Ep 6. Why We Explore
- Not Rated
- October 17, 2015
- 20 min
Why We Explore, the sixth episode of season 2 of Xploration Outer Space, is a thought-provoking look at humanity's quest to explore our cosmos. Hosted by Emily Calandrelli, this episode delves deep into the reasons why we explore space and what drives mankind's insatiable curiosity to explore the unknown.
The episode begins by looking at the history of space exploration, starting with the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik in 1957, which sparked the space race between the USA and USSR. From there, we learn about the early manned space missions, including Yuri Gagarin's historic flight in 1961 and the first moon landing in 1969.
We then fast forward to the present day, where we are introduced to a new generation of space explorers, including private space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, and the growing interest in space tourism. We also learn about new technologies that are making space exploration more accessible and affordable than ever before.
Throughout the episode, Emily speaks with experts in the field of space exploration, including NASA astronaut Mike Massimino and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. They discuss the many scientific discoveries made through space exploration, such as the discovery of gravitational waves and the search for life on other planets.
But the show also takes a more philosophical approach, exploring the deeper reasons behind humanity's drive to explore space. Emily speaks with futurist Jason Silva, who argues that our desire to explore the cosmos is rooted in our innate curiosity and our need to seek out new experiences and knowledge.
The episode also touches on the many challenges that come with space exploration, such as the risk to human life and the enormous cost involved. Emily speaks with a former NASA official, who explains the difficult decisions that had to be made during the Apollo program, and how the tragic loss of the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger reminded us of the risks involved in space exploration.
Why We Explore is a fascinating look at the many different reasons why we explore space, from the scientific discoveries made to the philosophical questions raised. It's a reminder that our journey to explore the cosmos is far from over, and that we still have much to learn about our universe and ourselves. Whether you're a seasoned space enthusiast or simply intrigued by the mysteries of the cosmos, this episode of Xploration Outer Space is sure to captivate and inspire.