10 The Evolution of Space Technology
Adam Bauer
10.1 Introduction
Keywords
- Astronautics – the science and technology of human space travel and exploration
- Astronomy – the branch of science which deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole
- Ballistic Missile – a missile with a high, arching trajectory, which is initially powered and guided but falls under gravity on to its target
- Combustion – the process of burning something
- Propulsion – the action of driving or pushing forward
- Scientific Revolution – name given to a period of drastic change in scientific thought that took place during the 16th and 17th centuries
- Space Race – the competition between nations regarding achievements in the field of space exploration
- Thrust – push (something or someone) suddenly or violently in the specified direction
Learning Objectives
Know your MARS- By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
- Master the history of the rocket
- Acknowledge how a rocket works and how it is crucial to launches today
- Recognize leading scientists and developers who contributed to the evolution of the rocket
- Share your knowledge with others
The evolution of space technology has come a long way since Greek philosophers were first interested in astronomy and space in the 1600s. However, the foundations of spacecraft date back to the 11th century, when the Chinese developed the first known rocket. This rocket was very similar to what we know today as the firework, and it is the substructure for modern-day liquid propulsion rockets. Over 1000 years, the rocket has developed into spacecraft we are familiar with, and it has paved the way for future life outside planet Earth. Spacecraft has changed the age of exploration from land and sea to the unknown world of space. Spacecraft developed by each achievement because there was little research and history of space. Space exploration will become easier and obtainable as our technology advances, leading to life on another planet sooner than anticipated.
10.2 The Rocket
Key Takeaway
10.2.1 The First Rocket
The Chinese created the first rocket known to man in the 11th century, known as the “fire arrow.” The fire arrow was similar to a modern-day firework, and they worked the same way. The fire arrow was a paper tube filled with gunpowder that exploded when lit. These rockets were used in war, and they were presented to the Empress of China like a firework show. Moving into the 12th century, the Chinese further developed these rockets by attaching them to mounts, keeping the tube intact, and shooting a flame close to 30 paces. Even though the distance is not far, this early development of rockets sparked the revolution for making rockets with increased power for more distance (Jixing Pan).
“The Chinese Fire Arrow “ by 火龍經 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
10.2.2 Current Rockets
Current rockets are like fireworks, but they work on a larger scale. In the early 20th century, Konstantin Tsiolko