Humans Need to Explore Outer Space Flashcard

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What was the main reason for the shutdown of NASA's Space Shuttle Program in 2011?

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The main reason for the shutdown was two terrible losses, specifically the Challenger disaster in 1986 and the Columbia disaster in 2003.

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What is the primary goal of the International Space Station (ISS)?

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The primary goal of the ISS is to serve as a launching platform for further space exploration and to conduct scientific research in microgravity.

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What potential benefits does space exploration offer according to proponents?

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Proponents believe that space exploration can yield new sources for precious natural resources, such as minerals and water.

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What is one of the main challenges for future human missions to Mars?

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One of the main challenges for future Mars landings is the weight of the spacecraft, which affects launch and landing capabilities.

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What historical event fueled space exploration in the 1960s?

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The Cold War space race between the United States and the Soviet Union fueled space exploration in the 1960s.

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What are the two major space shuttle disasters that impacted NASA's program?

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The two major disasters are the Challenger disaster in 1986 and the Columbia disaster in 2003.

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How does the International Space Station contribute to scientific research?

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The ISS provides a unique environment for conducting experiments in microgravity, which can lead to advancements in various scientific fields.

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What are some potential natural resources that could be obtained from space exploration?

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Potential natural resources include water ice from asteroids and moons, rare minerals, and helium-3 from lunar regolith.

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What technological advancements have resulted from space exploration?

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Technological advancements include satellite technology, GPS, telecommunications, and materials science innovations.

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What role did the Cold War play in the development of space exploration programs?

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The Cold War spurred competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, leading to significant investments in space exploration and technological advancements.