CAJ #11: How does my topic connect to other CAJs?

• Katrin Wiesinger: Asteroid mining

Katrin talks about the the general idea of finding suitable near-earth-asteroids which are rich in one or more mineral resources, such as water, metals, oxygen or hydrogen. Her journal deals with the problems that are connected to asteroid mining and suggests possible solutions. One company that is especially interested in asteroid mining and invests a great amount of money is Planetary Resources. They are interested in the future of space, which connects to my topic.

http://katrinwsblog.blogspot.co.at/search/label/CAJ

• Claudia Schwaiger: Space tourism

As I cover a few great inventions in technology that transfers both cargo and people to orbiting destinations, space tourism is surely connected to my topic.  

• Harald Pasch: Planetary Science

This topic obviously connects to mine as Harald is covering the answer to the question: How do we explore the space? In order to be able to discover new planets space telescopes are of essential importance.

http://heroldflux.blogspot.co.at/2014/06/caj-hubble-telescope-optics-part-3.htmlv

• Heimo Kaspar: Permanent human expansion into the solar system

Heimo is talking about space flights beyond the atmosphere that are supposed to be made cheaper. The Lifeboat Foundation is working on developing non-rocket methods for reaching the orbit. The self-sustaining space habitat ‘Ark 1’ should ensure the survival of humanity in the event Earth becomes uninhabitable, which connects to the humans spaceflights in my CAJ.

http://heimokaspar.blogspot.co.at/

• Maria Dorner: Astrobiology

Maria writes about Astrobiology and the most important goal: finding another way of life. This connects perfectly to space exploration, as the aim is pretty much the same.

http://sharemarysword.blogspot.co.at/

• Sandra Lang: Cosmology

Sandra is mainly writing about the birth and death of black holes and their structure.

http://sparklingsandywendy.blogspot.co.at/

CAJ #9: Developments in Technology

SpaceX

Elon Musk, cofounder of PayPal, is the CEO and chief designer of Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, abbreviated SpaceX, which is a space transport services company that manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX designs was founded in 2002 to revolutionize space technology, with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling people to live on other planets. They mainly support the enabling of the colonization of Mars by humans. As for now, the company has developed several orbital launch vehicles: Falcon 1, Falcon 9, which is currently in active use, and Falcon Heavy, which is under development.

Falcon 1

The company has developed its first launch vehicle - Falcon 1 - and three rocket engines - Merlin, Kestrel, and Draco - completely with private capital. Falcon 1, which has already been retired by SpaceX, was the first privately developed liquid-fueled rocket to reach orbit. It was a small rocket capable of placing several hundred kilograms into low earth orbit. IIt functioned as an early test-bed for developing concepts and components for the larger Falcon 9.

Falcon 9

Falcon 9 was the second launch vehicle to be designed and manufactured by SpaceX. Falcon 9, along with the Dragon spacecraft, was designed from the beginning to be reusable. One of the originally goals was to deliver humans into space. Under an agreement with NASA, SpaceX is actively working toward that goal. With its special care for details in manufacturing, it is capable of landing with the precision of a helicopter. Falcon 9 is known as the first rocket completely developed in the 21 century. It is 68,4 meters tall and has a simple two-stage configuration with nine first-stage engines, which means that it can safely complete its mission even in the event of an engine shutdown. By delivering Dragon into the correct orbit in 2012, Falcon 9 made SpaceX the first commercial company ever to visit the station. Since then SpaceX has made a total of three flights to the space station, both delivering and returning cargo for NASA.

Falcon’s ninth, and latest, consecutive flight was on April 18, 2014. SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft to orbit, carrying supplies and science experiments to the International Space Station.

Dragon Spacecraft

Dragon is a free-flying spacecraft designed to deliver both cargo and people to orbiting destinations. Dragon made history in 2012 when it became the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the International Space Station and safely return cargo to Earth. It is the only spacecraft currently flying that is capable of returning significant amounts of cargo to Earth. Although Dragon is currently delivering just cargo to space, it was originally designed to carry humans. SpaceX is now working on the refinements that will enable Dragon to fly crew. The first manned test flight is expected to take place in 2-3 years.

