Deep Space Challenges

The above video poses some of the most challenging needs for deep space travel. NASA employee Jeffery Rusick explains how radiation exposure and the energy needs of a large rocket are continuing to restrict further space travel. If astronauts are to travel for long periods of time in space, they will be exposed to large, deadly amounts of radiation. At this point there are still no shields strong enough to protect the astronauts from this radiation. One answer to this problem would be for the astronauts to travel faster through space, thus spending less time in it. This brings up the next point of how to create energy once in space and in deep space where there is little solar energy. Currently, this predicament is at a stand-still. NASA has been able to create small amounts of energy through the use of radioisotopes, but has not been able to create enough that could power a large ship for an extended time. The article “10 Technology Innovations Needed for Deep Space Exploration” found at http://www.sciencechannel.com/aliens-space/10-technology-innovations-needed-for-deep-space-exploration.htmexplains how some of these challenges could be met and how they are being tested.