Spacefaring

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It has been suggested that Spacefaring civilization be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

Spacefaring is a term used to describe societies or nations capable of building and launching vehicles into space[1][2]. Some use a more strict criteria, defining spacefaring nations as those that can build, launch and return manned space vehicles. "Spacefaring" is analogous to seafaring.

Currently the United States of America, Russia and the People's Republic of China are the only three spacefaring nations, using the more strict definition.

The following nations or organizations have launched spacecraft into orbit (date of first launch in parenthesis)[3]:

1. Soviet Union (Russia)(1957)
2. United States (1958)
3. France (1965)
4. Australia (1967) (WRESAT)
5. Japan (1970)
6. China (1970)
7. United Kingdom (1971)
8. European Space Agency (1979)
9. India (1980)
10. Israel (1988)

Note that a larger number of countries than those listed above have launched suborbital spacecraft, and could also, in a loose sense, be considered spacefaring [4]. This would include nations such as Germany which, with the V-2 rocket, could arguably be considered the first spacefaring nation.

Also of note is that private U.S.A. citizens have achieved spacefaring status with Spaceship One

Spacefaring requires the vehicle assembly and launch facilities, as well as advanced astronautics, and a program to train astronauts. The problems of life support must be solved in proportion to the distance travelled. Presently there has never been a mission outside of the Earth-Moon system, though the dream of travelling to Mars is persistent in literature and popular culture.

Science Fiction often deals with more advanced spacefaring cultures, and the opportunities and challenges that this might bring to such societies.