Falcon Heavy

Falcon Heavy is the world’s most powerful rocket - a launch vehicle of scale and capability unequaled by any other currently flying. This powerful rocket was designed to be fully reusable. Falcon Heavy consists of a standard Falcon 9 rocket core, to which two additional Falcon 9 first stages are added as strap-on boosters – this will increase the low Earth orbit (LEO) payload. With the ability to lift into orbit over 53 metric tons (which would correspond a mass equivalent to a big jetliner loaded with passengers, crew, luggage and fuel) Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost. Falcon Heavy draws upon the design of Falcon 9 with a maximized reliability. Falcon Heavy was designed from the outset to carry humans into space and restores the possibility of flying missions with crew to the Moon or Mars.

Historic achievements by SpaceX:

• the first privately funded, liquid-fueled rocket, Falcon 1, to reach orbit (28 September 2008);
• the first privately funded company to successfully launch, by Falcon 9, orbit and recover a spacecraft (Dragon) (9 December 2010);
• the first private company to send a spacecraft (Dragon) to the International Space Station (25 May 2012);
• and the first private company to send a satellite into geosynchronous orbit (3 December 2013).

CAJ #8: My brother does not agree!

The other day I had a serious discussion with my dear brother about the highly controversial topic Space Exploration. It was quite surprising that he had a completely different opinion and viewpoint regarding this topic.

I began the conversation by telling him that am I currently writing a Current Affairs Journal and what topic I chose. I started by asking him what his opinion about space exploration was. To my surprise, he was completely against it. He immediately stated that it is a total waste of money in his opinion. I was shocked. As I could not think of one single negative fact about space exploration, I asked him to tell me his "oh so" convincing arguments. He argued that the money that is being spent in the research is one of the most wasteful activities one could spend money. “There are so many better things that money could be used for. It should be spent on something that could benefit much more the people living on our planet. What do I get from the fact that a new planet is discovered? Nothing. We are facing serious problems on Earth, like the disappearance of the rain forests, the pollution of the oceans, climate change, wars etc. If we put money in hands of people who could fix problems like this, we could have lasting benefits for mankind. Other than that, I really do not want to know about some extraterrestrial beings that are present on other planets. They, in fact, could be dangerous for human life on Earth.” I could not believe all this negativity about the exploration of something new. As I really got absorbed in this topic I was ready to fight back and explain that he is not right. I started off by stating some of the nearly uncountable benefits we, as humans living on Earth, have from the research. Space exploration is crucial for developing areas from medicine to scientific research in general. Many discoveries and products have been developed from the knowledge gained from space exploration. One major discovery would be the satellites which are used to forecast the weather. They have saved numerous lives because satellites can predict hurricanes and dangerous storm systems, and help us prepare for the worst. Another great benefit would be GPS (Global Positioning System) that helps man navigate through land, air, and sea. Even everyday items are discovered thanks to it. For example, non-stick pans and surfaces were also created as a result of space exploration. The internet, parts of the computers that we are using every single day and so on.

I kept on telling that compared to other areas of government spending, the cost of space exploration simply is not that high. How much is seven billion dollars compared to the expenses of the U.S government on military?

He listened carefully and began to ask questions like “why don’t they advertise the products and benefits the have made so far?” “How could people understand those benefits without them being informed about it?” “As I did not do any research regarding the exploration and its benefits, I did not know about them. Now my opinion may have changed a little bit, but the money that is being spent on the research is still enormous.” I told him that it is important to invest money in companies that are working in that field because progress is not made overnight. Maybe in a few years we will be able to settle outside the borders of our planet, who knows. I told him that “If it were up to me, I would certainly start a campaign promoting space exploration and explaining the main aims of the companies. I would try to inform the world about the great achievements that have been done with the science of space exploration. I would show them that the money that is being invested into all the companies is not a waste. Instead of waging wars and the manufacturing of nuclear weapons, people should give more thought on the exploration and colonization of new planets in our solar system. To really achieve great results, I would unite all companies that are currently working on space projects that would help humanity to evolve into a species that will harvest energy from other planets or even become a species that expands to other planets.”

