Explore the past, present, and future of space science in this comprehensive lecture by Professor Anu Ojha OBE from the UK Space Agency. Discover the importance of space exploration, its impact on everyday life, and the challenges faced in the field. Learn about rocket propulsion, types of space science, and major astronomical tools like the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. Delve into human space exploration, including life support systems and pressure suits, as well as robotic missions. Examine Earth observation techniques, the growing competitiveness in the space sector, and the potential for future Mars exploration. Gain insights into critical issues such as orbital debris and the international collaboration driving space exploration forward. Understand why space science matters and how it continues to shape our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Overview
Syllabus
Space – so what?
A demonstration of how rocket propulsion works
The largest rockets used in space
The three types of space science
Astronomy – the Hubble and JWST
Space exploration
How to keep humans alive in space
Looking at an astronaut’s pressure suit
Exploration with robotic systems
Using thermal infrared cameras to look at Earth
How space affects our lives
What’s the future of space science?
The challenges of orbital collisions and space debris
Space is becoming more competitive
The story of Mars
Why space science matters
The international future of space exploration
Taught by
The Royal Institution
