The Two Extreme Sides Of Space Exploration

The thirst of knowledge has been part of humans ever since we first evolved into intelligent creatures. The need to explore space arises from this thirst. It is why countries across the globe are finding new and novel ways to explore it. The objective might be practical or a more theoretical need that potentiality later, but the consequence is the same – getting to know the world beyond our world.

Two examples of the ground-breaking modes of space exploration are by China and the U.S.

• Early in 2019, China became the very first country to ever land on the far side of the moon. Known as the dark side, it has never been explored. This year the Chinese country landed their spacecraft Chang’e-4 on it and clicked the first photo of the other side of the moon.
• In 2018, Donald Trump announced that he would create Space Force – the 6th branch of U.S. military.  This year the president of America signed the Space Policy Directive 4. The directive allows the formation of armed forces that would protect the planet beyond the atmosphere. A corps of military space personnel will now be organised, trained, and equipped for it. The unit will be placed under the umbrella of U.S. Air Force.

Both these actions taken by the two countries show the two extreme sides of space exploration.  While one helps the entire world to see a new side of the moon and opens up countless new possibilities for this and coming generation, the other can trigger a war. If one country (the U.S. in this case) can think to militarize space, then what stops other nations to do the same?

All in all, space is brand-new territory. Everyone is scrambling to mark it as their own!