Space: A final frontier

Abstract

For over a century, the human exploration of space has occupied the minds of visionaries and consumed the working life of a select band of very talented individuals. Between them, they have managed to turn theoretical proposals into scientific fact and created landmarks in the pages of history. Alongside the desire to explore the cosmos came the realization that such a great leap into the unknown would require methods and systems for the protection and rescue of the pioneering explorers. This goal of providing a reliable and effective method of space rescue has been constantly investigated and developed over the last 50 years. It has not just been the preserve of the designers, engineers or even the spaceflight crews either. It has also challenged inventors, medical specialists in rescue systems and even the hallowed halls of politics and law.