Space exploration is the journey to the distant regions of our Solar System and beyond. It has long held the fascination of scientists and laypeople alike. The allure of space travel has motivated many to pursue careers in science, as well as inspiring authors to weave its spell into works of fiction. It has also been an important driver for the development of technologies that serve human purposes.
The first step in space exploration is to reach orbit, usually by launching a satellite or other type of spacecraft on an expendable rocket. Once in orbit, a spacecraft may be commanded to fly by, enter, or land on other celestial bodies. It is this latter capability that allows us to learn about the Moon, Venus, Mars, the rings of Jupiter and Saturn, and a host of asteroids and comets.
As human spaceflight has become more routine, a number of different technologies have developed to help us do the job better and cheaper. These include reusable spacecraft and satellites; improved rocket designs that reduce costs and increase safety, dependability, and reliability; and new technologies for delivering humans and cargo to space.
In recent years, both the US and China have stepped up efforts to send humans back to the Moon, with the ultimate goal of establishing bases on its surface. As part of this effort, they have been recruiting partners to sign the nonbinding Artemis Accords that set out their vision for future cooperation in space.
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