The potential of space exploration is important in the current climate – to give humans a promising future to look forward to, said a European Space Agency (ESA) expert.
The space agency has a number of missions planned in the near future to bring man back to the moon and learn more about Mars.
ISA has signed an agreement with Airbus to build a third European service module for NASA’s Orion spacecraft, which will carry the next astronauts to the moon by 2024.
The lunar gateway orbits the moon and provides shelter for Artemis astronauts on lunar missions.
The agency is committed to communicating, refueling, staying and building two modules.
Exploration of the Red Planet will include the International Mars Sample Return Campaign, which will see five launches, including one from Mars, and return samples to Earth for analysis.
Airbus in the UK will develop a rover to collect sample containers of Mars from the surface of the planet and bring them to NASA’s rocket to launch into Mars orbit.
Airbus in France will develop and build space probes, assemble samples and fly them to Earth.
To the question of why space missions are so important, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotics Exploration, David Parker, said that the fundamental one is “inspiration.”
He added: “People find it exciting, inspiring, and stretching to do what people can do in these difficult times.
“Solve big challenges and work together inspires the next generation.
“Young people are motivated, maybe go into space, maybe go into science, maybe do something completely different, but be inspired by the possibilities of space exploration.”
Dr. Parker said: “I think it’s important for all people, especially in this moment, to keep optimism in mind.”
Prone to fits of apathy. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Internet advocate. Avid travel enthusiast. Entrepreneur. Music expert.