The most primitive sentence I heard while talking to people about my CAJ was to put humankind first. With the exploration of new resources or even a  new planet for people to be able to settle would be the greatest benefit those people could possibly have. Do you really think the scientists are exploring the universe just for fun? NO. Think about it.

I convinced my brother, but unfortunately I do not have the “power” to change everyone's minds on Earth. I hope that with my enthusiasm for this topic I could at least convince some of you that space exploration is of enormous importance. ;)

CAJ #7: Is space exploration a waste of money?

Space exploration means to explore different and new planets, galaxies, comets, satellites etc. in outer space. To be able to achieve great explorations, a proper technology is need to be invented and used. This technology, however, requires a lot of money. The explorer and campaigner Robin Hanbury argues that “The amount of money being spent on space research is in the billions and it has achieved extraordinarily little except for a bit of improved technology which would probably have come about anyway by other means.” The highly controversial issue whether money should be spent on space exploration or not has been discussed extensively in the last years.

It is not expensive, actually

It is known that an enormous amount of money is being spent on the discoveries of outer space and new planets, but this should not be considered as a wasteful activity. Compared to other areas of government spending, the cost of space exploration simply is not that high. How much is seven billion dollars compared to the expenses of the U.S government on military? Each year, 22 times the amount for space exploration is spent on alcohol, and over ten million dollars is spent in Iraq by the government each month. If you ask me, war and alcohol are not  better ways of spending/ investing money.

Colonization of new planets

Learning about the universe that surrounds us is crucial to understanding more about the world we live in. According to many scientists, this is very important for the survival of mankind since the species on a single planet would very much likely to become extinct in the long run due to various reasons. Lack of natural resources, occurrence of accidents such as comets hitting the earth, nuclear war and worldwide epidemic are some of these reasons. Therefore extending the human habitat out from Earth into the solar system may lead us into the future and eventually allow us to colonize and keep us from getting extinct. When space technology has advanced far enough, we will be able to provide normal life for our future generations. It may take centuries to get to this point, but we will not get the technology without experimenting with it.

Why explore space, when the earth itself is not yet fully explored?

Many people argue that it is better to explore our own planet, the Earth, rather than the space. Even though it is true that much of Earth, including the ocean and Antarctica, are unexplored, it's not as though we're exploring space instead of our own planet. The effort being made to explore the ocean is just a great as that of Space Travel. Money is not really wasted in the process of exploration; rather, it is invested into discovering new things, for the benefit of mankind.

Another discussion point is that the money that is being invested into space exploration should be given to the poor and needy. Money is already being donated and if you wish to rather donate to the poor, well then do it. But humanitarian organizations are “throwing money at their feet”. It would be more intelligent to teach them how to plant crops that survive in their harsh conditions and educate people who are illiterate. What will happen if the money runs out? When they send people to give them prepared food and medication, what will happen when they leave? Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.

New discoveries are made through space exploration

The knowledge that space exploration provides is crucial for developing areas from medicine to scientific research in general. Many discoveries and products have been developed from the knowledge gained from space exploration. One major discovery would the forecasting of weather. (Satellites. Very important for hurricanes and dangerous storm systems, have saved lives and help us prepare for the worst. Another would be GPS (Global Positioning System) that helps man navigate through land, air, and sea. Even everyday items are discovered thanks to it. For example, non-stick pans and surfaces were also created as a result of space exploration.

There are nearly uncountable progress of exploration, and all are beneficial to us all.

Overall, space exploration has provided us with new knowledge and as a result of this, many new and intriguing inventions have been made. Considering all these arguments, is space exploration, then, really a waste of money?

