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The future of astronomy is not far outside our reach. Unfortunately, the future, like the past, will be most likely fueled by tension. The probable next step toward the future of astronomy is yet another visit to our Moon.

Fuel expenditures are immense, and few solutions exist. Suggestions have been made toward the creation of a cable-based elevator into space, a likely candidate for reduced fuel expenses. But standing alone, an elevator to space is not nearly enough. With this cable connected satellite there must also be a space station. This space station would be used primarily as a relay station, taking supplies from the cable elevator and sending them to the Moon. Many possibilities exist for the relay vehicle, perhaps mainly accelerated by a hydraulic launching system and aided by small engines.

On the Moon there will be an immense complex where the supplies will be formed into the spacecraft of tomorrow. With one sixth the gravity, the launch from the Moon will be much easier and much less costly, allowing greater distances to be spanned.

The next step then is the Red Planet: Mars. From there we will leap to Jupiter. All the while we will take from the ever widening supply of resources. Space will become the new colonial marketplace, and Imperialism will once again dominate the globe.

Perhaps the above stated scenario will happen, but it is hard to foresee. The truth in all that is subtle: mankind's imagination is the future of astronomy. Where the human race focuses its creative resources, there too will astronomy follow. It is likely that the future of astronomy is closer to home, but many changes will present themselves in the next several years to expand astronomy beyond our solar system as well.

The successor to the Hubbell space telescope will provide new insights into our galaxy and its neighbors. Daily advances in technology will certainly find astronomy new niches, and an ever-widening understanding of our universe will develop. A great mind like Einstein will emerge, and another leap will be made in our perception of space.

The future of astronomy holds many interesting untold stories. The science fiction of yesterday is the science of today. Where will the science fiction of today take us?

Learn more about this author, Brandon Davis.
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