For the last topic of DESMA 9, Professor Vesna discussed the intersection between space and art. As Dr. Vesna lectured, the topic of space is related to many topics that we have covered through the class.
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| Space has always been an interest to us as it holds an endless number of possibilities. http://wallpapershome.com/space/earth-planet-space-10121.html |
The topic of space travel was such a precarious and unrealistic idea many years ago as even the idea of leaving Earth entirely was frightening. The uncertainty with what space and essentially the world had to offer was in short, a lot. However, this fickleness combined with human curiosity eventually culminated and created opportunities that at the time, seemed impossible to do.
With human fascination of the infinitely humongous universe, came the launch of the Sputnik 1, which was the first artificial satellite launched into space by Soviet Union engineers and scientists. The launch of Sputnik was important as it provided scientists with information of Earth and space from another perspective. During the Soviet Union's early attempts on the practicality of space travel, they sent a dog, Laika, to monitor the effects of space. Touching upon the idea of biotechnology, it can definitely be stated that this action is controversial. Was it humane and moral to send a living creature into the depths of space, which at the time, people knew nothing about? Although the possible benefits of space travel were endless, does it really justify the possibility of losing a life. Similar to how many controversies arose with the growing industry of biotechnology, space exploration did the same.
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| Sputnik 1 was launched by Soviet Union and was the catalyst in forming other expeditions. http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/Plan_your_visit/exhibitions/cosmonauts/race-to-space/sputnik |
Furthermore, the invention of the telescope helped show nanotechnology's role in space exploration. In 1996, scientists discovered buckyballs in craters, which indicated that comets and meteorites had bombarded earth long ago. Although it was believed that buckyballs were only found in gaseous form, the Spitzer Space Telescope helped discover buckyballs in space in solid form, allowing scientists to learn more about space and the objects in space.
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| Star Wars, like many other space movies, highlights the endless possibilities of space. http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-force-awakens-theatrical-poster-first-look-in-theater-exclusives-and-more |
As time went on, others eventually took notice in society's interest in space, leading to numerous works such as Star Trek, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Star Wars. All the movies encompass some aspect of the topics covered in class. For example, the setting of Star Wars connects mathematics, robotics, nanotechnology, and space to create the work of art that grossed millions of dollars. The beautiful rovers, the jet fighters, and the Death Star were created using the topics we have covered like robotics, as well as a bit of imagination and originality. Even in today's world, the uncertainty behind Earth's forces pushes artists to use their imaginations to create new and unique artworks.
Vesna, Victoria. 8 space pt1. Youtube. Youtube. 29 Jul. 2013. Web. 4 June. 2017
Vesna, Victoria. 8 space pt2. Youtube. Youtube. 29 Jul. 2013. Web. 4 June. 2017
Vesna, Victoria. 8 space pt3. Youtube. Youtube. 29 Jul. 2013. Web. 4 June. 2017.
Vesna, Victoria. 8 space pt4. Youtube. Youtube. 30 May 3012. Web. 4 June. 2017.
"Sputnik and The Dawn of The Space Age". history.nasa. N.p, N.d., Web. 4 June. 2017.
I liked how you connected the concept of sending Laika into space with the moral and ethical controversies involved in biotechnology. I was a bit confused on your connection with nanotechnology and space. I understand the inclusion of buckeyballs since they are nano-sized; however, nanotechnology to me implies that the technology itself, so the telescope in your case, is or has parts that are nano-sized.
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