The development of rockets powerful enough to overcome the earth’s gravity in the 20th century paved way for space exploration to become a reality. The Soviets launched the first artificial satellite to space in 1957, ever since, humans have continued to explore space and its possibilities.

In recent years, space exploration has increased greatly and a lot of billions of dollars have been invested in space technology and research. The question for many is this: why spend so much money to research about the unknown?

The exploration of space has helped humans understand the earth and other planets better. We can now study the earth from 250 miles above its surface, we are able to make critical observations of natural disasters and how human activities has influenced changes in the earth landscape.

A nearly full Moon sets as the space shuttle Discovery sits atop Launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.

Space exploration has made it possible to have satellites in the earth's orbit, which enables data collection on changing climatic conditions in the earth. Astronomical satellite in the orbit has helped us discover new stars and planets giving us a better perspective of our galaxy.

Space systems are now an integral part of our military and defense operations, weather observations, communication systems, remote sensing and navigation. A lot of technological advancements has been made due to space research, and as humanity push frontiers forward, more discovery about our cosmos will be made.

Image Credit : NASA