Since the International Space Station became suitable for human habitation, research has been initiated to establish the effects of space and microgravity on various phenomena of human life. Undoubtedly, space exploration breakthroughs have immensely contributed to the betterment of human life. Conspicuous evidence of the benefits of space tours to human life include: advances in human health, education, earth observation, telemedicine, and disaster management among others.

The Role of Human Health

The International Space Exploration has provided a unique platform for carrying out the impact on human health, earth, and beyond. Research has been conducted on the station to provide a better understanding of the phenomena of human health such as the environment, aging, disease, and trauma.

Figure 1. International Space Exploration: Improving Human Life

International Space Exploration: Improving Human Life is shown in Figure 1. Physiological and biological tests have produced vital results and, therefore, improving our comprehension of the series of physiological events that are usually shielded by gravity and invention of new and advanced medical technology and procedures, including telemedicine, cell behaviour, disease models, and nutrition.

The Canadian Space Agency (2012) gives an inspiring narration of how a robotic arm has successfully performed a brain surgery. In 2008, Paige Nickason became the first brain tumor patient to receive surgery from a robot. Since then, numerous patients have received surgeries from the neuroArm. The development of the neuroArm owes a lot of credit to space exploration.

For a long time, robots have constituted a major component of space technologies and currently, the technology is being tailored to provide medical solutions as evidenced in the neuroArm. mcDolnard, Dettwiller and Associates Limited has made enormous advances in designing a two-armed neuroArm and developing a tele-operated surgery unit for children. Furthermore, the company is developing an image-guided independent robot system for the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

One of the major health challenges associated with space exploration is kidney stones and bone loss for astronauts during long stays on space. Astronauts have had to participate in regular physical exercises to counter the problem. In a bid to provide more efficient solutions to bone loss and renal dysfunction, astronauts take biophosphonate, vitamin D, and Calcium respectively. The precautions for promoting astronauts health have provided insights for treating osteoporosis in Canada and other parts of the world (Canadian Space Agency, 2012).

Space exploration and its associated technology have also improved the health of humanity through the invention of asthma management devices. The European Space Agency has developed a device for establishing the level of nitrogen monoxide, a major cause of lung inflammation, in exhaled air. The devise has been found to be beneficial to asthma patients since it assists in monitoring and managing the levels of asthma prevention and suitability of medication (Canadian Space Agency, 2012).[1]

How space technology benefits the Earth

The purpose of this paper is to clarify and explain current and potential benefits of space-based capabilities for life on Earth from environmental, social, and economic perspectives, including:

1. Space activities having a positive impact today (such as Earth observation for weather and climate)
2. Space activities that could have a positive impact in the next 5 to 20 years (such as communications satellite megaconstellations)
3. Space activities that could have a positive impact in the more distant future (such as widespread space manufacturing and industrialization)

In what follows, we describe nearly 30 types of activities that either confer significant benefits now, or could provide positive impacts in the coming decades.[2]

Space technology for life on Earth

The abundance of data that satellites collect about our planet is not very useful in its original form, but once it is processed and applied to specific situations, it can help solve a myriad of problems on Earth. For example, remote sensing technology can be used to detect environmental changes, satellite communication can assist with remote services and natural disaster management, and human spaceflight has advanced our understanding of medicine.

ESA Discovery & Preparation has supported many investigations into how space technology can be applied to Earth-based challenges. This article focuses on three such applications – forecasting natural disasters, monitoring ocean plastic, and enabling autonomous shipping.[3]

International space exploration has far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the boundaries of our planet. The collaborative nature of these endeavors, coupled with advancements in science and technology, has the potential to enhance human life, inspire future generations, and contribute to the betterment of our world. As humanity continues to venture into space, the lessons learned and innovations developed will continue to shape and improve the way we live on Earth.

References:

1. https://ivypanda.com/essays/space-exploration-canada/
2. https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3768/1
3. https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Discovery_and_Preparation/Space_technology_for_life_on_Earth

Cite this article:

Gokula Nandhini K (2023), International Space Exploration: Improving Human Life, AnaTechmaz, pp.460