1
Morrison
Hannah Morrison
Mrs. Frank
English I Pre-AP
20 January 2010
[k1]NASA
Space and the unexplored lands above continue to fascinate people all over the world. As soon as Neil Armstrong landed on the moon in 1969, astronauts and engineers were introduced to the mysteries of space exploration. In recent years, space shuttles have been used to send astronauts into space, ready to aid in the further development of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). [k2]With new technology, NASA is hoping to build in safeguards for the safety of future astronauts. NASA has gradually grown into a world renowned association beginning with the early days of NASA, prevailing through many complications, and continuing to look toward the future.[k3]
Decades ago, a new interest in space led to the formation of NASA.[k4] Scientists from all over the world knew plenty of information about the Earth, but space was a “new frontier” (“Space Exploration”World[k5]). Because of all the technological advances discovered in World War II, scientists from Great Britain, Russia, Germany, and the United States were eager to launch a rocket into space[k6] (“Space Exploration”World). A tight race formed between the Soviet Union and the United States as both governments sought to conquer space and use it as a military base [k7](“Space Exploration”World).
During Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I [k8](“Space Exploration”World). This artificial satellite was launched on October 4, 1957 and led the United States to the “fear of a nuclear was of catastrophic proportions” [k9](“Space Exploration”World). In light of this, President Eisenhower and Congress established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to “[bring[k10]] more money and expertise into the field of United States space exploration” (Harris 41[k11]). NASA would also “carry out activities for exploring space…and arrange fro the most effective use of United States engineering for peaceful space and aeronautical activities” (“National Aeronautics”). [k12]After NASA’s creation in October 1958, the program immediately started conducting space missions (Harris 41). In 1961, Alan Shepard Jr. became the first American astronaut to enter space (Harris 41). Missions that followed included John Gleen’s orbit around the Earth in 1962, and the first spacewalk by Edward White in 1965 (Harris 41). [k13]Even though these missions were very beneficial, the most memorable mission was the spacewalk on the moon by Neil Armstrong.
President John F. Kennedy was eager to expand on space exploration[k14]. In a speech given to Congress on May 25, 1961, President Kennedy stated “that the [United States] [k15]should commit itself to achieving the goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon” (Harris 55). Kennedy knew that this would be a major commitment for the United States but it was “important for the long-range exploration of space” (Harris 55). In July of 1969, Kennedy’s dream was fulfilled as Apollo 11 lifted off into space (“Moon Landing”). [k16]He climbed down the ladder and said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” as he set foot on the moon’s surface (“Moon Landing”). NASA continues to expand their space exploration, even though there have been many hurdles to overcome.[k17]
Over the years, NASA has faced many problems that have limited the growth of space exploration. [k18]Financial problems started as soon as President Eisenhower “limited the federal government’s expenditures [on space exploration][k19]” (“Space Exploration”World). This act by Eisenhower occurred at the end of his presidency when he “refused to approve and budget for an expedition to the moon” (“Space Exploration”World). He was reluctant to spend any more money for NASA than what was already planned. Funds were raised when President Kennedy wanted to send a man to the moon (“Space Exploration”World). He made Congress aware of the budget by including it in his speech saying, “I therefore ask the Congress…to provide the funds which are needed to meet the following national goals [reaching the moon, developing the nuclear rocket, and using satellites for communications]” (Harris 55-6). All of these goals cost an estimated 531[k20] million dollars. Kennedy knew that America “[could not] afford…inflated costs of material talent” (Harris 57). Because of the exorbitant costs for all of the space equipment, NASA is severely affected anytime a space shuttle explodes or a mission is canceled. In 1999, a 165 million dollar Mars Polar Lander was shattered as it attempted to land on Mars’ surface (“National Aeronautics”). After this event, NASA was very attentive to costs.
Recent problems have included the two major shuttle explosions: Columbia and Challenger.[k21] Both of these space shuttles were destroyed, killing all of the crew members. The space shuttle Challenger exploded on January 28, 1986 (“Challenger Explosion”[k22]). Seventy-three seconds after lift-off, NASA engineers were shocked to see Challenger disintegrate (“Challenger Explosion”). They believe it was due to a “faulty O-ring seal in the solid-fuel rocket” (“Challenger Explosion”). This tragedy “also revealed a history of design failures, cost overruns and mismanagements” (“Challenger Explosion”). The space shuttle Columbia was a few minutes from landing when the space shuttle exploded over eastern Texas(“Columbia Disaster[k23]”). NASA believes a piece of insulation from the fuel tank damaged a heat seal on Columbia’s left wing (“Columbia Disaster”). Seven more crew members died and NASA lost billions of dollars.
