After the initial euphoria that lasted a few decades, marked by the landing of humans on the moon in 1969, space exploration efforts did not get much traction in later years. But, a perceptible push is evident of late, with China entering the scene in a big way with its plans for a crewed landing mission on moon, and some other nations too evincing similar interests. The latest on the space exploration front was the Chinese success in enabling a plant seed to sprout in the moon’s soil – albeit with a short life. Yet, it proved a point.
Notably, the new fervour on the part of many nations to take to space exploration, or to do it in a more energetic way, is prompted by the spirit of competition – as has been the case with this endeavour from the very start.
By landing two humans on the moon’s surface for the first time, Americans created not only history but also stole the wind out of the sails of the Russians (USSR). While Russia had taken the lead in space exploration till then, America took up the challenge by setting up the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958 and earmarking substantial funding for it. The results came in the form of the moon landing 11 years hence. The break-up of the USSR or Soviet Union, the resultant end of the Cold War, and the worsening economic woes forced Russia to reduce funding for its space projects. Then came an era of joint efforts by the US and Russia. Nothing much happened thereafter, though. Now China, the late starter came in from behind and is progressing with major future plans. It aims at landing its humans on the moon soon.
Thanks to China, it’s revival time for space explorations in the US. Americans are now planning to set up a permanent lunar-lander to help organise frequent trips to the moon. The Congress is in a mood to allot $1billion for similar purposes. A lunar gateway orbital station and other technical requirements would follow. China is also planning regular trips to the moon. Plans are afoot in Europe to organise tourism trips to the moon in due course.
India too has joined the space exploration race with its Chandrayaan and other missions. So too have Russia, Germany, Israel and Japan. The Mars missions, several of them in recent decades, have not been successful. Finding life on planets around us remains a dream so far, but hope is not lost.
