On Monday evening The Sky at Night takes us on a journey into the future, exploring how space exploration will shape and impact life on Earth over the next 50 years. As humanity reaches for the cosmos, we confront challenges that come with pushing the boundaries of our exploration. From re-examining the criteria for astronauts to tackling space junk and understanding the effects of space on the human body, this episode considers our destiny among the stars.
Presenter Chris Lintott meets John McFall, a medal-winning Paralympian, orthopaedic surgeon, and the first recruit of the European Space Agency’s Fly! study. This pioneering initiative challenges conventional astronaut standards and explores the possibility of individuals with physical disabilities living and working in space. Chris learns about John’s rigorous training and his aspirations for enhancing space accessibility.
Maggie Aderin-Pocock, at the Royal Society in London, joins space medicine expert Professor Kevin Fong to discuss the unique health challenges faced by astronauts in low-gravity environments. They explore emergency medical procedures for astronauts on Mars, the long-term effects of zero-gravity on the human body, and contemplate the possibility of giving birth in space.
Meanwhile, George Dransfield visits Astroscale in Oxfordshire, a company at the forefront of space debris removal. With over 130 million pieces of space junk orbiting Earth, Astroscale’s missions are crucial. Dr Mekhi Dhesi explains their innovative approaches, including ELSA-M, which uses magnets to remove defunct satellites, and Cosmic, a spacecraft equipped with a robotic arm for debris retrieval.
The increasing presence of satellites is not only creating more space junk but also impacting amateur astronomy. Resident astronomer Pete Lawrence shares tips for distinguishing satellites from meteors and techniques for using smart telescopes to enhance deep-sky observations by minimising satellite interference.
Finally, Maggie Aderin-Pocock sits down with Professor Suzie Imber, co-chair of the Space: 2075 report, to discuss the future of space exploration. They explore questions about inclusivity, the commercialisation of space travel, and the potential for human presence on Mars within the next 50 years.
The Sky at Night: Our Place in Space airs on BBC Four on Monday, 9 September 2024, at 10:00 PM.
