Space exploration isn’t new—people have been interested in discovering what’s outside our planet for hundreds of years. However, although technology and science have significantly advanced, space exploration still faces numerous challenges.
Let’s see what these challenges are.
Lack of Regulatory Framework
In the early stages of space exploration, NASA and other government-owned agencies conducted most of the research. Today, we see a different situation. We live in the New Space era, an era of relatively new private space companies trying to develop low-cost access to space.
There’s a noticeable shift from the traditional institutional players like NASA to private companies backed by wealthy entrepreneurs. The most popular ones are Richard Branson and his company Virgin Galactic, Elon Musk with SpaceX, and Jeff Bezos with Blue Origin. But, of course, there are many more entrepreneurs trying to find their place under the Sun.
Since this emergence of private space companies is relatively recent, many claim there aren’t enough regulations and laws that guarantee space exploration won’t be taken advantage of by the strongest (wealthiest). Of course, there are specific laws everyone has to respect regarding space exploration. However, many agree these laws aren’t in line with the current technologies and circumstances.
The overcrowded radio-frequency spectrum and preserving the space environment are only some of the problems caused by the lack of regulatory framework. Moreover, since outer space can’t be “divided” with state lines, determining the jurisdiction is difficult.
The biggest challenge is finding balance. On the one hand, regulations must protect the companies, investors, stakeholders, every country’s interest, human rights, and space. But, on the other hand, they need to allow for freedom in developing new technologies and reaching new boundaries.
Propulsion
Propulsion is the action or process of pulling or pushing to drive an object. What does this mean in space? It means our spacecraft are heavy and slow.
Namely, traveling through space is much easier than the actual takeoff. Moreover, the heavier an object, the more force is necessary to move it, and rockets and spaceships are massive. Hence, the performance of propulsion systems is quite a challenge for space exploration.
It’s undeniable that technology used for space exploration has advanced significantly in the last few decades. From the alloys we used in the beginning, we’ve transferred to composites with more superior properties.
Moreover, we have new manufacturing methods, advanced simulation programs, guidance systems, etc. However, nothing significant has been invented regarding propellants that are key for launching a spacecraft.
Experts are still working on creating propellants that allow faster travel and larger payload delivery. One way of improving the propulsion system’s performance is using hypersonic air-breathing rocket engines to reduce the amount of oxygen needed. Moreover, developing launch vehicles that could take off and land as aircraft without so much service would allow more frequent travel.
The limited performance of current propulsion systems is one of the biggest challenges for space exploration.
Protection of Humans
While being in space looks fun from what we’ve seen in the movies, the reality is different. Staying in the space environment for extended periods isn’t natural for humans and affects our health. Why? Because of the radiation coming from space. This radiation affects every cell in our body and is a primary health concern for astronauts.
As you can assume, determining the degree of damage space radiation can cause is very difficult. Moreover, it’s even more challenging to identify the long-term consequences of traveling to space.
Scientists have discovered space radiation can increase the chance of developing cancer, cause cardiovascular issues and cognitive impairment, hinder generating new cells in the brain, etc. However, the research isn’t over yet, and we still can’t be sure how harmful space can be to the human body.
NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP) is investigating the scope of space radiation and trying to figure out potential solutions. For example, one solution could be creating shielding materials for space vehicles. Moreover, developing an artificial environment that would protect humans against the adverse effects of space is also an option.
It’s also important to mention that the more time we spend in space, the more radiation we are exposed to. Hence, innovations and technological advances that could reduce the time spent in space are also being studied.
No Food or Drinks
While different vegetables have been successfully grown in space, there’s still no way to have a full-size garden in zero gravity. Moreover, the ISS features a system that turns wastewater (urine) into drinking water. However, like everything else, this system needs occasional servicing, meaning humans in space don’t have constant access to water.
Scientists are working on overcoming this challenge with different genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that would be space-efficient. They’re also working on a water filter that would be able to replenish itself, thus allowing constant access to water.
Bone and Muscle Loss
Our bodies evolved thanks to the Earth’s gravity. When humans are aboard the International Space Station (ISS), they are in a microgravity environment. Their bones and muscles don’t have anything to do because there’s no need for body support. Unfortunately, this leads to bone and muscle loss.
