page_title: Space exploration
section_title: Future of space exploration
hierarchical_section_title: Space exploration / Future of space exploration
caption_attribution_description: English: artistic image
context_page_description: Space exploration is the use of astronomy and space technology to explore outer space. While the exploration of space is carried out mainly by astronomers with telescopes, its physical exploration though is conducted both by unmanned robotic space probes and human spaceflight. Space exploration, like its classical form astronomy, is one of the main sources for space science.
  While the observation of objects in space, known as astronomy, predates reliable recorded history, it was the development of large and relatively efficient rockets during the mid-twentieth century that allowed physical space exploration to become a reality. Common rationales for exploring space include advancing scientific research, national prestige, uniting different nations, ensuring the future survival of humanity, and developing military and strategic advantages against other countries.
  The early era of space exploration was driven by a "Space Race" between the Soviet Union and the United States.
caption: Artistic image of a rocket lifting from a Saturn moon
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