CAJ #6: My very excellent mother just served us nachos

Hey everyone,

As you probably know from my first posts I chose to write about space exploration for ma Current Affairs Journal.

The solar system consists of the Sun; the eight official planets, at least three "dwarf planets", more than 130 satellites of the planets, a large number of small bodies (the comets and asteroids), and the interplanetary medium.

The inner solar system consists of the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.

The planets of the outer solar system are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune (Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet)

Memorizing all the planets around our sun can be done easily. There are various funny ways of how to remember the order of the planets in our solar system. I, for myself, am an audiotory learner and remembered them by singing a song. :P Singing a song with a certain melody, helps me to remember things better.

My              M= MERCURY

Very            V = VENUS

Excellent     E = EARTH

Mother        M = MARS

Just            J = JUPITER

Served       S = SATURN

Us              U = URANUS

Nachos      N = NEPTUNE

Those are the eight planets that can be seen with a small telescope.

Some of you may think that I forgot to mention Pluto, but no, Plut is not a planet. It has been decided that Pluto should be classified as a dwarf planet, which is a category distinct from regular planets.

CAJ #5: Avarage Joe Narrative Text

Narrative

Even though it was a day like every other in Neil’s life, he was very excited this morning. He was drinking his black coffee while watching the daily NASA-news on the Science Channel. “We need to answer one of the fundamental mysteries of the cosmos: Does life exist beyond Earth?”, said President Obama determined, while talking to the Space Administration Charles F. Bolden. Neil realized that this question needs to be answered as soon as possible. With this thought in mind he puts on his heavy spacesuit, which he had specially designed for this mission, and steps into his very own, modern rocket. He hoped that today he will be able to uncover evidence of life in outer space. Determined as he was, he decided to explore the second smallest planet in the Solar System –Mars. After a two-hour flight through the space, he finally arrived there. However, to his disappointment, Neil noted a fleet of robotic spacecraft and rovers already on and around Mars. Apparently, he was not the only one with the great idea to dramatically increase our knowledge about the Red Planet and pave the way for future human explorers.

[193 words]

CAJ #4: How can I become an astronaut?

Personal connection to my CAJ

Once, when I was little, I said to my mum: “Mummy, one day, when I am grown up, I want to fly to the universe and look down upon the Earth from another perspective. I want to explore new planets and, who knows, maybe find new life there.”

I am lucky that I got the chance to write about a topic that has always been of great interest and importance to me. I have always been fascinated by the planets that are surrounding our Earth and have always wanted to study something in order to be able to discover new planets. As I have always been fascinated about space exploration, I imagined that working for a space exploring company would be quite interesting. How often have a just listened to the sentence that stayed in our minds like no other “That's one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind” and thought about what would have I said if I was the first woman to be on the moon? This was, of course, me just daydreaming about flying around in space. I had no idea of the conditions and qualities an astronaut needs. To be able to bear tremendous responsibility while in orbit is not something that is learned overnight. According to ESA an astronaut needs: “A high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines, coupled with an outstanding professional background in research, application or education fields possibly supported by the use of computer systems and applications, is essential. Previous experience with aircraft operations is a bonus, particularly if it involved responsible tasks such as being a test pilot or flight engineer. The more skills and experience an applicant has the better, as this will increase their ability to undertake a variety of tasks.”

One out of a few thousand applicants manages to make a change. I guess that’s what discouraged me in the end and made me study languages (which I love btw). :D

CAJ #3: Introduction

Hey everyone,

Welcome to my Current Affairs Journal. As I heard about STEM and this project we are going to spend quite some time researching information about, I immediately knew which topic I am going to write about. 

I chose the highly controversial topic of Space Exploration because I have been always fascinated in what is happening outside the borders of our planet. I always wanted to know more about the whole idea of getting to know the space and its secrets and, more importantly, how it can benefit mankind. I informed myself roughly and became even more interested. To really get absorbed in this topic, I chose Space exploration to be my CAJ. But what is Space exploration? In short, space exploration is the ongoing discovery and exploration of outer space though the use of space technology. While the study of space is carried out mainly by astronomers with telescopes, the physical exploration of space is conducted both by unmanned robotic probes and human spaceflight. It is also enormously important since it aids the advancement of scientific research, unites different nations, and guarantees the potential survival of humanity.

