P. Pilgrim
This year 2023 is a very important year for space discovery as no less than 5 non manned space trips to the moon have been planned, hoping to land near the south pole of the moon, an area as yet undiscovered. After many years of little interest, moon exploration is the hottest real estate in the solar system, generating interest from countries across the globe eager to demonstrate their technological prowess and aid humanity in understanding its closest celestial neighbour. To control and protect this new environment the Artemis Accords, a non-binding multilateral arrangement between the United States government and other world governments has been designed. Drafted by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, the Accords establish a framework for cooperation in the civil exploration and peaceful use of the Moon, Mars, and other astronomical objects. It is explicitly grounded in the United Nations Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which signatories are obliged to uphold, and cite most major U.N.-brokered conventions constituting space law. As of August 9, 2023, twenty-eight countries and one territory had signed the accords. In August 2023 spacecrafts from Russia and India were both scheduled to touch down on the lunar surface trying to be the first to land on the coldest side of the moon were there are many craters that are continually in the shade. They would be followed by the launch of a small lander to the moon by the Japanese space agency in an effort to test precise landing techniques that could be used in future missions. However Russia, hoping to be the first to land there, crashed landed just a few days ago. India is now trying to land, in its Chandrayaan-3 craft, it lifted off on 14 July and is scheduled to land 23rd August.
It is interesting to see that interest in space exploration has increased in the past number of years even since the retirement of the manned USA crafts in 2011.
Why are people so engrossed in space adventures? What draws countries to spend $500million dollars to go into space, when all around them is suffering and poverty? Countries have a desire to show their strength and for national prestige, those who are involved are seen as superpowers. However, for man it is a more basic instinct, what is out there? who is out there?, this curiosity to search out the unknown draws man to venture into the unknown whether on land, in the sea or in space. Some men want to prove there is no God and by travelling into space they believe that not finding him proves that belief.
Nevertheless, these celestial bodies are vital for mankind and no matter where you live on this earth you can see the sun, moon and stars. They are so unique. The Bible speaks of how God made them, give them a purpose for heat and light and they were given as a sign for man, as a witness to the faithfulness of God according to the book of Psalm 89 verse 37; “It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” The moon and sun are also said to be a sign as to the end of the world, the book of Acts chapter 2 verse 20 tells us “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:”. No one will miss seeing that day when Christ comes back. No peace treaty will stop him showing his authority and majesty. He is the ruler of the universe. That is why it’s so important to know him and be ready for his return. (Pilgrimway101@yahoo.com)
