Scientists are continuing to push the boundaries of space, slowly unravelling the mysteries of our universe, one space mission at a time. 2014 proved another year where impressive feats continued to be achieved, even the exciting prospect of commercial space flight...
The most impressive feat is that of the Philae probe. After initially launching in 2004 it finally landed on the designated comet.
Despite a faulty landing prohibiting the solar battery recharging, the probe still collected information about the organic molecules on the comet, hinting at how life began on earth. Above all it proved just what scientists could achieve.
India also entered the Space Elite. On it’s first attempt it managed to launch a satellite in orbit around Mars with a budget of $74 million. Interestingly, the movie Gravity had a budget of $100 million.
In comparison, commercial space travel is surprisingly cheap. Virgin Galactic began testing SpaceShipTwo this year (although it ended in disaster), with hopes to transport over 800 space tourists, for the mere price of £150,000.
Branson is not the only person aiming a commercial takeover of the stars. The company World-View Enterprises is offering a staggering view from a capsule suspended by balloon, which is even equipped with a bar! It even costs a third of Virgin Galactic, just £45,000.
While perhaps not pocket change to you and me, it does offer the promise that commercial flights like these would become cheaper and more frequent in the future.
An invaluable opportunity to witness the wonders of space with our very eyes. Wouldn’t that make one heck of a Christmas present?
