Above & Beyond

Space exploration, like its classical form astronomy, is one of the main sources for space science.

Space exploration is the use of astronomy and space technology to explore outer space. While the exploration of space is currently carried out mainly by astronomers with telescopes, its physical exploration is conducted both by uncrewed robotic space probes and human spaceflight.

Space probes have many types and parts:

• Fly-by missions pass nearby planets and moons and take data from a distance.
• Orbiters are parts of missions designed to stay in orbit.
• Landers are parts of missions intended to land on a planet or moon.
• Rovers are vehicles designed to travel across a planet or moon’s surface.