11 Space Infographics to Gaze Upon and Learn From

Outer space is awesome – this is obvious, but why do we admire it so much?  Is it our will to explore the unknown?  Is space just beautiful to look at?  (Yes, even morons can enjoy the complexities of space.)  In any case, these eleven space infographics will bring you a tad of enlightenment as well as a solid dose of enjoyment, making the perfect concoction of fun for any space geek.  Space shuttles, planets, and galaxies are all included in this comprehensive list!

Below each infographic is a link to the high resolution version as well as a short analysis by yours truly yours lie-ly since most of the time I’m just using a thesaurus to make myself sound like a dinosaur.  “What?”

1.  The Space Shuttle Orbiter

space shuttle orbiter

Did you know that the space shuttle orbiter is longer than three school buses?  Were you aware of the fact that it is much heavier than an African Elephant, and only a little bit heavier than that depiction of Charles Carreon’s mom which Matt Inman had put together?  There are some cool facts to be learned about the space shuttle orbiter, so this space infographic is definitely worth a closer look!  Too bad the shuttle program was canceled – regardless, we can still learn something!

2.  Humans and The Moon Space Infographic

space infographic

Ever wanted to become an expert on who has and who has not been to the moon?  Well, if that is your (rather unique) desire, then this space infographic is perfect for you!  What I like about this particular visualization is that it also predicts some things about the future that you might find quite interesting…

3.  50 Years of Space Exploration Infographic

space infographics

High Resolution Version

So – we have been studying and exploring space for a while now, but what have we really learned?  Where have we really gone?  Have we traveled to where no man has gone before and fought some space alien dudes with our six-shot revolvers?  (Probably not, but you never know.  Olivia Wilde in Cowboys and Aliens?  Stunning.  Just stunning.)

This infographic really gives a comprehensive view of what we have done in outer space, and I’d definitely say it’s one of the best on this list!

4.  How Much Money Have We Put Into Space Exploration?

space infographics

High Resolution Version

You might find finances a bit droll, but space makes everything better!  “Droll means amusing, contrary to popular belief.”  See – you learned something from me, and I just figured out how to eat a couple of weeks ago!  Get this: without a funnel.  

5.  The Space Race Infographic

space infographics

High Resolution Version

This space infographic is similar to one seen two above it, but it presents slightly different information in a new way that might spark that light bulb of yours and help you learn something about space!  That way, you can get rid of that horrible condition where you learn things, they slide through your hollow skull, and they dribble out of your other ear canal.  Now that’s a mess that nobody wants to clean up.

6.  The Solar System!

space infographics

High Resolution Version

Remember that kid in third grade who was freakishly obsessed with the planets and our solar system?  Well, now you too can be that kid!  Except you’re probably a middle-aged man, which definitely does not detract from the experience of learning about our universe!  Study away, old dog, and learn some new tricks.

7.  Size of The Planets Space Infographic

space infographics

High Resolution Version

This space infographic is one of my favorites, since it is extremely basic.  My less-than-malleable mind can shape itself around this one, since it’s just a representation of the sizes of planets.  Short and sweet!

8.  What You Need(ed) to Know About The Space Shuttle

space infographics

High Resolution Version

This infographic is bittersweet, since we can remember the accomplishments that the space shuttle made while acknowledging that the program was ended. Why?  WHY CAN’T WE HAVE UNLIMITED MONEY?  Who forgot to hit “Sandbox Mode” when life started?  WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

9.  Learn About Space Junk

space infographics

High Resolution Version

The Final Junkyard might be a less-than-savory name for space, but it’s a very accurate name for space.  Let’s be honest – there’s a ton of garbage floating around in that blackness, and it’s time for us to launch boy scouts out of the atmosphere to clean it up.  “What?”  SHHH just go along with it.  Newt Gingrich said we would colonize the moon, and by GOLLY, WE WILL SHOOT BOY SCOUTS INTO SPACE TO DO IT!

10.  Space Launches

space infographics

High Resolution Version

Want a history of every space launch (that we know about) ever?  Well, you’ve found it.  Your life long search is over.  What is life?  How long was I smelling paint?  The world may never know.

11.  Commercial Space Station Infographic

space infographics

High Resolution Version

Finally, last but not least – an infographic that talks about the design of the commercial space station.  I found this one to be particularly engaging, so it’s definitely worth taking a look at the high-res version to get a closer look.