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NASA’s space science program is yielding a wealth of knowledge. In the summer of 1977, NASA launched two Voyager probes. They are now on their endless journey into space. On their way, the probes will explore the planets. The probes will pass Jupiter, Saturn and maybe Uranus. The crafts will then whirl through space. They may travel for millions of years.
The Voyager program is a big help of NASA. It gives NASA a close look at the planets. From the Voyager’s flight, new facts can be gathered. The questions of the beginning and workings of the solar system may now soon be answered.
Studying the planets is only one part of a carefully planned space science program. NASA is also studying Earth, its moon and its atmosphere. Studying our sun and the starts of our galaxy are other goals of the program. In life research, we hope to gain knowledge of the effect that space has on living things. The well-known tools of this great project are the deep-space probes and the satellites. Less well known is the use of rockets, special aircraft and even balloons. Such things like radio telescopes are also used in the study.
The purpose behind this probing and searching is the same as that of all research – to help mankind. In space science, the benefits may not be seen right away. Still, they are valuable to the future of us all.
Today’s scientists may not be able to find a use for some of the knowledge gained in the space science program. Still, what we learn today may be useful tomorrow. As we learn more and more about our world, pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together. Scientists of tomorrow may find uses for this knowledge that will benefit future generations.
All of the goals of NASA’s space science program share a common end. They all want to learn more about Earth. Only be exploring other bodies in the skies can we answer some of the questions we have about Earth. The things we have learned about other planets have helped us to know our own planet better. It is important to understand the forces that control Earth. With that understanding we may be able to manage those forces. This control would help mankind. It will help improve our lives. It will give our children a better world in which to live.
