The quest for scientific innovation has constantly accompanied human development and cultural changes. In this pursuit for knowledge, space and astronomy have always been subjects that held important cultural significance and motivated researchers. Although this field of research is still incredibly relevant and constantly evolving, the history of space and astronomy is also fascinating to examine. By examining the history of astronomy, and satellites, the development of modern technology and the cultural significance of space exploration can be fully understood.

The field of archaeoastronomy is dedicated to the study of ancient astronomical concepts and understandings in the cultural context of ancient people and cultures. It also examines the importance of astronomy and celestial features/ events to cultures and civilizations. Archaeoastronomers often examine the ancient sky over multiple distinct time periods, such as prehistoric, ancient Babylonian, China, Egypt, Greeks, heavenly spheres, Ptolemaic Cosmos, and the Jain universe. Some common areas of focus are the medieval sky, which includes Islamic astronomy, European astronomy, celestial phenomena, and Mesoamerica.

The scientific revolution and its influence on our astronomical and scientific understandings can be seen everywhere in our modern technology and scientific pursuit. For all of us here at NEUDOSE, looking at how satellites and their impact on culture is an essential key to completing our satellite. The Space Race and pursuit of extraterrestrial knowledge has inspired cultural shifts and technological advancement, and the development of satellites has been no exception to this trend. By understanding the history of satellites, a thorough understanding of the incredible developments that have led to modern technology and astronomy can be achieved.

Satellites are objects in space which orbit around a larger object, but they can be natural (such as the moon orbiting Earth) or man-made, such as our project. Artificial satellites were developed in the mid-20th century, with Sputnik being the first. This was a satellite launched by the soviet union, which was an approximately beach ball sized space probe that lifted off on October 4th, 1957. Following Sputnik, Sputnik 2 was launched on November 3rd; this satellite was larger, and carried a dog.

The Space Race had begun with the launch of the Sputnik satellites, which was shortly followed by Explorer 1, the United States’ first satellite. Although merely 2% the mass of Sputnik, this was the onset of satellites being used as a political tool. Different countries had varying focuses, with the USA focused on the Moon landing and space shuttle, which the Soviet Union created the world’s first space station. Other countries began sending their own satellites into space, which had a significant impact on everyday life.

Weather satellites improved forecasting, land-watching satellites tracked changes on Earth’s surface, telecommunications satellites led to long-distance phone calls and live television broadcasts, and this ultimately improved internet connections. Satellites have become an essential scientific tool, both in space and on Earth. These developments went hand-in-hand with the increasingly smaller computers and hardwares, which are often implemented as “CubeSats”. CubeSats are cube-shaped satellites which populate low orbit, and can go on rockets with bigger payloads, or are sent from mobile launches on the ISS. McMaster NEUDOSE is funded by the Canadian Space Agency Grant of the Canadian CubeSat Project, showing how this technology is commonly implemented for scientific development and research.

“Per aspera ad astra”- through hardship to the stars. By studying the past of astronomy and science, we can gain a fuller understanding of the cultural significance and changes in the field of astronomy. The recent history of satellites, while not nearly as broad or ancient as Archaeoastronomy studies, illustrates the benefit of understanding how innovative development has led to our current position in science and astronomy.