Making space travel affordable for everyone: As technology advances and competition increases, the cost of space travel is expected to decrease, making it accessible to a larger population. Ideas like space lotteries or selling seats to the highest bidder can help bridge the gap until then.
The most practical way for humans to travel frequently into space is by making it more affordable. Currently, the cost of a space flight is high, with NASA and other space agencies prioritizing the elite status of astronauts. However, as technology advances and competition increases, the cost of space travel is expected to decrease. In the meantime, ideas like space lotteries or selling seats to the highest bidder can help make space travel accessible to a larger population. The ultimate goal is to make space travel common and inexpensive, just like air travel today. The discussion also touched upon the various methods of space exploration, including chemical rockets and the concept of a space elevator, but the consensus was that affordability is the key to making space travel a reality for everyone.
Exploring Space as a Common Destination: Space travel is becoming more affordable and accessible, with innovations like space elevators and ion propulsion technology potentially revolutionizing the industry. NASA's advancements could make interplanetary travel a reality, though human travel may not be immediate.
Space travel is becoming more accessible and affordable, with the potential for it to become as common as vacationing at theme parks. Space tourism is being pursued in Florida, with the goal of making it a top destination. A space elevator, a proposed method for reaching space using a cable and an elevator, could make space travel as cheap as an elevator ride. NASA's advancements in ion propulsion technology could make interplanetary travel a reality, although it may take some time. Ion propulsion works by heating a gas until electrons are ripped off, creating a plasma, which then propels the spacecraft forward more efficiently than traditional methods. While ion propulsion may not be ideal for human travel due to the slow acceleration, it could be useful for sending cargo to distant locations.
Exploring Alpha Centauri with current technology not feasible: Current technology can't get us to Alpha Centauri in a reasonable time frame, so we focus on exploring our solar system and advancing technology for future interstellar travel.
While interstellar travel to Alpha Centauri using current technology like fusion or fission propulsion or laser-boosted solar sails is not feasible due to the vast distance of 4.1 light years, we have sent the fastest spacecraft we've ever launched, New Horizons, to Pluto using the biggest rockets available. If we were to send a probe to Alpha Centauri with the same technology, it would take approximately 75,000 years to reach its destination. So, while the idea of exploring other star systems is intriguing, the reality of getting there with our current technology is far from reachable. Instead, we continue to explore our own solar system and advance our technology to make interstellar travel a possibility in the future.
Exploring the Universe: A Long-Term Goal for Humanity: To leave our galaxy, we need advanced propulsion systems like warp drives or wormholes and to determine the exact speed and best point to do so. The nearest galaxies, Magellanic Clouds and Andromeda, are interesting destinations but currently unreachable with our technology.
Exploring the universe and traveling to other galaxies is a long-term goal for humanity. Our current technology only allows us to explore our own solar system and nearby stars, and even reaching the nearest galaxies, like the Magellanic Clouds or the Andromeda galaxy, would require advanced propulsion systems like warp drives or wormholes, which are currently only found in science fiction. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is vast, containing over a million stars, and there are interesting destinations outside of it, such as the Magellanic Clouds and the Andromeda galaxy. To leave our galaxy, we would need to determine the exact speed and best point to do so, and we would need to develop the technology to reach those destinations. The nearest galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, are nearby dwarf galaxies where star formation is occurring and are good places to visit. The Andromeda galaxy, 2 million light years away, is the closest big spiral galaxy to us and is a twin to our own in terms of morphology. However, we currently lack the means to travel to these destinations, and the development of advanced propulsion systems is a key area of research for the future of space exploration.
Maximizing Space Launch Speed with Earth's Rotation: Launching from near the equator takes advantage of the Earth's faster rotation speed there, increasing the initial velocity of spacecraft and making space travel more efficient.
To get the maximum speed for launching objects into space, it's best to do it from near the equator. The Earth rotates at different speeds at different latitudes, with the equator moving the fastest due to its larger circumference in a 24-hour period. This means that objects launched from the equator will have the added boost of the Earth's rotation, which is approximately 1000 miles per hour. Launch sites are strategically located near the equator for this reason. For instance, NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is situated there. This is because the smaller circles made by objects closer to the poles result in slower speeds. Therefore, launching from the equator maximizes the initial velocity of the spacecraft, making space travel more efficient.
Exploring Higher Dimensions: Beyond Our Current Reality: Modern physics suggests the existence of more dimensions, but we have no way to access or understand them, limiting our space exploration potential.
Our current understanding of dimensions and time limits our ability to explore beyond our present reality. During a conversation about tweeting and following each other online, the topic shifted to the concept of higher dimensions and their potential connection to space exploration. The speaker explained that while modern physics suggests the existence of more dimensions beyond the four we experience (three spatial and one temporal), we currently have no way to access or understand them. This idea was further illustrated through a reference to the classic science fiction novel "Flatland," which explores the concept of beings in a two-dimensional world encountering a third dimension. The speaker also questioned whether our limited senses could fully comprehend such a shift in perception. In essence, the exploration of higher dimensions remains a fascinating yet elusive concept, highlighting the vastness and complexity of the universe.
Exploring the Limits of Perception and the Potential of Higher Dimensions: If we could access higher dimensions, we might need poets or thinkers to help us understand and act upon them. The idea of incarceration was explored, suggesting that access to a higher dimension could be a potential escape. Curiosity, exploration, and the limitless potential of the human mind were emphasized.
