Scientist has for some time now researched about the universe and extended their research on extraterrestrial life. Evidence got through application of different technologies show that there is a possibility of life supporting conditions such as liquid water in another galaxy. There have also been ideas that the earth was visited by aliens some time back. Evidence show this is impossible considering that Andromeda, the closest galaxy to the Milky way is over 2 million light years away which means that if the aliens were to visit the earth it would take them 2 million years (Lippincott 1994).
Information acquired by scientist in their research has faced several limitations. Rocket technology that provides the means to travel to space does not have the capacity to provide the necessary speed to enable the interstellar travel a reality. similarly, the rockets are another major problem. Nuclear can supply the required energy, but it will not be sufficient to last for a time to complete the journey. Researchers have come up with ways to use fusion energy that will face the same limitation of depletion. Speed of travel is another problem (Stott & Gorton 1997). A spacecraft travelling at the speed of light has the possibility of bumping into particles that will have great physical effect on the spacecraft due to the speed of travel. Gravitational force is not available in space. Keeping organisms alive for many years of travel proves to be hard as seen by the effect of weightlessness among astronauts. Carrying food and water sufficient to sustain the organism in spacecraft is impossible due to the long duration of travel.
Brains are busy working to find ways to provide solutions to these problems and make space exploration easier and efficient. Communication problem has been sorted by creating laser relays that can be used for long distance travelling. Long lasting energy systems such as solar sails and instruments that are powered atomically to be used for navigating through space are being created. Information about the elements such as water and air necessary to support life are risky to check by living organisms (Mari 1999). Due to this, NASA engineers have come up with robotics that can help perform the task and send the relevant information about these elements.
In conclusion, great advancement has been made in the field of space exploration technology. Challenges faced so far can be solved within few years to come making more discoveries about life supporting condition in other galaxies a possibility.
Refrences
LIPPINCOTT, K. (1994). Astronomy. New York, Dorling Kindersley.
MARI, C. (1999). Space exploration. New York, H.W. Wilson Co.
STOTT, C., & GORTON, S. (1997). Space exploration. New York, Alfred A. Knopf.
