CHAPTER 10 | Space Exploration
Development in the Field of Astronomy
Astronomy is the field of study about natural objects in the sky.
The contributions of astronomers include the following:
(a) Claudius Ptolemy
Suggested that the Earth is the centre of the Solar System.
Introduced the geocentric model which stated that the Earth is stationary at the centre of the Solar System and all objects such as the Sun and other planets revolve around the Earth in circular orbits.
(b) Nicholas Copernicus
Introduced the heliocentric model.
Stated that the Sun is at the centre of the Solar System and is surrounded by other planets in circular orbits. The Earth rotates on its axis.
(c) Johannes Kepler
Adapted the heliocentric model
State that the Sun is located at the centre of the Solar System and all planets are orbiting around the Sun in elliptical orbits.
Space Exploration
History of space exploration in terms of technology development and missions in space exploration.
First telescope used in the field of astronomy by Galileo Galilei-1609.
First satellite – USSR Sputnik 1 - 1957.
First human to orbit Earth – Yuri Gagarin, aboard USSR Vostok 1 - 1961.
First human on the Moon – Neil Armstrong, US Apollo 11 - 1969.
First Neptune flyby – US Voyager 2 - 1989.
US launched Hubble Space Telescope from space shuttle Discovery - 1990.
Malaysian satellites MEASAT 1 and 2 launched -1996.
Malaysia’s first microsatellite TiungSAT-1 launched -2000
National Space Agency (Agensi Angkasa Negara) established -2002.
Construction of International Space Station (ISS) completed -2011.
Applications of Technology in Space Exploration and their Importance
Telescopes
Astronomical telescopes such as the radio telescope, Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescope are used for observing objects in outer space.
Spaceships
Spaceships that carry astronauts have been launched into outer space to obtain various information.
Space probe is a spaceship that does not carry humans. Examples of space probes are Voyager 2, Viking 1, Pioneer 10 and Mariner 10, to collect information about the Solar System.
Rockets and space shuttles
Used for launching objects like spaceships or probes and satellites.
Rockets cannot be used repeatedly but space shuttles can be used repeatedly.
Satellites
Man-made satellites have been launched into certain orbits to play a role in remote sensing in the fields like agriculture and geology.