Space exploration refers to the investigation and study of outer space through the use of manned and unmanned spacecraft, satellites, telescopes, and other technologies. It involves the search for knowledge about celestial bodies, including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and stars, as well as phenomena like cosmic radiation and the universe’s structure and origin. The goals of space exploration can include scientific research, technological advancement, and the potential for human settlement beyond Earth. This field has led to significant discoveries about our solar system and the universe, including the identification of exoplanets, insights into the origins of life, and an understanding of space weather. Space exploration is conducted by various national and international space agencies, as well as private companies, and encompasses a range of missions, from robotic landers and rovers to crewed missions to the International Space Station and beyond.
The return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from the International Space Station led to political controversy over timing and logistics. SpaceX clashed with the Biden administration's NASA, with…