Our current understanding and capabilities are limited by the dimensions we can perceive and interact with. The discussion touched upon the idea that if we could access higher dimensions, we might not be able to describe or act upon them without the help of poets or thinkers. Furthermore, the concept of incarceration was explored, suggesting that if an individual had access to a higher dimension, they could potentially escape any physical prison. In the context of space travel, Neil Tyson expressed his optimism about manned Mars missions and the future of NASA, but acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of curiosity, exploration, and the limitless potential of the human mind.
NASA's Shift in Focus During the Obama Administration: Obama's focus on Mars and deep space exploration led to job losses within NASA and the aerospace industry, impacting various industries supporting space exploration.
During the Obama administration, NASA underwent significant changes, with the end of the Space Shuttle program being a major point of contention. Contrary to popular belief, Obama did not end the program; instead, it was a decision made by a board following the Columbia disaster. Obama's own plan for NASA focused on looking beyond the moon and exploring Mars and deep space, which received widespread applause. However, this shift in focus led to job losses within NASA and the aerospace industry, affecting not only NASA employees but also companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The web of industries supporting NASA was significantly impacted by this change in direction.
Space vs Deep Sea Exploration: Space's Relative Ease: Space exploration, though distant, is considered 'easier' due to less extreme conditions. Adequate funding is crucial for Mars and beyond, contrasting deep-sea exploration's hazards like extreme pressure and darkness.
While both space and the deep ocean present unique challenges for exploration, space, despite being further away, may be considered "easier" due to less extreme environmental conditions. The listener, Neil deGrasse Tyson, emphasizes the importance of adequate funding for space exploration to make progress towards Mars and other ambitious goals, contrasting the relative ease of deep-sea exploration due to proximity. James Cameron's recent deep-sea dive in the Marianas Trench serves as an example of the hazards and difficulties encountered in underwater exploration, with extreme pressure and darkness being significant challenges. Ultimately, the allure and fascination of space exploration outweigh these challenges for Tyson, making it a more appealing destination.
Exploring the Unknown: The Importance of Scientific Discovery: Neil deGrasse Tyson emphasizes the importance of exploring all areas of science for groundbreaking discoveries, using examples from the deep sea and space. He acknowledges funding challenges but believes in the long-term benefits of scientific exploration.
The exploration of the unknown, whether it's the depths of the ocean or the far reaches of space, is essential for scientific discovery and innovation. The speaker, Neil deGrasse Tyson, passionately argues that all areas of science should be explored, as each holds the potential for groundbreaking discoveries. He uses the examples of the deep sea and space to illustrate this point, highlighting the potential for new life forms in the ocean of Europa on Jupiter's moon and the large volcanoes on Mars and Saturn's moons. However, he also acknowledges that funding for scientific research often becomes a popularity contest, with space exploration gaining more attention and resources due to its perceived coolness factor. Despite this, Tyson believes that the benefits of space exploration, such as the advancement of various scientific fields and potential geopolitical consequences, make it a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, he encourages continued funding for all areas of science, as each holds the potential for significant discoveries that can improve our understanding of the world around us.
Cosmic Queries: Exploration
Recent Episodes from StarTalk Radio
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
https://startalkmedia.com/show/hibernating-for-deep-spaceflight-with-ryan-sprenger/
Thanks to our Patrons Parker Mann, Kwesi collisson, John, Ray, Dr. Cy, Felix the Feline, Jimmy Dunn, Mandi McKay, Kevin Militello, Aaron Streimish, Joshua Beadle, Sam Pennington, Geoffrey Docute, Syler, David Smith, and Matt Talley for supporting us this week.
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
https://startalkmedia.com/show/life-in-a-mars-simulation-with-kelly-haston/
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-back-to-school-edition/
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(Originally Aired Tuesday, October 4 2022)
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
https://startalkmedia.com/show/searching-for-habitable-worlds-with-david-kipping/
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
https://startalkmedia.com/show/engineering-humans-for-deep-space-with-ronke-olabisi/
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NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-updated-physics-of-black-holes-with-steve-balbus-andrew-mummery/
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NOTE: All-Access subscribers can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://www.startalkradio.net/all-access/would-you-be-a-space-tourist/?_sf_s=would+you+be+a+space+tourist
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If you find this interview as fascinating as I did, then you’ll want to be among the first to get a hardcover copy of Ron’s new book Floating in Darkness, launching in May 2021.
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SpaceX launches first astronauts, humanity eyes The Moon and Mars - Vertical Hold Ep 281
What does SpaceX's first astronaut launch mean for the future of space exploration? What are humanity's plans for returning to The Moon and reaching for Mars?
Special Guest @byteside editor Seamus Byrne @seamus
Vertical Hold is brought to you by Aussie Broadband.
Vertical Hold: Behind The Tech News - podcast hosts @adam_turner and @alexkidman speak to Australia's leading technology journalists every Friday to get the stories behind the tech news of the week.
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ACC12 Rendezvous With Rama
Today we are discussing Arthur C. Clarke's Rendezvous With Rama (1973) which is his 12th novel..
Co-hosts: Amy and Mallory
Other science fiction discussed: Ringworld, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar, Full Metal Jacket, A Meeting With Medusa, Contact, Doom, E. T. The Extraterrestrial, Independence Day, Ad Astra, The Fountains Of Paradise, The Village, Source Code, The Mist, The Sixth Sense, Fire In The Sky