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), bone loss happens at around 1-2% per month. So after six months in space, humans could experience osteoporosis symptoms similar to those in older women on Earth. Weight-bearing bones have it even worse: their mass can decrease up to 20% after a six-month mission.
Muscle loss happens due to a lack of activity. Since humans in space don’t run, climb stairs, or carry heavy objects, muscle loss is a significant concern. Even on short missions, astronauts can experience up to 20% muscle loss. However, the percentage is much higher for more extended missions, where muscle loss can go up to 50%.
As you can imagine, this bone and muscle loss can affect an astronaut’s capabilities and make performing demanding activities challenging, if not impossible. In addition, many astronauts complain of lower back pain, which could result from muscle atrophy in that area.
Researchers are investigating how microgravity causes bone and muscle loss and trying to find a way to prevent it. This would allow astronauts to stay healthy during and after their missions.
In addition, it would enable more extended space travel. Most studies compare subjects on the ground to those who have spent time in space to determine what could be changed to avoid or reduce bone and muscle loss.
Like on Earth, a healthy diet and exercise are also essential for humans in space. Besides having a nutritious diet, astronauts need to exercise for at least two hours daily to combat bone and muscle loss. Before starting their mission, astronauts are given a detailed “workout plan” they need to stick with until they return to Earth.
It’s important to point out that finding a way to treat bone and muscle loss isn’t significant just for astronauts; it’s also vital for those who have osteoporosis. This is where the research overlaps; finding a treatment would benefit millions.
Unfortunately, there’s still no way to prevent muscle and bone loss while in space. Overcoming this would allow astronauts to go on more extended missions and spend less time exercising.
Mental Health
Few people think about the astronauts’ mental health when discussing space exploration. However, while it may look attractive, space exploration is much more than that. Spending days and months in a confined space, away from family and friends, with zero privacy and no ability to breathe fresh air definitely takes a toll on mental health.
Astronauts could experience sleep problems, anxiety, depression, etc. As if this wasn’t enough, the microgravity environment and space radiation can cause numerous mental health issues.
Scientists are aware of this and trying to figure out the best way to prevent the harmful consequences of space exploration on mental health. Unfortunately, this is more challenging than it sounds. While astronauts undergo thorough preparation before a mission, it’s hard to predict how they will behave once onboard a spacecraft.
That’s why researchers are constantly working on improving space mission simulations. They are trying to make them as realistic as possible to identify and predict the astronauts’ behavior. In 2014, NASA launched the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA), a habitat that can simulate different missions. HERA replicates all aspects of a space mission, including confinement and isolation.
Astronauts must respect sleep schedules, exercise daily, consume the foods they would consume as if they were in space, etc. Crew members are also required to communicate with mission control, and just like in space, there’s a communication delay.
HERA features VR helmets that allow astronauts to simulate walking in space or piloting. While HERA is an excellent simulation program, it’s not perfect. Perhaps its most significant disadvantage is that it can’t replicate microgravity. HERA missions can last up to 45 days.
Of course, HERA isn’t the only effort scientists are making toward decreasing the mental health risks for astronauts. Before they’re even considered for the astronaut program, candidates undergo extensive psychological evaluations and training.
One of the stages of the evaluation process is a series of psychiatric interviews. Psychiatrists examine all candidates for factors that could disqualify them, and those deemed unable to handle the mental pressure that comes with traveling to space are disqualified. Every candidate is scored based on a series of interviews and their personality, emotional stability, etc.
Once they pass these process stages, candidates are given training that strengthens their skills and prepares them for space missions. Conflict resolution, stress management, and leadership are only some skills that candidates work on before heading to space.
While the evaluation process and training are comprehensive, it’s crucial to remember that people can change. That’s why crew members have access to medications in case of a behavioral emergency while in space. Every medical kit contains medications for anxiety, depression, psychosis, insomnia, pain, fatigue, etc.
NASA’s astronauts always have the support of the behavioral health team that checks on the crew members remotely and helps them avoid potential issues. The team ensures a healthy work-rest balance and that the members aren’t experiencing mental health crises.
In the event a problem happens, clinical psychiatrists assist in overcoming it. In addition, the behavioral health team assists astronauts in communicating with their family members and ensuring their life remains as normal as possible, given the circumstances.
