From new missions to the Moon and Mars to groundbreaking advancements in space sustainability, the achievements of 2024 in space technology showcase the limitless potential of human ingenuity.
We are going through a transformative era in space exploration and technology. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and 3D-printed spacecraft have expanded our reach into space. This article explores the most significant milestones (among many) in space exploration and technology of 2024, which paved the way for future generations to dream even bigger.
The highly anticipated, Polaris Dawn mission was launched on September 10 with 4 crew members Jared Isaacman, Sarah Gillis, Anna Menon, and Scott Poteet. On September 12, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis performed spacewalk. The company confirmed that the spacecraft has already reached its peak altitude of 1,400.7 kilometers or 870 miles, surpassing NASA’s 1966 Gemini 11 mission’s record.
The @PolarisProgram’s Polaris Dawn crew performed the first-ever spacewalk from Dragon, travelled farther from Earth than anyone since the Apollo program, and used @Starlink to connect with those back on Earth pic.twitter.com/GRv5AbtlNv
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 26, 2024
Credit - X/@SpaceX
The mission reached a height of 853 miles or 1,373 kilometers during its trek.
Through the Polaris Dawn mission, humans have reached the farthest location journeyed since Apollo mission in 1972. This is also the farthest point a woman has ever reached. The data collected will be used for analysing human health in space. Human body’s reaction to this extremely low gravity area will be crucial for alternate space habitation. Another important aspect is checking Starlink WiFi for future space mission communication. NASA will analyze Telemedicine facilities after gathering important health data with Polaris Dawn crew. SpaceX owner Elon Musk hailed this mission as “epic”.
Launched in October, NASA’s most ambitious Europa Clipper mission will explore Jupiter's moon Europa. As per available data, Jupiter's moon is expected to contain a massive subsurface ocean under its icy upper crust. Thus, scientists are targeting Europa for astrobiological research.
On our way to Jupiter, getting ready to begin uncovering the secrets of its ocean moon Europa. Next up: a gravity-assist flyby of Mars in March. https://t.co/KX1yfEbQD2 pic.twitter.com/p7fA413MAi
— NASA Europa Clipper (@EuropaClipper) December 5, 2024
Credit - X/@EuropaClipper
“Clipper’s primary science goal is to determine whether there are places below the surface of Europa that could support life. The mission’s three main science objectives are to understand the nature of the ice shell and the ocean beneath it, along with the moon’s composition and geology,” as mentioned in NASA website.
With rising space exploration, increasing environmental pollution has also been detected. Modern rockets use fossil fuels, which may raise Earth's upper atmospheric temperature. More satellite burning is promoting aluminium oxide levels, which can gradually upset the planet's thermal balance. The amount of space debris including old satellites falling back to Earth has doubled since the last decade. To mitigate pollution level, SpaceX came up with innovative strategies. SpaceX's Starship test flight achieved a remarkable breakthrough as the launch tower's "chopstick" arms, named "Mechazilla" catch the returning first-stage booster. The 233 feet tall (equivalent to 20 storey building) “super heavy booster” was blasted off attached to the Starship rocket and almost seven minutes later, made a picture-perfect controlled return to the same launch pad in Texas.
Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! pic.twitter.com/6R5YatSVJX
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 13, 2024
Credit - X/@SpaceX
The year 2024 saw advancements in 3D printing technology to revolutionize spacecraft design and production. Also, expansion of satellite mega-constellations like Starlink and OneWeb were also observed this year. They are aimed to provide global internet connectivity. Artificial intelligence has become a crucial part of space exploration in 2024, allowing scientists to conduct more complex scientific experiments in space. Moreover, astronomers made some groundbreaking discoveries in 2024 by detecting Earth-sized exoplanets through the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
These daring achievements are a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation in space technology. The future of space exploration is brighter than ever, and the journey has just begun.
