Studying the history of space technology this week proved to me how powerful an influence world politics has on many aspects of our society. Were it not for the Cold War, the space technology developed in the United States in the period after World War II arguably would have taken years and years longer to take shape. Because of the arms race between the Soviet Union and United States, the world experienced a rapid increase in the type of technology that up until that point had been the stuff of science fiction and fantasy.
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Graphic showing the mentality of the 'arms race'
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What was most interesting for me was to study how science fiction was able to influence and inspire scientists. Technology such as the space elevator or the zero gravity battle room in the novel 'Ender's Game' push scientists to expand the boundaries of what space technology can be. This interplay between writers, whose basic understanding of science enables them to be creative and ignore the 'impossible, and scientists has resulted in technology that previously would have been considered impossible.
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Space Elevator
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Zero Gravity Battle Room from 'Ender's Game'
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While space-related science fiction has inspired scientists, the same is true of scientists inspiring artists. With the development of space technology such as satellites and telescopes, the human race for the first time was able to see images of life away from Earth. These astounding images of galaxies far far away, of suns and exploding stars, have influenced generations of artists. One such artist is Mark A. Garlick, a self-proclaimed amateur astronomer, illustrator, and designer. His website includes beautiful pieces he created for science agencies and space lovers.
Garlick's website link: http://www.space-art.co.uk/slideshow.html
This week's subject may have been one of the only where I saw inspiration being drawn equally: from scientists to artists and from artists to scientists.
References:
Vesna, Victoria. "Space and Art." UCLA. Los Angeles, CA. 20 May 2016. Web. 23 May 2016.
"Building the Battle Room for ‘Ender’s Game’." The New York Times. The New York Times, 16 Oct. 2013. Web. 24 May 2016. <http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/10/17/movies/enders-feature.html?_r=0>.
Boucher, Marc. "Space Elevator Reference Top Story." Space Elevator. SpaceRef, 22 June 2015. Web. 24 May 2016.
History.com Staff. "Arms Race." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 01 June 2009. Web. 24 May 2016.
Mohammadi, Goli. "Space Craft: 21 Works of Art Inspired by the Cosmos | Make: DIY Projects and Ideas for Makers." Make DIY Projects and Ideas for Makers. 09 Apr. 2014. Web. 24 May 2016.
Hi Ava,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that if it was not for the political influences on our society then we would not nearly have as many advancements in space and technology. I think because the united Sates was constantly racing the Soviet Union to become the more advanced and “better” country, it pushed the limits of technology and what was possible. I don't think many people thought that it was possible to walk on the moon or even send something up into space for a matter of fact. I also thought it was interesting about how science fiction influenced scientists. I think when someone see’s an idea even if it has not yet been made, the fact that you can visualize what it might look like makes it more realistic. I really enjoyed your blog so good job.
I agree on the political influence - it is rather sad to think that it took the intentions of gaining power, superiority, and causing damage to enemy political powers to advance technology - and while the journey so far may not have been the prettiest, it's brought us to better times for technological advancements. The influence of science fiction too was something that was really cool to see - the space elevator was very cool to learn about.
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