The essential role of human spaceflight |
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| Authors: | Robert J Rovetto |
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| Institution: | 1. INAF and the National Institute of Astrophysics, via E. Bassini 15, 20133 Milan, Italy;2. Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Vicenza, Italy;3. Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Parma, Italy;4. Department of Economy and Technology, University of San Marino, San Marino;1. Mission and Program Integration Contract, Barrios Technology Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States;2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States;3. Canadian Space Agency Saint-Hubert, Quebec, Canada;4. Korolyov (Moscow reg.), Russia;5. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Ibaraki, Japan;6. S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia Korolev, Russia;7. European Space Agency (ESA) Noordwijk, The Netherlands;8. Italian Space Agency (ASI), Rome, Italy |
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| Abstract: | The question is: should the United States and nations at large pursue a human spaceflight program (and if so, why)? I offer an unwavering positive answer to this question, and state the reasons for it while considering the broad challenges and benefits of (human) spaceflight. Space exploration is a human activity that is intrinsically forward-looking, and as such, has positive potential. Both national and international space programs can galvanize the population, inspire the youth, foster job-creation, and motivate the existing workforce. The nature of the enterprises involved—their scale, novelty, and complexity—requires a steady and continuous upward progression toward greater societal, scientific and technological development. That is, in order to overcome the challenges of human spaceflight, progress is required. More to the point, the survival of humanity depends on expanding beyond the confines of our planet. Human spaceflight, in short, presents us with an opportunity to significantly advance the nation and the global community. |
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| Keywords: | Human spaceflight Manned spaceflight Space exploration Space development Space policy |
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