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, Volume: 11( 1) DOI: 10.37532/2319-9822.2022.11(10).240

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Space Life Sciences, Space Science, and Technology Education Opportunities

*Correspondence:

Philippe Winkler
Department of Space life sciences,
Eotvos lorand university,
Budapest,
Hungary,
Europe
E-mail: winkler.p@gamil.com

Abstract

Introduction

Science and mathematics have long been regarded as objective. However, in the societies where science is practiced, efforts to comprehend and control nature are inextricably linked to social manifestations. Many colleges and universities have supported both interpretations and uses of nature since antiquity. Beginning in the seventeenth century, scientific academies and organizations shared new ideas and discoveries to achieve experimental research goals. Beginning in the nineteenth century, the advent of mass education generated new institutions and possibilities for growing conventional applied sciences and mathematics disciplines, notably in astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology. A comeback in the US space budget is driving some of the most interesting discoveries.

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Artemis lunar exploration program aims to send the first female and next male astronauts to the Moon's South Pole by 2024, followed by the formation of long-term missions by 2028. For example, the Centre for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (CMSS, Kerala, India) was established in 1964 to foster academic discourse and discovery by bringing together pure and applied mathematics and statistics, as well as its applications in scientific fields. The Centre's objective is to enhance the human potential for social good by providing high-quality education, collaborative research, and services in both fundamental and advanced knowledge in mathematical and statistical sciences. NASA intends to deploy men to Mars after lunar habitation is established. NASA is directing the development of a modular Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway space station to enable these missions, which will facilitate human and robotic exploration of the moon's surface as well as future missions. Plans for lunar habitation have also been suggested by European, Chinese, and Russian space organizations. Many of these initiatives have a high level of involvement with commercial and international partners.

Description

The space sector continues to expand rapidly; there are now over 75 international space organizations, with fourteen of them possessing sovereign launch capabilities. NASA, Russia's Roscosmos, China's CNSA, the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan's JAXA, and India's ISRO have all performed orbital missions to the Moon. New Zealand (2016) and Australia (2018) also established space agencies recently. The advent of private firms with more commercially oriented, cost-effective, and nimble techniques, such as Space X, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, has caused another recent upheaval in the space sector. Israel was the first country to launch a privately sponsored spacecraft into lunar orbit (the Beresheet). Humans will return to the Moon by 2024, according to Blue Origin. Over 650 individuals have registered for Virgin Galactic flights and Space-X has purportedly sold tickets on their BFR rocket to the first private customers who will sail around the moon in 2023.

In this next phase of space exploration, robotics will play a key role, with human travel and colony being the ultimate aim.

However, space is a perilous place for people, especially for long-term travel. Exposure to high quantities of ionizing radiation is the most significant threat (increasing risks of cancer, cataracts, cardiac damage, etc.)

Living in a hostile environment with the possibility of environmental risks and changes in microorganism behavior is a requirement of space flight. Space travelers may also be isolated and imprisoned in a compact space, increasing the risk of psychological problems (such as depression, conflict, anxiety, fatigue, and team cohesion). Growing food in a microgravity environment for nutritional needs is particularly problematic, and long-term preservation of drugs might render them useless and poisonous. Exposure to lunar dust (which can induce silicosis and equipment failure) and eventually Martian dust is another issue with exploration, mining, and colonization (which is both a mechanical irritant and a chemical poison).

The dangers of space flight extend to equipment and computer technology that must withstand extreme temperature variations (on the Moon, temperatures can range from 173 to 127 degrees Celsius depending on the quantity of sunshine). Lack of ventilation to remove heat, as well as the necessity to protect equipment against radiation and microgravity changes (for example, tin can form whiskers in a vacuum leading to equipment failure). Before being used on the International Space Station, batteries must undergo comprehensive testing and certification. Despite this, several interesting new advancements in in-orbit manufacturing, 3D printing, and robots have emerged recently.

Space research and technology have usually resulted in benefits to life on Earth. Memory foam, air purifiers, and even the Bowflex gym are examples of commercially successful space health products. In space, new techniques for existing equipment (such as new ultrasound techniques for remote environments and water purification methods) have been developed, as well as innovative new applications of space technology (such as the Australian developed Skinsuit derived compression garments for elite athletes, heart pump design, polymer coatings for cardiac resynchronization devices and ingestible thermometers for body temperature monitoring). Microgravity bones density study might assist avoid age-related illness in the future, as well as agricultural innovation in tough regions.

In light of the preceding, the United Nations has the mandate to promote international collaboration and assist the Member States in developing capability in the use of space research and technology. The UN-affiliated Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Asia have been supported by the Program on Space Applications from its inception in 1971. During this method, the CMSS' foundational principles were taken into account. The Russian Federation has proposed that such a regional center for Russian-speaking countries be established.

Conclusion

As a strategy to develop each regional center’s skills, all regional center skills are urged to collaborate with universities, research institutions, and businesses in the Member States they serve, as well as share their resources with other regional centers. Traditionally, space research and technology have resulted in benefits for life on Earth. Memory foam, air purifiers, and even the Bowflex gym are examples of commercially successful space health products. In space, new techniques for existing equipment (such as new ultrasound techniques for remote environments and water purification methods) have been developed, as well as innovative new applications of space technology (such as the Australian developed Skin suit derived compression garments for ingestible thermometers for body temperature monitoring).