Аннотация: Two classes of great space powers. On the question of the classification of the great space powers. A theoretical essay.
Two classes of great space powers. On the question of the classification of the great space powers. A theoretical essay.
Earlier we discussed the notion of "great space powers" in several miniatures. In addition, we examined the concepts of "near space" and "deep space".
Great space powers are powers that conduct space exploration using manned flights (manned launches).
For some time in the 20th century, there were two classes of great space powers. (From about 1961 to 1972. The Apollo program's lunar missions sent humans beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO). Since the end of the Apollo program there have been no human spaceflights beyond LEO).
One of the classes included those countries that were capable of conducting near space exploration through manned launches.
Another class meant the ability to conduct deep space exploration using manned flights.
For a number of reasons, in the 21st century (until 2021), a situation has developed when all the great space powers carried out the exploration of near space (through manned launches).
"WASHINGTON, September 21 [2021]. / TASS /. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is reorganizing its manned flight program, creating two new directorates instead of one structural unit, one of which will focus on research outside Earth's orbit, including a flight to Mars. " [unofficial translation] (https://tass.ru/kosmos/12471323?utm_source=yxnews&utm_medium=desktop)
"Sep 21, 2021 ... NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Tuesday the agency is creating two new mission directorates...
The move separates the agency"s current Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate into the new Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) and Space Operations Mission Directorate.
NASA is making the changes because of increasing space operations in low-Earth orbit and development programs well underway for deep space exploration, including Artemis missions." (https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-leadership-positions-agency-for-future)
This decision gives reason to believe that the situation is being restored in which there are two classes of great space powers. One of the classes includes those countries that conduct (are capable to conduct) the exploration of near space.
Another class of space powers includes those countries that conduct (are capable to conduct) the exploration of deep space.
September 24, 2021 04:37
Translation from Russian into English: September 24, 2021 05:40.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский "Два класса великих космических держав. К вопросу о классификации великих космических держав. Теоретический очерк".