What is a space agency?
Space agencies are the organisations that are involved in the fields of human space exploration, aeronautics and space transportation. They refer to government agencies and international organisations whose primary purpose is to develop and utilise the resources in space. These agencies consist of engineers, scientists, and researchers who are responsible for planning and designing space exploration missions.
What is the role of a space agency?
The role of a space agency is to implement and manage space programs, as well as promote science and technology research in space. These can be done by sending satellites into orbit around Earth and beyond, which collect data about how our planet works, how it changes over time, and how it interacts with other planets and objects in our solar system.
The main purpose of a space agency is to collect information about the universe and send it back to Earth, which helps us understand how things work in our solar system. Space agencies are also responsible for building satellites, spacecraft and other tools that help scientists gather data from outer space.
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Space agencies are also important because they help us understand the Earth’s environment using satellites. For example, many countries use satellites to monitor natural resources like forests or crops. If a forest is burning down or if crops are not growing properly, it can be hard for farmers to know what is going on and decide what action needs to be taken. Using satellites can help determine what is happening so that they can take action quickly before it becomes too serious an issue!
However, not all space agencies do the same things. Each organisation has a specialisation or a certain focus area. Space agencies around the world share a common goal: to help find out what’s going on in outer space.
In addition to their scientific missions, each of these agencies has its own goals for furthering humanity’s understanding of space and its resources.
Space agencies around the world
Each country has its designated space agency, but not all of them have the same function and purpose. Here are some of the most famous agencies that you’ll want to know about:
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the government agency responsible for US civilian space programs, including launching American astronauts into orbit on American rockets, as well as performing research into the solar system’s planets, moons, and comets. They run the only national laboratory in space, conducting research, testing, and development to advance aeronautics, including electric propulsion and supersonic flight. NASA is known for its moon-to-Mars exploration, sending the first humans to the moon and the Red Planet.
European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to stimulate European cooperation in space science and flight activities to integrate them into a larger Europe-wide program. It was founded in 1975 and has 22 member states to push the frontiers of science and technology and promote economic growth across Europe. Their programs are designed to discover more about Earth — its immediate space environment — our solar system and the universe, and to develop technologies and work closely with other space agencies outside of Europe.
Roscosmos
Previously known as the Russia Federal Space Agency, is responsible for all Russian space activities, including research and exploration of space, and the creation and maintenance of rocket systems and satellites. Roscosmos also manages several satellite operators and companies that provide services for space exploration. The agency has its research centres, which include several institutes focused on satellite development and design, astronaut training and training simulators, as well as spacecraft assembly.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was established through the merger of three institutions: the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). They are the main agencies designated to support the overall aerospace development and utilisation of the Japanese government. JAXA is one of only three space agencies in the world that operates a space lift program. It also oversees Japan’s Lunar Exploration Program as well as its contribution to international missions such as the Mars Sample Return mission and the Venus orbiter.
Australian Space Agency
The Australian Space Agency (ASA) is a non-statutory entity established on 1 July 2018. The ASA’s vision is to be a leader in innovation by ensuring Australia has flexible, responsive policy settings that enable its businesses to compete globally. They use space technologies for weather forecasting, emergency management, internet access, online banking, GPS and a lot more activities for the convenience of all Australians.
Space agencies do more than you think!
Space agencies are organisations that are focused on space. These agencies are responsible for providing the tools and technologies necessary for humans to operate in space. They also help us build spacecraft, satellites, and other vehicles that can travel through space.
The role of a space agency is important because it helps us explore our universe. The more we know about our environment, the better we can understand how to protect it and make it better for everyone.
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