that only chosen ones get the opportunity to experience life in space. Responding to a reader’s question, Mr. Fossum replied that astronauts go through extensive training including preparation of emergency events which may be why they do not face many surprises during missions. Mr. Fossum emphasized that astronauts should continue to communicate with the public to maintain their interest in space. Mr. Fossum also talked admirably about the advancements in technology and how it will enable the humanity to solve even more of their problems. Mr. Fossum confirmed what we all imagine that views of earth from the space are breathtaking and they often arouse one’s imagination as well as stir emotions.

The interview is eye opening because few of us have ever thought about the sacrifices astronauts make to fulfill their missions and how being an astronaut requires tough mentality. But astronauts do get a lot of motivation from the fact that they are among the chosen ones and take pride in the fact that they make valuable contributions to humanity progress.

References

Chow, D. (2011, October 21). Space Station Commander Mike Fossum Answers Your Questions. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://www.space.com/13348-space-station-commander-answers-reader-questions.html?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=SP_10212011

Space.com. (2011, October 11). Moon Packed with Precious Titanium, NASA Probe Finds. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://www.space.com/13247-moon-map-lunar-titanium.html/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=SP_10122011

Space.com. (2011, September 6). The Top 10 Star Trek Technologies. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://www.space.com/9705-top-10-star-trek-technologies.html/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=SP_09262011