// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Space Exploration
The investigation of outer space through human-crewed and robotic spacecraft, aiming to discover and understand celestial bodies and phenomena.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Space Exploration is the scientific investigation and discovery of celestial bodies, phenomena, and the cosmos beyond Earth's atmosphere, conducted through human-crewed missions, robotic probes, and ground-based observatories, driven by scientific curiosity and potential resource utilization.
BACKGROUND
Space exploration is the physical investigation of outer space by uncrewed robotic space probes and through human spaceflight.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Cosmic exploration
- Deep space exploration
- Astronautics
USAGE NOTE
Space exploration pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and technological innovation.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Space Exploration.
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company is known for its reusable Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, the Dragon spacecraft for crew and cargo, and is currently developing the Starship system for missions to the Moon and Mars.
The United States government agency leading civilian space exploration. NASA develops and operates robotic missions throughout the solar system, such as the Mars rovers, and is leading the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.
A private aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos. It is developing reusable launch vehicles, such as New Glenn, and the Blue Moon lunar lander, with the goal of enabling human expansion into space.
A global aerospace and defense company that is the prime contractor for NASA's Orion spacecraft, designed for human deep-space exploration. They also build robotic probes, satellites, and Mars landers.
A major aerospace company that serves as the prime contractor for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), the rocket designed for the Artemis missions. Boeing also developed the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for transporting crew to the International Space Station.
An intergovernmental organization of 22 member states dedicated to the exploration of space. ESA develops launch vehicles, scientific satellites like the James Webb Space Telescope (in partnership with NASA), and robotic missions like the Rosetta comet chaser.
A private company building the world's first commercial space station. It also organizes and manages private astronaut missions to the International Space Station, fostering a commercial economy in low-Earth orbit.
Japan's national aerospace agency. JAXA is known for its innovative robotic missions, such as the Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 asteroid sample-return missions, and its contributions to the International Space Station.