Interplanetary Missions and Satellites Overview

Purpose: Explore planets, moons, asteroids, and comets beyond Earth.
Notable Missions:
- Mars Rovers: Curiosity, Perseverance, and Opportunity to study geology and search for signs of life.
- Voyager Probes: Voyager 1 and 2, launched in 1977, to explore outer planets and now in interstellar space.
- New Horizons: Flyby of Pluto in 2015, providing images and data about the dwarf planet and its moons.
- Parker Solar Probe: Mission to study the sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind.

Types of Satellites:
- Communication Satellites: Facilitate global communication and broadcasting.
- Earth Observation Satellites: Monitor Earth's environment and resources (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel).
- Navigation Satellites: Provide GPS services (e.g., GPS, GLONASS).
- Scientific Satellites: Conduct space science experiments (e.g., Hubble Space Telescope).
Launch Methods:
- Rockets: Primary vehicles for deploying satellites into orbit.
- Space Rideshare: Multiple satellites launched together on a single rocket.
Orbits:
- Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Satellites remain fixed relative to Earth, used for communication.
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Satellites for Earth observation and some communications.

Key Components:
- Propulsion Systems: Chemical rockets, ion thrusters, and nuclear thermal propulsion.
- Avionics: Navigation, control systems, and communication equipment.
- Power Systems: Solar panels and nuclear power sources to generate energy.
- Thermal Control: Systems to manage heat and temperature extremes in space.
Types of Spacecraft:
- Robotic Spacecraft: Unmanned probes and landers designed for exploration.
- Crewed Spacecraft: Designed to transport humans (e.g., Apollo, Crew Dragon).

Objectives: Research, exploration, and international collaboration.
Notable Programs:
- Apollo Program: Manned missions to the Moon (1961-1972), including Apollo 11's first moon landing.
- Space Shuttle Program: Reusable spacecraft for missions to low Earth orbit (1981-2011).
- International Space Station (ISS): Joint project for long-term human presence in space, research, and international cooperation.
- Commercial Crew Programs: Initiatives by companies like SpaceX and Boeing to transport astronauts to the ISS.
Health Risks: Exposure to microgravity affects muscle and bone density, as well as fluid distribution in the body.

Purpose includes exploration of celestial bodies such as planets, moons, asteroids, and comets beyond Earth.
Mars rovers like Curiosity, Perseverance, and Opportunity are designed to study Martian geology and search for potential signs of past life.
Voyager 1 and 2 probes, launched in 1977, have traveled beyond the solar system, providing valuable data on outer planets.
New Horizons conducted a flyby of Pluto in 2015, yielding extensive images and data about Pluto and its moons.
Parker Solar Probe aims to study the sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind, enhancing understanding of solar phenomena.

Types of satellites include communication satellites for global broadcasting, Earth observation satellites like Landsat for environmental monitoring, navigation satellites providing GPS services, and scientific satellites such as the Hubble Space Telescope for space research.
Rockets serve as the primary launch vehicles to place satellites into orbit, with space rideshare options allowing multiple satellites to be launched simultaneously.
Geostationary orbit (GEO) enables satellites to maintain a fixed position relative to Earth, primarily used for communication purposes, while low Earth orbit (LEO) accommodates satellites for Earth observation and selective communication functions.

Key components of spacecraft include propulsion systems (chemical rockets, ion thrusters, nuclear thermal propulsion), avionics for navigation and communication, and power systems utilizing solar panels or nuclear sources for energy generation.
Thermal control systems are in place to manage extreme heat and cold in the space environment.
Two main types of spacecraft exist: robotic spacecraft, which include unmanned probes and landers for exploratory missions, and crewed spacecraft, like the Apollo and Crew Dragon, designed for human transport.

Objectives of human spaceflight encompass research, exploration efforts, and fostering international collaboration in space initiatives.
The Apollo program (1961-1972) featured manned missions to the Moon, highlighted by Apollo 11's historic lunar landing.
The Space Shuttle program (1981-2011) involved reusable spacecraft that conducted missions in low Earth orbit.
The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a collaborative project for sustained human presence in space, focusing on research and international partnership.
Commercial Crew Programs, led by companies such as SpaceX and Boeing, aim to safely transport astronauts to and from the ISS.
Health risks associated with extended spaceflight include decreased muscle and bone density and altered fluid distribution within the body due to microgravity exposure.