Introduction
Space science includes all disciplines that work together to explore the space, study natural phenomena, and characterize features that are present in the outer space. A major concept of space science is space exploration. Space exploration refers to the application of astronomy and space technology to explore the outer space (National Research Council, 2003).
Physics is a fundamental branch of space science which has played a significant role in explaining the origin and component of the universe using laws and basic mathematics. The components of the universe include microelements such as protons and neutrons and large feature such as galaxies (Board and National Research Council, 2007). In this regard space, science encompasses aspects of astronomy, astrophysics, space engineering, history of spaceflight, and space exploration. Space exploration, on the other hand, refers to the discovery of structures in outer space by means of technology and is usually conducted using unmanned space robotic and human spaceflight. Energetic particles arise from the sun and move through space and beyond our solar system posing threat to astronauts who may be exploring the universe. For this reason, objects including spacecraft and human usually exposed to hazardous rays and particles. In this regard, space explorers have adopted major new technologies robotic and human exploration of the outer space (Board and National Research Council, 2007).
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Several technologies have been developed from physics concept and applied in space exploration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and SpaceX are globally renowned bodies that have applied physic in space exploration. The SpaceX is an international company that has invested heavily in physics concepts to manufacture aerospace and improves transportation services to space. On the other hand, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a government agency of the United States that has the mandate to coordinate civilian space program and conduct research on aeronautics and aerospace. NASA has led most of the space exploration efforts. The famous exploration activities include the mission by Apollo to land on the moon, the space lab space stations and the space shuttles. Currently, NASA's Goal is to provide a better understanding of the Earth through exploration of the Solar System and conducting missions to space using a robot spacecraft (National Research Council, 2003).
Physics provides basic principles that guide the development of concepts and machines that are key to exploring space. Space also provides a conducive environment that enables physicians to research, test and further explores fundamental physics (Turyshev et al., 2007). Space provides a varying environmental gravitational potential and acceleration for testing of gravitational forces. This has enabled the space scientists to significantly reduce noises associated with gravitational force. Furthermore, space provides access to long distances that can be used to test for high velocities. In addition, the vacuum available in space is invaluable for testing physics concepts (Turyshev et al., 2007).
Application of physics in Space Exploration
One fundamental law of physics that has been applied in space exploration is the Albert Einstein equivalence principle. The Einstein’s equivalence theory of general relativity states that objects at the same location are exposed to the same gravitational force and will, therefore, fall at the same rate. NASA is applying this law to explore gravitational force from the star, black holes in space objects and other space sources. Furthermore, tests have been conducted to explore the inverse square law of gravity on minimal distances between space objects and further discover new forces and invisible dimensions.
Furthermore, exploration to identify and map out the distribution of dark matter in the space, galaxies, and the universe is undergoing. The mapping is exploring the possibility of violation of Isaac Newton’s law of gravity. According to Turyshev et al., (2007), the exploration of principles of gravitation force will improve knowledge on fundamental laws of nature; improve technology for space science such as laser technology, automatic space navigation. In the long term space research will improve uptake of such applications by the society, national security and commercial institutions with regard to navigation, the Geographical positioning system (GPS) and metrology among others.
One principle that has been explored in space is the study of temperature and density behavior of fluids in conditions with no gravitational pull. In this regard, the basic space research involves the exploration of physical processes of ionized gases within space. The ionized gases are referred to as plasmas (Turyshev et al., 2007). Magnetic field directly affects physical property of plasmas resulting in formations ranging from black holes in the space. This phenomenon enabled the development of fluids that could be used in space applications, for example, the development of a two-phase flow system and storage of cryogens. In addition, the concept has used to predict the behavior of fluids many complex systems (Turyshev et al., 2007).
Space science has also enabled the development of a stable optical clock and atom interferometers are important in physics experiments (Turyshev et al., 2007). Such explorations have led to improved applications of inertia technology with better resolutions than the instruments used recently for example in accelerometers and navigation. For example, the atom interferometers can accurately detect the cooling of the cosmic microwave radiation when the universe expands even with a smaller dimension (Turyshev et al., 2007).
Conclusion
The space exploration technologies applied currently started out as new physics. The basic physics applied in space explorations are varied and include those related to gravitation force, temperature and density behavior of fluids, and atom characteristics. The fundamental physics are the basic foundation for the future technology that actually inspires the development of new methods (National Research Council, 2003). The basic physics has enabled space scientists to answer challenging mysteries of life and resulted in insights that have significantly changed how the world views to nature . Furthermore, physics has opened up new technologies that have improved humanity and enabled exploration space with fewer resources and less risky undertakings.
References
Board, S. S., & National Research Council. (2007). Earth science and applications from space: national imperatives for the next decade and beyond . National Academies Press.
National Research Council. (2003). The Sun to the Earth--and Beyond: A Decadal Research Strategy in Solar and Space Physics . National Academies Press.
Turyshev, S. G., Israelsson, U. E., Shao, M., Yu, N., Kusenko, A., Wright, E. L., ... & Reasenberg, R. D. (2007). Space-based research in fundamental physics and quantum technologies. International Journal of Modern Physics D , 16 (12a), 1879-1925.
