Last month, we celebrated World Space Week! It was established by the United Nations in 1999 and is observed each year from October 4-10. The dates were specifically selected as a nod to two very notable space events. On October 4, 1957, Sputnik, the first human-made satellite, was sent into orbit, opening the door to greater space exploration. On October 10, 1967, the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space treaty was signed, providing the framework for international space law. The purpose of World Space Week is to celebrate the advancements in technology and science that further the betterment of humanity. In 2021, World Space Week’s outreach and education events exceeded 6,418 worldwide.
As a part of World Space Week 2022, we had the special opportunity to locally tour the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) Center and Botany Lab inside Mars Base 1 at Kennedy Space Center. We started our exploration in the ATX room, which includes a variety of simulators that allow you to train like a future Mars explorer. The immersive technology simulates sensations of spacewalk performance, capsule docking, and navigation of Mars terrain.
Our next stop was the Botany Lab. It is an indoor greenhouse that utilizes hydroponic gardening. It also has a section dedicated to growing plants in soil similar to Martian regolith simulant. Through years of study, NASA has discovered that mainly blue and red LED lighting is the most effective for this growing environment. The red light is essential for germinations, roots and flowering while the blue aids in the production of healthy leaves and stems. The plant conditions varied from plot to plot on purpose. They continue to experiment and learn just as much from observing dying plants vs. healthy growth. With astronauts currently being sustained by packaged foods, and NASA having its sights on the Moon and Mars, we must develop the ability to grow fresh plants in large quantities off Earth.
In order to reach the moon, we will need a massive rocket. NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) intends to do just that, and the space agency is now targeting November 14th at 12:07 a.m. for the inaugural launch. There is a 69-minute window in which the launch can take place. We hope you are able to witness this spectacular event! Titusville, with its unobstructed view of the pad across the Indian River, offers some of the best public viewing spots. Keep in mind that traffic at the Space Coast is likely to be a concern even this late into the night, so it is recommended to arrive quite early at your desired viewing location.
