Space travel not just for astronauts and UFOs anymore

(This article originally appeared on the Joint Recon Study Group site.)

Space travel for a wider range of scientists, researchers and explorers from corporations, governments, institutions and universities seems to be on the horizon.

Several private companies are moving forward on a variety of plans for commercial space travel. The efforts include sub-orbital vehicles as well as orbiting space-station habitats.

When these projects become operational in coming years, the next wave of human space travelers will venture out to experience the awe-inspiring perspective reported by astronauts who have made the same journey.

What will these future space pioneers discover and experience? How might their perspectives and consciousness change?

Most likely they will get a feel for the amazing vastness of space and the enhanced appreciation of our precious Earth, located in the sweet spot in relation to the Sun that allows oceans, forests and lush diverse life to flourish.

They might wonder about the possibility or probability of other intelligent civilizations in the Universe (or multiverse).

They also could discover that their perception and understanding of reality, Nature and spirituality are affected in ways they may not have fully anticipated.

MANY IMPORTANT MISSIONS

As NASA prepares to end the space shuttle program in 2010, limitations might occur regarding activities of the official U.S. government space program.

For example, orbiting satellites and valuable projects such as the Hubble Space Telescope can currently only be serviced by the three Space Shuttle craft.

Large projects like the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) can currently only be done using the shuttle.

The next phase of spacecraft called Orion are said to be somewhat similar to Apollo capsules and are planned to roll out in 2015. This craft will hold four astronauts and can travel to and from the ISS and even to the moon. Development of the Ares launcher is also proceeding, according to NASA.

It will not be able to do all of the tasks that the Space Shuttle was so useful for.

There seem to be many opportunities for commercial space companies to contribute to our future efforts in space.

Partners for commercial space craft programs could be other private companies wanting to conduct specialized projects in space. Consortiums of universities and other institutions could also make use of this opportunity.

Countries that do not have their own robust space programs, or even those that do, could also utilize these emerging commercial space travel systems.

And of course, wealthy individuals could probably afford the ticket for a seat too.

ADVANCED ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Some people wonder if we have already obtained and are discreetly utilizing advanced space-travel technologies and knowledge from exotic sources – you know, extraterrestrial and/or dimensional sources who fly in and out on those very-high-tech UFOs.

According to some researchers, the advanced UFO craft make the Space Shuttle look like a Model T Ford car which was state-of-the-art from 1908 through 1927.

For people with open minds, there are interesting accounts about specially-trained U.S. military personnel going onboard extraterrestrial craft as guests of visitors from another star system.

Through one way or another, we might have obtained advanced technology from exotic sources far beyond what the public understands, according to some researchers and reports.

Even without extraterrestrial help, let's not rule out tremendous advances being made by our own human engineers and scientists.

And whether we do it alone, or in some joint understanding with extraterrestrial neighbors, the human race seems poised for our next moves into space.

HOME ON THE BLUE PLANET

Through government and private efforts, this process will probably make steady or even sudden progress.

As these next steps in human development unfold, we will see enhanced engineering and technologies needed to field space-worthy craft.

We will probably get an increasing clear understanding of, and love for our beautiful and fragile planet – and its life-giving atmosphere.

With a greater perspective from space, we might cherish our massive oceans and seas, so noticeable from space and part of our reputation as "the blue planet."

Seeing the distant green forests, jungles and crop-belt agricultural regions of Earth could teach us more about the crucial value of the diverse habitats and the fragile climate systems that affect weather on the blue planet.

From space, our understanding of the place of humans in this mysterious universe might become more solid.

Why are we here? Can we survive as a species? Is there some mission or plan for us? If so, what are we supposed to do next? Is there another phase of human development for us to strive for and achieve?

These coming phases in human development will provide many opportunities of various kinds. One of the most valuable might a human consciousness with a much greater appreciation of our planet.

We might get a new understanding and awareness when we feel the soil or sand beneath our feet, swim in the ocean or a cool stream or lake, experience Earth's unique field of gravity, breath the life-sustaining air, feel the warmth of the Sun and wonder about the lights of the millions of stars around us.

Maybe human consciousness about our Earth and beyond is also a key element in the next phase of space travel.

NOTE TO READERS: For more information, visit the Joint Recon Study Group and Transcendent TV & Media sites and have a look around.

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