We have long been wondering to know if we are alone in the universe. One can also say that in the process of finding answer to this question we made advances in the field of astronomy. The search for exoplanets has always fascinated the space community. The search for exoplanets is one of the most exciting fields in astronomy and will perhaps, one day answer the question of whether we are alone in the universe. Although searching for alien worlds dates back to ancient times but the techniques needed to detect them have only recently been developed. We now know nearly 200 extra-solar planets and that number will dramatically increase as On 27 December, COROT is to be launched into space on a unique astronomy mission with its twin goals to detect exoplanets orbiting around other stars and to probe the mysteries of stellar interiors as never before. The COROT mission was first proposed by CNES back in 1996. A call for potential European partners was issued in 1999. CNES gave the green light to build the spacecraft in 2000 and is now leading the mission. Its international partners are ESA, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Brazil.
“To boldly go where no man has gone before.” This familiar, if politically incorrect, catchphrase may be a symbol of Hollywood’s romantic vision of space 40 years ago, but in many ways, its message still rings true. The European Union’s recent success in space applications and technology is rooted in the notion of innovation and the same pioneering spirit.
We can realize it lately that space agencies around the world are adding a particularly strong international flavor to each passing mission. International Space Station is evidence that vanished the East- West conflict and had given way to more cooperation than competition in outer space. This would probably serve the world much better than the current diplomatic wars between the differing civilizations (eastern and western).
However, the most prominent topics in UNISPACE III were the proposal for a World Space Observatory, a small telescope network and the question of greater integration of developing countries in international research. Additionally, the regional centers for space science and technology education could integrate regional activities in basic space science but these things don’t seem to get momentum. If these things were implemented to the best the global interest in basic space science through the exceptional findings on the possible existence of life on other planets, particularly on Mars would have been increased.
Via:Sciencedaily
