Outer Space and the Future of Humanity

Space, also known as outer space, has become an essential element for the development of Humanity. Indeed, the peaceful use of space for all kinds of activities provides many new possibilities for human progress. 63 years have passed since the first artificial satellite of our planet, Sputnik, was put in orbit on October 14, 1957, and in that time great progress has been made in the conquest of space. Nevertheless, Yuri Gagarin was not in orbit until April 12, 1961. Eight years later, on July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 expedition landed on the Moon. Since then, the number of artifacts that populate space has been rapidly increased and space junk multiplied. A new stage in the conquest of space began when Salyut 1 space station was put in orbit on April 19, 1971. But there are many other subjects worthwhile to consider when speaking about outer space and the future of Humanity, among them the new race to explore the Moon and beyond, outer space and defense, and nations and space. This paper pretends to help a better appreciation of the importance that outer space has and will have for a peaceful and progressive future of Humanity. Furthermore, it is possible to find in this essay some of the most important initiatives that international organizations and some nations are implementing concerning outer space.