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WHERE DOES THE SEA END AND
THE SKY BEGIN? |
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Though long the subject of speculation between physical
scientist
and
poet alike, it's the contention of the
Center for Applied Space
Technology that
there is no easily identifiable demarcation between
the heights
and the depths
that the analogs between space science
and
marine science
are both long-standing and compelling. |
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CAST seeks to
identify and exploit these analogs as necessary in order
to promote cutting-edge applications, research, and education. |
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We ask you to join us
as we utilize technologies created to advance our knowledge and
use of the heavens to help unlock the mysteries and functions of
the sea
and to take our understanding of the ocean
and its
processes to advance our exploration of the universe. |
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CAST is
uniquely structured to exploit these analogous relationships
between space science and marine science. Our focus is to
support
the creation and distribution of knowledge by providing the
tools and mechanisms essential to gaining data and then
extracting actionable
and sharable information from the accumulated data. |
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This information can then be distributed through space-supported
networks to the operational, research, conservation, and
education communities. Such knowledge is essential for us
to make intelligent
and successful decisions regarding our stewardship of the
worlds
natural resources. |
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To this end, CAST
seeks to research, identify, and employ technologies that
support the comprehension of CONNECTIVITY in the natural
world by understanding the relationships between: |
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The physical ocean and its biological constituents |
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The
different biological species |
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The
biological species and man |
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The physical
ocean and man |
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The
overlying atmosphere and the physical ocean |
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CAST is also
extremely well positioned to support the application
of the marine sciences to address issues of space research and
space exploration. Marine analogs may prove to be
particularly beneficial
in the understanding and countering of many of the biological
effects
of long duration space flight. |
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Other significant marine analogs with direct applicability to
the United States space program include the employment of
underwater habitats
and life support systems to simulate conditions human explorers
will encounter when we return to the moon or venture to Mars and
beyond. |
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In fact, it might be easily argued that the entire United States
space program is analogous to centuries of marine research and
exploration efforts. All but one of the fleet of Space
Shuttle Orbiters were named after ships of discovery and
exploration. Even the language of space exploration is
rich with words and expressions with a strong maritime heritage. |
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It is the mission of the
Center of Applied Space
Technology
to identify,
research, and assess such technologies and support their
employment to the benefit of space and marine research,
exploration,
and operations. |
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