CAJ #2: Abstract

This Current Affairs Journals aims to provide readers with some essential knowledge about the highly controversial topic Space Exploration. It discusses issues as well as benefits related to this topic. The focus lies primarily on the benefits and new development that have been achieved from the early days of space exploration until now. The paper also covers the main goals which the companies, currently researching for this topic, have. The information that is being presented in this CAJ, in form of scientific papers and articles, was collected over a certain period of time. The information used to underline the arguments for and against space exploration is taken out of discussions and debates. As it is believed that space exploration is not worth its money, many companies have to face harsh criticisms.  However, some responses have included that people should give more thought on the exploration and colonization of new planets in our solar system, as this may help humanity to evolve into a species that will harvest energy from other planets or even become a species that expands to other planets. From the results of the discussions carried out, we can draw the conclusion that more people support the exploration of the space, as it could be a great benefit for humankind.

CAJ #1: First thoughts

Space Exploration

→ “the ongoing discovery and exploration of celestial structures in outer space”

I found a quite impressive website about exploring the universe online → http://htwins.net/scale2/ !!!!

“Earth is the cradle of humanity, but it is impossible to live forever in the cradle”

~ Tsiolkovski

• Tau Zero - http://www.tauzero.aero/

• a waste of money?
• new life?
• new world? new civilization?
• destinations

• planetary science

HOW?

• robotic probes
• human spaceflight

Summer triangle

• Lyra constellation
• Vega
• Altair
• Deneb

Interesting facts:

Procyon

• over next 10 mio years it will grow to 100 times bigger and turn red

→ If all the 7 billion humans stood on top of one another, the stack would approx. be 10 million kilometers tall.

• 7 times bigger than the sun!

Links

http://www.centauri-dreams.org/

http://englcomc43gutierrez.blogspot.co.at/2010/09/argumentative-essay-space-exploration.html

http://www.essayforum.com/writing-feedback-3/space-exploration-wasteful-activity-agree-19276/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470204506706957

Summary

Before:

SUMMARY OF Europe already has one foot in “Japanese” deflation grave

The risk of an European deflation and a potential debt crisis are being analyzed by Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in the article “Europe already has one foot in “Japanese” deflation grave”, published in “The Telegraph” on October 23, 2013.

According to Evans-Pritchard, Europe is going to slide into a deflation trap, as Japan is now, if policy errors continue to happen. A deflation would become lethal, once total debt exceeds 300pc of GDP. Besides, inflation has dropped to an alarming rate of 0.9pc, which caused price falls and a growth in debt in many European countries. Especially Italy has faced the problem of “runaway-dept”.

Mr Darvas states that the only possible solution is to let the inflation grow. The EBC should implement all possible measures to ensure that inflation does not fall below 2pc, which however is not done. Moreover this is not accepted by Germany, even though it may soon become a victim of deflation itself.

The author’s proposed solution is the unification of France, Italy, Spain and the Club Med allies. Demanding appropriate action from Germany, they could force them to accept inflation. On the contrary, Europe hopes for global growth to save the economy, which is unlikely to happen.

200 WORDS, NOT INCLUDING TITLE

After:

SUMMARY OF Europe already has one foot in “Japanese” deflation grave

The risk of a European deflation and potential debt crisis are being analyzed by Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in the article “Europe already has one foot in “Japanese” deflation grave”, published in “The Telegraph” on October 23, 2013.

According to Evans-Pritchard, Europe is going to slide into a deflation trap, as Japan is now, if policy errors continue to happen. Deflation would become lethal, once total debt exceeds 300pc of GDP. Besides, inflation has dropped to an alarming rate of 0.9pc, which caused price falls and a growth in debt in many European countries. Especially Italy has faced the problem of “runaway-debt”.

