Space Exploration

The Science of Rockets
Rockets have three stages, Atlas, Centaur, and the payload. Atlas uses both solid-fuel boosters and liquid-fuel engines to launch the payload into space. Centaur maneuvers into proper orbit using liquid-fuel engines. The third stage is the payload, which is the satellite or spacecraft carried by the rocket.

The Space Program
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, was begun in 1958. Some important projects were Project Mercury, Project Gemini, and Project Apollo. Apollo 13 seemed at first to go smoothly but then the oxygen tank blew up. After surviving frigid temperatures and dehydration, the crew landed safely in the Pacific Ocean near Samoa. The end of Project Apollo was not the end of lunar exploration, three NASA spacecrafts have visited the moon since 1972.

Exploring Space Today
A new type of technology includes a small robot called a "personal satellite assistant." This robot is powered by solar cells and is equipped with many sensors to monitor temperature, pressure, and air quality. It uses small internal fans to change course or move in various directions.

Using Space Science on Earth
According to NASA, less than one percent of the U.S. budget is spent on the space program. Many people believe that the money would be better spent elsewhere. To counter these arguments, NASA includes a detailed justification of space exploration on the program website.