Environment
Preserving the environment is one of the main topics of concern these days. But unfortunately, sending spaceships and rockets to space isn’t the most eco-friendly activity.
Launching space rockets leaves behind carbon that affects the stratosphere. Since much of the ozone layer is in the lower levels of the stratosphere, we can say space exploration is a threat to the entire planet and increases the carbon footprint.
Although we may not think about it, space exploration can cause air, soil, and water pollution. Hence, scientists are working on reducing the carbon footprint and making space exploration as harmless as possible.
One example is Jeff Bezos’ New Shepard, a suborbital launch vehicle developed by the businessman’s company Blue Origin. Bezos made a short journey to space in this vehicle in 2021. The vehicle generates thrust by combining liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, so there isn’t as much carbon dioxide left behind. This makes New Shepard one of the cleanest launch vehicles in history.
While this is a significant improvement that reduces the adverse effects of space exploration on the environment, scientists still have a long way to go. The ultimate goal is to find a way to continue with space activities without harming the environment.
Space Colonization?
Besides learning more about the origin and structure of the universe and searching for signs of life, one of the goals of space exploration is space colonization. This is a goal for both government-owned agencies and private space companies.
For example, Elon Musk plans to send manned missions to Mars by 2029 and eventually colonize the planet. While this plan seems far-fetched to ordinary people, Musk’s company, SpaceX, is working to develop the technology to make this possible.
Space colonization is one of the biggest challenges of space exploration. The technology and infrastructure that would support permanent, self-sufficient settlements in an environment other than the Earth don’t exist — yet. Even if the technology existed, there’s still no way to ensure a constant resupply of consumable resources. For now, space colonization remains impossible, but who knows what will happen in the future.
Money
The approximate cost of sending one pound of mass into low Earth orbit is a whopping $10,000, and a big part of this cost is related to the launch system’s construction and production. In addition, around 40% of the total mission cost represents ground and launch procedures. Hence, the prices represent a big challenge for more frequent space exploration.
Finding a way to make traveling to space more economical would allow room for more robust and frequent space exploration, leading to innovations, new technology, and more discoveries. At the moment, space exploration remains impossible for everyone who isn’t employed by the government and/or has millions of dollars to spend.
Near-Earth Object Mitigation
Near-Earth objects are comets or asteroids of different sizes whose orbits are close to the Earth’s. There are more than 25,000 near-Earth objects; some are so large that they could potentially be dangerous in a direct collision.
Although it’s improbable there will be a direct collision, history has shown us time and again that anything’s possible. While we can track near-Earth objects, new technologies are necessary to better understand the chances and consequences of potential impacts.
Not only that, astronauts also need equipment that would allow diverting a comet or asteroid to avoid a direct collision and protect our planet.
Active Debris Removal and In-Orbit Servicing
According to NASA, more than 27,000 pieces of “space junk” (orbital debris) are flying around. Orbital debris represents human-made objects that don’t have a useful function anymore. The debris includes nonfunctional spacecraft and satellites, abandoned launch vehicles, fragmentation debris, etc.
Contrary to popular belief, these pieces of space junk don’t float in space; they move up to 17,500 miles per hour. As you can assume, the junk can cause significant damage to spaceships and active satellites. Since more than 23,000 pieces are bigger than a softball, the debris can be harmful, especially at high speeds.
While predicting collisions is possible to some extent, there’s still room for improvement, from active debris removal to repairing satellites. Keep in mind that these are not new concepts.
In 1984, the Space Shuttle Discovery Mission (STS-51-A) brought two nonfunctional satellites back to Earth, probably the first example of active debris removal in history. In 1993, a group of astronauts boarded the shuttle Endeavor to fix the Hubble Space Telescope, thus providing successful in-orbit servicing.
So, what’s the challenge here? The challenge is to develop technology that would allow active debris removal and in-orbit servicing without sending astronauts to space. Instead, having robots perform the necessary repairs and remove space junk would be much more cost-effective and efficient.
Rise to the Challenge
People have been interested in learning more about space since the dawn of time. Although we’ve made ground-breaking discoveries related to space, we still have a long way ahead. Most of the universe remains unknown, and various particles and forces await discovery.
Will we be able to overcome the challenges of space exploration? There’s no way to tell, but we’re sure excited to see what’s next.