It is thought that the only possible solution is to let inflation grow. The EBC should implement all possible measures to ensure that inflation does not fall below 2pc, which however is not being done. Moreover this is not accepted by Germany, even though it may soon become a victim of deflation itself. 

The author’s proposed solution is for Club Med to demand appropriate action from Germany: force them to accept inflation. On the contrary, Europe hopes for global growth to save the economy, which is unlikely to happen. 

Comment on a summary

SUMMARY – Europe already has one foot in ‘Japanese’ deflation policy      

(The Telegraph)

            What happened in Japan some years ago is now happening in Europe. Deflation has arrived and with it all of its inconveniences. A serious wariness about how to sustain the Eurozone and its debt rates is now exploding and a tense atmosphere can ne breathed Europe. Although the whole EU is immersed in this critical economic situation, different countries are approaching this situation in various ways. For example, the known as PIIGS are implementing austerity policies without offsetting any monetary stimulus. This directly affects the population by growing of the unemployment rates and basic care needs. Why is this happening to the PIIGS? Because of the “denominator effect” this means that debt is growing faster than nominal GDP. On the other side there is Germany that apparently is not doing bad, but is also at risk because of one the possible solutions that is being considered is that “Club Med” gets together with Germany so that it can implement the relation policy. Another possible solution could be inflation, but for the moment the option governments, politicians, economists … are taking is to hope for global growth to save us.

What happened in Japan some years ago is now happening in Europe. Deflation has arrived and with it all of with all of its inconveniences. A serious wariness about how to sustain the Eurozone and its debt rates is now exploding and a tense atmosphere can ne breathed Europe. Although the whole EU is immersed in this critical economic situation, different countries are approaching this situation in various ways. For example, the known as PIIGS are implementing austerity policies without offsetting any monetary stimulus. This directly affects the population by growing of the unemployment rates and basic care needs. Why is this happening to the PIIGS? Because of the “denominator effect” this means that debt is growing faster than nominal GDP. On the other side there is Germany that apparently is not doing bad, but is also at risk because of (??) one the possible solutions that is being considered is that “Club Med” gets together with Germany so that it can implement the relation policy. Another possible solution could be inflation, but for the moment the option governments, politicians, economists … are taking is to hope for global growth to save us.

• The student could have written a short introduction mentioning the author of the text, the newspaper and the date. This gives us an overview of what the article is about.
• The summary could have been divided into separate paragraphs. That would make it easier to read. 
• The student could have explained what the PIIGS are (because someone is reading this for the first time and probably does not know about "the PIIGS")
  
  
  
• I am not sure what the author wanted to say with "can ne breathed Europe". I suggest rewriting it.
• "the known as PIIGS" -->something is missing. I would suggest writing: "The countries know as PIIGS" or similar.
• "Because of the “denominator effect” this means that debt is growing faster than nominal GDP.". I would suggest rewriting the whole sentence as it is not quite clear. Maybe write: "Because of the “denominator effect” dept is growing faster than nominal GDP."
• "On the other side there is Germany that apparently is not doing bad, but is also at risk because of (??) one the possible solutions that is being considered is that “Club Med” gets together with Germany so that it can implement the relation policy." 
• I would suggest rewriting the sentence as it is clearly too long and a little bit confusing. I do not understand what is meant with “because of one the possible solutions…”.
• “to get together” is not high register. Consider writing something like “pair up”, “the unification of” or “unite”.
• Maybe divide this long sentence into two sentences.
• On the other side there is Germany that apparently is not doing bad, but is also at risk because of (somthing??). One possible solution is that “Club Med” pair up with Germany to implement the relation policy.   

• Be careful with "..." in a high register text.
  

Other than that the text gives me a general overview of what the original article is about.  The anonymous author mentioned important arguments and stayed focused on the topic. The student seems to have understood the main points of the text and remained impersonal.