Fifty years ago this week, the Russians launched Sputnik, a satellite the size of a basketball that emitted radio signals at between 20 and 40 MHz as it orbited Earth every 98 minutes.
The historic event set off a space race between the United States and the Soviet Union and inaugurated an era of space exploration.
Ten years later, on Oct. 10, 1967, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and United States signed the Outer Space Treaty, a document that among other things, proclaimed outer space was to be free for exploration and use by all states and that countries would not place nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies or station them in outer space in any other way.
On the occasion of the anniversaries, former astronaut Canadian Marc Garneau is calling on Ottawa to establish a parliamentary network on space, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the treaty and continuing to preserve space for peaceful purposes.
Do you have questions, or concerns about the future of space exploration, or on Canada's role in outer space? Captain Garneau will be online today from 1:30 to 2 p.m. EDT to answer your space-related questions. Send your queries and comments now and join us later to read his replies below.
Captain Garneau is a former astronaut, having logged more than 677 hours in space on three missions, former president of the Canadian Space Agency, and current Chancellor of Carleton University.
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Christine Diemert, globeandmail.com: Dr. Garneau, thank you for joining us online during what I know is a really busy day for you. I know that one of your tasks as you tour Ottawa is to encourage the Federal government to establish a parliamentary network on space. Can you describe what role you would see such a network playing, not only in Canada, but internationally?
Marc Garneau: In Canada a network will help with development and maintenance of a space policy and internationally it would help connect parliamentarians in Canada with others around the world.
Prof. Dr. Ram S. Jakhu writes: What should be Canada's policy with respect to the deployment of the American Ballistic Missile Defence system, particularly the placing of weapons in space and the use of force into and from outer space?
Dr. Garneau: Canada should be against the weaponization of space and should not participate in ballistic missile defence. In fact I have written articles to this effect. There are two reasons: it is destabilizing and technically its not feasible. Finally the premise of a missile coming from a rogue nation is not plausible.
Art Jaszczyk from Thornhill Toronto Canada writes: Dear Dr. Marc Garneau, As a scientist and a Canadian , what is your position on the role of Canada in the use of space for war, vis a vis 'Star Wars' and do you consider yourself a scientist for peace? 'la lutte continue' ('the struggle continues') A.J.
Dr. Garneau: It would be a great tragedy if we turned space into a war zone.
Horst Klaus from St. Catharines, Ontario Canada writes: Dear Mark, How can Canadians influence the U.S. Defence department from installing anti-missile systems - not only on American territory, but now also in Eastern Europe? It is the most dangerous invasion of space even if these missiles never get used, the testing will do enough damage. Who are they afraid of ? - North Korea just now has agreed to dismantle their nuclear installation, so what country are they trying to defend against or perhaps attack? The massive waste of funding to the defence industry would be better used for peaceful research in space. Mark, please keep up the good work in promoting research in space instead of weapons of mass destruction!
Dr. Garneau: Thank you for sharing with me your concerns. By quiet but firm diplomacy emphasizing the destabilizing nature of such a program, Canada can have influence with the US.
Paul DiCarmine from London Canada writes: I realize that this question may be slightly off topic, but surely the future of space exploration will require the recruitment of new astronauts. I am seriously interested in pursuing such a career. I am 26, physically fit and healthy and have a M.Sc. in Chemistry. Where do I begin and in what direction should I focus my education?
Christine Diemert, globeandmail.com: Paul, I hope the above answer from Dr. Garneau gives you some direction.
Richard Gibbens from London, Ontario. Canada writes: Dear Captain Garneau: My name is Richard Gibbens and I live in London, Ontario. As robot probes have brought us a wealth of knowledge about our solar system, some people are saying that we should de-emphasise the manned space programme and accelerate the use of orbital telescopes and robot flybys and rovers to learn the secrets of our solar system and universe. What do you think are the merits or defects of this claim?
Dr. Garneau: Thank you. Your point is valid, we should only send humans after the robots and if there is a national will to do so.
Jana Lynne White from Canada writes: 'Peace on Earth' is a refrain we sing at Christmas, but never actually sustained on any part of this planet for long. How do we think we can legislate peace in space when war and barbarism continue in the most educated countries on Earth?
Dr. Garneau: We cannot ever give up on peace. I believe that wisdom will prevail. I urge you to stay engaged.
Fabian Sanchez from Montreal Canada writes: What do you think of the present and future of Space Tourism, and how Canada can increase its participation for this future developing industry. Thanks.
Dr. Garneau: It will happen when there is a business case for it. I think it is a good thing.
Gheorghe Curelet-Balan from Canada writes: Are there any Canada projects or elsewhere on alternative space exploration technologies besides the classical rocket launch, i.e. high altitudes launches from balloons or portal planes?
Dr. Garneau: Not at this time, but science fiction often points the way.
David Howell from Saltspring Is Canada writes: Hello, My question regards exposure to radiation while in earth orbit ie Int. Space stn, future trips to the moon, on a moon base , manned trips to Mars, and on a martian base. What is the procedure that an astronaut takes to reduce his exposure to harmful radiation during periods of solar flares or any other intense outbursts or even the standard radiation backgrounds? Thanks DGH
Dr. Garneau: The radiation is not a serious concern for the international space station because we are protected by the earth's magnetic field. However it is a concern going to the moon and beyond. Astronauts must be able to shield themselves and receive warnings in a timely manner.
Ashley Taylor from Moose Jaw Canada writes: Do you see Canada having a major role in outer space without being in partnership with NASA?
Dr. Garneau: It depends...we need NASA for certain programs but we have also worked by ourselves or with other agencies on other projects.
Roy Wheeler from Ottawa Canada writes: I've heard in the past that solid rocket boosters leave millions of small particles in order, and these can represent a hazard to spacecraft and satellites. Earlier this year, as I recall, the Chinese destroyed a satellite leaving untold quantities of debris in orbit. Does the Outer Space Treaty address problems like this?
Dr. Garneau: Not yet, non-binding guidelines have been drafted but not yet implemented in a treaty.
C. Van Egmond from Winnipeg Canada writes: Today, the anniversary of the launch of Sputnik, Prime Minister Harper is flying to Churchill Manitoba, the original home of the Canada's own space program. Built for the Geophysical Year in 1957, the Churchill Research Range hosted more than 3000 rocket launchs to study the earth from space until its last launch in 1998. This home grown spaceport quietly trained a generation of space engineers and scientists using low-cost, low-risk rockets. Should the government of Canada revive this valuable asset as a means to train the next generation of scientists?
Dr. Garneau: Yes you are right, Churchill scientists need to lobby for its re-opening if they feel strongly about its use for future rocket launches.
Christine Diemert, globeandmail.com: Thanks for joining us today online. Was there anything you wanted to add to the discussion?
Dr. Garneau: Thanks for having me. The questions were well researched and thoughtful. I will add one more thing: please urge your representatives to push for a national space policy.