Spacefaring

From Free net encyclopedia

Spacefaring is a term used to describe societies or nations capable of building, launching and retrieving a manned space vessel. "Spacefaring" is by analogy with seafaring. Currently the United States of America, Russia and the People's Republic of China are the only three spacefaring nations, though the European Space Agency launches unmanned space missions and participates in the International Space Station. Also of note is that private U.S.A. citizens have achieved spacefaring status with Spaceship One

Spacefaring requires the vehicle assembly and launch facilities, as well as advanced astronautics, and a program to train astronauts. The problems of life support must be solved in proportion to the distance travelled. Presently there has never been a mission outside of the Earth-Moon system, though the dream of travelling to Mars is persistent in literature and popular culture.

Science Fiction often deals with more advanced spacefaring cultures, and the opportunities and challenges that this might bring to such societies.