Space exploration is an important part of humankind’s quest to understand our place in the universe. It inspires children and young adults to dream big, think smart, and pursue private-sector or public-sector careers that contribute to the advancement of science and technology.
The development of rockets that can launch satellites and, eventually, humans into outer space has enabled scientists to study Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, land, and resources from above the planet. The exploration of space has also inspired the imagination of artists, writers, and others who have used the experience to captivate people around the world.
With the end of the Cold War, the rationale for government-funded space programs shifted from national prestige to improved quality of life on Earth. This new rationale has shaped space exploration goals to this day.
Many of the early exploration goals were focused on the Moon because it was the only remote celestial body that could be reached at an acceptable cost in energy (amount of change in velocity required, known as delta-v). Other lunar missions included uncrewed rovers and the return of extraterrestrial soil samples.
Since the 1980s, space exploration has expanded beyond the Moon to explore other locations in our Solar System and beyond. This expansion has been driven by the emergence of commercial spaceflight companies, which are reducing the costs of accessing space and making it possible to achieve human spaceflight on a regular basis. In addition, these companies are providing research and development opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.