This course explores the future of space travel through the lens of astronaut Michael Collins and his fellow astronauts. Participants will discuss topics such as lunar missions, astronaut training, commercial space travel, and the effects of long-duration space travel. The course aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of boldly going where few have gone before. The intended audience includes space enthusiasts, science lovers, and individuals interested in the future of space exploration.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction
- Michael Collins introduction
- Remembering Neil Armstrong and Apollo 11
- Lunar module descent to the Moon and return
- Implications of equipment failure/getting stuck on the Moon
- Changing diversity of NASA astronaut class
- Astronaut survival training
- Gemini 10 spacewalk
- Apollo 11 simulations/preparation
- Looking back at Earth from the Moon
- Putting humans on Mars
- Apollo 8 trans-lunar injection announcement
- Shuttle era film
- Additional participant introductions
- Living and working in space
- The vaiue of setting a destination in space
- Michael Collins’ relationship with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin
- The future of commercial of space travel
- Should everyone be able to go to space?
- Leland Melvin’s “aha” moment in space
- Mission profiles for civilian space flight
- Effects of long-duration space travel
- The value of inspiring young people
- Blue Origin test launch footage
- Blue Moon lunar lander
- Pros and cons of private contractors
- How would space travel affect the public’s worldview?
- The overview effect
- Michael Collins’ concerns about world population growth
- How important is space exploration?
- Where will we be in space 50 years from now?
Taught by
World Science Festival