Astronauts are also affected by mental and physical problems starting as soon as their space shuttle lifts off. [k24]They are overwhelmed by the isolation and separation of living in space. Some of them suffer from a disorder called Solipsism Syndrome (Angelo[k25]). This makes astronauts feel as if “everything is a dream and is not real” (Angelo). Exposure to space air can cause “ionizing radiation hazards” (Angelo). The radiation is trapped in Earth’s magnetic fields, but in space it becomes a concern to astronauts when they travel to lunar surface bases (Angelo). This radiation can cause cancer, but fortunately new innovations are being made to aid in astronauts’ safety.
Presently advancements are being made to help the well-being of astronauts[k26]. Astronauts must be in top physical and physiological conditions to fly in space. After passing many tests, such as an eye test and a screening to ensure that they have no mental health issues, they undergo two years of rigorous training (Belfiore12[k27]). Training starts with “many hours of lectures on spacecraft systems, rocket technology, and basic science and physics” so the astronauts are able to become experts in everything that deals with the spacecraft (Belfiore 12). Many interactive models are set up for the astronauts in order for them to become accustomed to the heavy space suits (Belfiore 14). Practicing underwater is the only way the astronauts are able to practice with “suits [that] weigh more than the astronauts themselves” (Belfiore 14). At the JohnsonSpaceCenter, they practice in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (Belfiore 14). This laboratory is a 6.2 million-gallon, forty-foot deep pool that has all of the components of the space shuttle. While floating in the tank, the astronauts can practice “construction procedures, such as bolting stations components together, and train for repair missions that will require…removing broken equipment, and installing new equipment” (Belfiore 14). With the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory and space station simulators, where the astronauts “practice operating spacecraft…and different controls,” NASA is able to help the safety of the astronauts in space (Belfiore 16).
Another advancement is the creation of a new spacecraft. [k28]In 2010 the space shuttle will be retired and a new space module will be built that will “shorten development time,…increase landing stability, and permit safe travel for us to six crew members” (“NASA Unveils”)[k29]. Not only will it lower development costs, but it will be able to land anywhere on the moon and “make a safe landing on land or in water” (“NASA Unveils”). This vehicle claimed to be “10 times safer than the space shuttle, primarily due to its in-line design and launch abort system” and will have “three times the volume” of any spacecraft” (“NASA Unveils”).
Many people are expecting space to one day become “a major center of business activity” [k30](“Space”Encyclopedia). In 1967, the Outer Space Treaty was written to ensure that there are no legal problems between countries exploring space (“Space”Encyclopedia). Before NASA was created, Americans were afraid that the Soviet Union would use space to launch destructive weapons. The Outer Space Treaty “prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction…and has limited some military activities” (“Space”Encyclopedia). In the 21st century, outer space has become a much busier area and it may become necessary to “establish a space traffic-control system…to control traffic systems on Earth” (“SpaceEncyclopedia”). These new innovations will prevent major explosions and contribute to the growth of NASA.
Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy could never have imagined that NASA would become such a large organization that continues to explore the unknown. Through hard work and perseverance, NASA has been able to overcome tragedies like Columbia and Challenger. Countless hours of training and the new shuttle are innovations that can allow for more safety for the astronauts and space exploration. By avoiding problems with the space shuttles and creating inexpensive space traveling systems, NASA will continue to move toward the next century.
[k1]First page header; only to show on page 1 and should be double-spaced
[k2]Write out full name for an acronym followed by the acronym in parentheses when it is first introduced. From that point forward consistently refer to it by the acronym.
[k3]Thesis statement: Lists three main paper topics in the order that they appear.
[k4]Topic sentence for first main topic.
[k5]Parenthetical documentation for a database: Includes the article title in quotations followed by an italicized “World” due to multiple sources of the same title name. Page number is absent because there is none.
[k6]Paraphrase followed by parenthetical documentation
[k7]Transition sentence: concludes associated paragraph and leads to the next.
[k8]Topic sentence
[k9]Imbedded direct quote followed by parenthetical documentation
[k10]Author added word in brackets – inserts words not originally present in the direct quote to help the flow of the sentence.
[k11]Parenthetical documentation for a book source: Includes the author’s or editor’s last name followed by the page number. Do NOT place a comma between the name and page number.
[k12]Parenthetical documentation for an article on a database: Includes the title (shortened version) of the article in quotations.
[k13]Parenthetical documentation must directly follow the sentence that it refers to – even if the same source is used for research that immediately follows.
[k14]Topic sentence
[k15]Author added text in brackets
[k16]Parenthetical documentation for an article on a database.
[k17]Transition sentence
[k18]Topic sentence for second main topic
[k19]Author added text in brackets
[k20]Spell-out numbers that can be expressed in three words or less; use numerals for others.
[k21]Topic sentence
[k22]Parenthetical documentation for an article on a database.
[k23]Parenthetical documentation for an article on a database.
[k24]Topic sentence
[k25]Parenthetical documentation for an article with an author but no page number.
[k26]Topic sentence for third main paper topic
[k27]Parenthetical documentation for a print source with an author and page number.
[k28]Topic sentence
[k29]Parenthetical documentation for an article on a database – shortened title.
[k30]Topic sentence