World Unification Regarding Technology/Space?

Question

I am really interested in space exploration, travel etc and the theories/predictions regarding humanity's future with space, but one thing always concerns me.

I do not understand why Countries separate themselves when it comes down to modern human advancement with various things such as technology, space exploration, medication etc. I personally do not think that the human race can advance and reach its full potential unless the countries of the world unify and share technology, ideas and innovation. Its common knowledge that working together as a team is far more beneficial then working alone. It just seems to me that human advancement is about competing with other countries.

For example, space exploration has always seemed to be about which country can do what first, why isn't there a world union in which each country works together to progress and fund the advancement of space exploration? WASA instead of NASA?

Answer 1

I'm specific to space technology stuff myself. The answer is rather complex, because there has been some significant peaceful transfers of technology since the fall of the Soviet Union. It is rather interesting that the technology is being shared between former mortal enemies, while Europe (which has a closer political relationship with Russia) is not benefiting. It has also been a one way street because the Soviet Union, despite communism, was far ahead in commercialisable booster technology. A comparison of the SSME with its Soviet sister, the RD-0120 (not to be confused with the RD-120) shows how this is the case. Check it out at www.astronautix.com (excuse the pop-ups.)

The most significant example of technology transfer is the Energomash RD-180 engine now used in the Atlas V booster. Another example is the Sea Launch, a joint venture between Boeing and Russia (not sure which company). The Sea Launch is a poor example as a technology merger, because it is a 100% Russian booster (Proton 4th stage as a third stage on the two stage Zenit.)

Another huge factor in international cooperation, which will become really obvious when Soyuz starts launching from Kourou next year, is geography. The closer to the equator your launch site is, the better off you are. The minimum inclination of a launch site is its latitude, unless it has restrictions due to range safety. Russia's minimum inclination site is Baikonur (actually closer to Tyuratam if you look for it in an atlas) at 51.6deg. The lowest inclination site actually in Russia (Baikonur's in Kazahkstan) is Plesetsk, at 63deg. This means that Russian boosters in commercial applications are seriously overpowered when compared to boosters from other countries (USA's Cape Canaveral is 28.5deg, Kourou is 4deg, but launches to 7.2deg.) Myself and others have occasionally spun the globe to find the "perfect" launch site. I thought of Nairobi, Kenya, another (someone at www.orbitersim.com) thought of Sumatra, both very difficult places to set up a launch site because of politics and poverty. What is really needed is an international equatorial spaceport, and an international body to govern its operation.

WASA? WASAP wit dat? I made up an "alternate history" fictional universe with an organization called the "International Space Exploration Alliance" or INSEA, which became this international body in 1952 (in the INSEA universe.) By today, commercial companies operate the fully reusable Bluestar booster from several launch and recovery sites, including Nairobi, Meru, and Lamu, which are run by INSEA. I haven't looked up the rest in the "African Booster Corridor" yet, but many are needed because reusable piloted boosters like Bluestar need places to land after expending all their propellant during an ascent, and in case of aborts.

After Columbia Project resides at http://aftercolumbia.tripod.com and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aftercolumbia if your interested in more.

Answer 2

Most countries think in terms of power. The first main point of battle strategy is to have the higher ground, so space is the higher ground and most assuredly the strategic advantage over any other. Although there are other reasons for space possession this is the ultimate goal, do not let them fool you.

Answer 3

There is actually quite a bit of international cooperation in science. And the Space station is not a NASA only project. It is called the ISS (International Space Station) for a reason.

Answer 4

Nice question.

I think it's because every country wants to be known for having the best technology.

Answer 5

If u share too much then Iran would already know how to blow us up. In that Category The Russians understood that it would be the mutual destruction of us all,and no one would win.