Page 52 - Life beyond the Karman

Launchpad
A launch pad is an above-ground facility from which a rocket- powered missile or space vehicle is vertically launched. The term launch pad can be used to describe just the central mobile launch platform, or the entire launch complex. The entire complex includes a launch mount or launch platform to physically support the vehicle, a service structure with umbilical and the infrastructure required to provide propellants, cryogenic fluids, electrical power, communications, telemetry, rocket assembly, payload processing, storage facilities for propellants and gases, equipment, access roads, and drainage.
Spacecrafts and robotic explorers
A spacecraft
A spacecraft is a vehicle that flies through space. It can either transport astronauts, cargo, or instruments to their destination or serve as the destination itself. Spacecraft launch on rockets and have their own propulsion and navigation systems that take over once they separate from the rocket and travel to other planets in the solar system. Their main purpose lies in transporting payloads or anything within the vehicle beyond what is required to operate in space to their destination.
Robotic explorers
Robots are one of the key artificial intelligence components that are playing an important role in the space industry due to their capacity to reach difficult terrain where human activity is impossible or extremely dangerous. Robots navigate or explore these areas and produce key information and samples for data analysis by scientists. Space agencies around the world have developed robots that have navigated difficult terrains on Earth, Moon and Mars missions.
The International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS is a large spacecraft that orbits around Earth. It is a home where astronauts live as well as a science lab where experiments are undertaken. Many countries worked together to build and use it. The ISS is made of many pieces that were put together in space by astronauts. Its orbit is approximately 250 miles above Earth and it is used to learn about living and working in space. These lessons will help nations to explore space and its associated benefits on Earth.
How Old is the Space Station?
The first piece of the ISS was launched in 1998 by a Russian rocket. More pieces were added and the station was ready for people two years later. The first crew arrived on 2 November 2000 and people have lived on the space station ever since, with more pieces added over time.
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LIFE BEYOND THE KÁRMÁN LINE - OUTER SPACE