The Guardian view on space exploration: awaken the force with a global effort | Editorial
The face said it all. Moments after floating aboard the International Space Station, Tim Peake, Britain's European Space Agency astronaut, was on our screens and beaming. Who can blame him? After years of tough preparation, Mr Peake had at last reached space. He is there to do science, and is clearly intent on enjoying himself while he does it.
The first module of the International Space Station was lofted into orbit 17 years ago, when Cher's Believe led the UK singles chart. Since then, the station has grown to the size of a football field. It now functions as a unique laboratory for studying the space environment. Under the latest pledges from supporting nations, the lab will remain in orbit until 2024. Plenty has been learned from building and maintaining it, and experiments playing out. And there is far more science to be done. But as the space station approaches its final years, a fresh focus is called for. The veteran space nations, and those that are emerging, must work together on humanity's next adventure in the heavens.
Continue reading...