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| SpaceX marks a new era in human space exploration |
SpaceX is preparing to send its first passenger into space today, which could herald a new era in human space travel in the United States. It will be the first time that astronauts have entered orbit from space in the United States in the past decade. It will be the first time that a private vehicle has been brought there.
Although it takes only 12 minutes to reach Earth's orbit, this mission has been going on for nearly ten years since astronauts were sent to the Crew Dragon capsule built by SpaceX. Bring the Falcon 9 missile to the International Space Station.
Despite the fact that humans lived in space for many years, SpaceX's mission is historic. It is the first human test flight by a private company. It was also the first time that NASA stopped launching the Atlantis spacecraft on July 8, 2011. The first US space flight from a plane.
"SpaceX claims to send astronauts to the International Space Station, which is a turning point in American space exploration and can accelerate missions around the world on the moon and Mars. This shows that the United States has already returned to spaceflight," said Chris Newman, professor of space law and policy at Northumbria University. Humanity ".
The success of the Elok Misk mission succeeded in reducing the tension in his company during the epidemic. More importantly, the mission gives people confidence in the private sector and should change the space. . Newman believed that the rise of private space companies, led by wealthy technology experts, could help the United States reduce its dependence on Russia.
He said: "After the withdrawal of the space shuttle Atlantis, the United States was severely damaged. You no longer have the ability to send astronauts to the International Space Station. The only way to introduce astronauts to it." Space later in the Russian Soyuz space capsule. Buy seats for them. "
With the emergence of companies such as (SpaceX) and (Blue Origin), the United States managed to end its dependence on another country and return to the country it left after encouraging private companies, while NASA, SpaceX and Boeing sign a lucrative billion dollar contract to develop a vehicle The connection can be used to transport astronauts to the space station.
According to NASA's Inspector General's Office, the cost of placing the astronauts on the Russian Soyuz capsule will be $ 86 million and the seat price on board will be reduced by $ 55 million (Crew Dragon). This also means an increase in special space operations. Economic incentives.
"The goal of the game is to stop paying huge amounts of money to Russia and gain an independent ability to enter the International Space Station. The conflict between private companies to win a contract with NASA will reduce prices," Newman said.
If everything goes well today, NASA plans to send four other astronauts to SpaceX in the coming months. These tasks can accelerate Silicon Valley's rich desire to build a lunar base or send people to Mars. .
Newman admits that the technology needed to reach Earth’s orbit is quite different from the technology needed to take us to the moon, but today a small step can pave the way for an early jump in paving space exploration.