Rastradhoj Karki

Space exploration uses astronomy and space technology to explore outer space: an investigation, using crewed and unmanned spacecraft, of the reaches of the universe beyond the atmosphere of our planet and the use of the information, so gained to increase knowledge of the cosmos and benefit humanity.
The first rocket launched into space was the V2 missile, started by the Germans in 1942.
The Soviets launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik-1, into space in 1957.
In 1961, the USSR surprised the world by launching Yuri Gagarin into a single, 108-minute orbit around Earth in a craft called Vostok 1. Gagarin was known as the first cosmonaut, translated from Russian and Greek as the sailor of the universe.
The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) was formed in 1915, with a charter to supervise and direct the scientific study of problems on aerodynamics. Eventually, NACA combined with NASA in 1958.

What is NASA?
NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, located in Washington, US. NASA is a renowned government agency that is responsible for science and technology related to air and space. The Space Age started in 1957 with the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik.
NASA opened for business on Oct. 1, 1958, to oversee US space exploration and aeronautics research.
The administrator oversees NASA. The NASA administrator is nominated by the president and confirmed by a vote in the Senate.
Many people know something about NASA’s work. But most probably have no idea about how many different activities the agency does: The Astronauts in orbit conduct scientific space research; Satellites help scientists learn more about Earth; Space probes study the solar system and beyond. New developments improve air travel and other aspects of flight.
NASA is also beginning a new program to send humans to explore the Moon and Mars. In addition to these missions, NASA does many other things. The agency shares what it learns so that its information can make life better for people worldwide. For example, companies can use NASA discoveries to create new products.
NASA helps teachers prepare students who will be the engineers, scientists, astronauts, and other NASA workers of the future. They will be the adventurers who will continue the exploration of the solar system and universe. NASA has a tradition of investing in programs and activities that inspire students, educators, families, and communities in the excitement and discovery of exploration. NASA offers training to help teachers learn new ways to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The agency also involves students in NASA missions to help them get excited about learning.

NASA’s Achievements
When NASA started, it began a program of human spaceflight. The Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs helped NASA learn about flying in space and resulted in the first human landing on the Moon in 1969. Currently, NASA has astronauts living and working on the International Space Station.
NASA’s robotic space probes have visited every planet in the solar system and several other celestial bodies. Telescopes have enabled scientists to look at the far reaches of space. Satellites have revealed a vast amount of data about our planet, resulting in valuable information such as a greater understanding of weather patterns.
NASA has helped develop and test a variety of cutting-edge aircraft. These aircraft include planes that have set new records. Among other benefits, these tests have helped engineers improve air transportation. NASA technology has contributed to many items used in everyday life, from smoke detectors to medical tests.
NASA is currently celebrating its 60th-anniversary milestone.
Launch rockets into space used to be the domain of government agencies working with large aerospace contractors. But not anymore. In the past two decades, startup space companies have shown they can compete with or even upstage their larger counterparts.
There’s no better example of this than SpaceX, the Hawthorne, California-based company that lands their used rocket boosters to create scenes straight out of science fiction. In 2020 SpaceX became the first private company to send astronauts to orbit, and they are currently building a giant new rocket system that could one day carry people to Mars.

What does SpaceX do?
SpaceX is a private company under the direction of one famous person—Elon Musk—that currently builds and launches two rockets: The Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. The booster stages of these rockets usually return for refurbishment, which saves money and helps SpaceX undercut competitors’ prices.
SpaceX also builds and flies Dragon, a space capsule that can carry crew and cargo to the International Space Station. The company eventually plans to fly private astronauts on Dragon.
Elon Musk also claims that he has an ambitious plan to get humans on Mars by 2026, seven years before US space agency NASA aims to land astronauts on the red planet.
No, SpaceX is a profit company, whereas NASA is a taxpayer-funded entity free to pursue scientific discoveries that are not directly related to financial gain.

China's Manned Station
Until now, only America and Russia had their space stations. Now, according to CMS, China has spacecraft on Thursday carrying three astronauts to part of a space station still under construction for the longest stay in low Earth orbit by any Chinese national on June 17th, and also to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party.
A Long March 2F rocket transporting the Shenzhou-12, also known as “Divine Vessel”, was bound for the space station module Tianhe blasted off at 9:22 am Beijing time (01:22 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern Gansu province. The combination of the Tianhe module and Tianzhou-2 cargo craft has entered the scheduled docking orbit.
All equipment is working properly and in good condition, meeting the requirements of rendezvous and docking as well as accommodation for three astronauts.

Leading Government agencies involved in space exploration
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
China National Space Administration (CNSA)
The European Space Agency (ESA)
Russian Federal Space Agency (RFSA or Roscosmos)
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Italian Space Agency (ASI)
The French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES)
Canadian Space Agency
UK Space Agency

Leading Companies involved in space exploration
SpaceX (California, United States)
Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (Virginia, United States)
Sierra Nevada Corporation (Nevada, United States)
Blue Origin (Washington, United States)
Boeing (Illinois, United States)

Space exploration is necessary for humanity in long run. It allows us to learn the culture of our solar system, find extraterrestrial life, or come upon a planet where life is inhabitated if something were to happen on the Earth.
Can our planet stay in the same state? If yes, then for how long?

(Karki is a college student)