Contributions of applied mechanics to space exploration

Conclusion

I hope that this discussion of some general aspects of space technology, together with the specific examples of problems of current interest, convinces you of the many opportunities to find challenging problems in applied mechanics. In view of your major interests, emphasis has been given to solid mechanics, but problems in fluid mechanics also cover a wide scope. Similar papers could be prepared on almost every field of theoretical and applied science, for space exploration calls upon the resources of all fields of science and technology. In return, the exploration of space, the greatest adventure of mankind, returns to each of these fields the invigorating freshness and intellectual challenge of new problems of the new frontier of the present day, which will never be fully explored. It is estimated by Arthur C. Clarke in his book,Profiles of the Future, Chapter 10, “Space, the Unconquerable,” that there are about 10⁵⁰ stars in the universe and that their mere listing in a catalog would require more pages than in all the books produced since the invention of the printing press. Truly, the exploration of space will never be completed by man.