One of the most controversial topics is the billions of dollars we spend on space exploration and whether it truly is worth the cost. A lot of people don't understand the benefits of space exploration and that it is necessary to be spending billions on it. Besides this billions of dollars yearly, are wasted projects that get us nowhere. Space exploration opens the doors to many opportunities and scientific breakthroughs that could revolutionize Earth and mankind, as well as create many economical benefits for us.
Exploring is also a necessity because it's in our nature and crucial for the survival of mankind. Space exploration is perhaps one of the most important investments we make today, to create a better tomorrow.
The argument is constantly made that billions are spent on space exploration projects and that more then half the time they are complete failures. They argue the money could be spent better ways such as to fund cancer or aids research or fix the poverty problem in Africa. However space exploration could give us new technologies and help us develop solutions to earth's problems.
However, who's to say that this money would actually be spent on such a causes. So far on the war in Iraq has cost more then $458,270,000,000 (nationalpriorities.org) and has gotten no where. Actors and actresses are paid multimillions. It is possible to fund both space exploration programs and fix the problems on earth however we should not take. This investment is paving the way to a future of opportunities.
Space exploration poses many opportunities for scientific breakthroughs. From exploring the unknown and preparing to explore, we discover and develop new technologies so that space exploration is possible, some of which can also aid life on earth. This has lead to he development of fibreoptics, Mylar, freeze dried food and many more. Think of the possibilities.(wikipedia.org) Another breakthrough would be the development of colonies on other planets.
The discovery of other inhabitable planets gives us the opportunity to expand the human race. Other breakthroughs would be the discovery of new resources and elements that could aid our lives and be put to use here on earth. One of the most important breakthroughs would be the discovery of life. We could study them, look at their development and possibly learn about our development and more about life in general and how it works. Imagine if we were to discover other intelligent life. This opens opportunities to make new allies and possibly learn things from them and gain new technologies as well.These breakthroughs would greatly aid us and life on earth.
Space exploration has several economic benefits for us. For example, by investing money into space exploration now, we create new jobs for later. More engineers and mechanics will be required to design and maintain new space exploration equipment. Explorers and astronauts will be required to explore planets and work in space. Scientist will be needed to analyze elements and new discoveries and make calculations for achieving our objectives. Also we can also occupy planets for living on a human expansion and mine them for their resources for trade.
Eventually, we might be able to mine the diamond that may exist in Jupiter's core or use Mars for its resources such as iron. Another economical aspect would be tourism. By 2009, their will be a few space suites hovering over earth, that people can reserve for a few nights. If we invest now, we will eventually be able to visit other planets or just take tours through space to witness the wonders and beauties of space. Another economical aspect would be the effect on culture and the arts it will have. Our galaxy and universe and the wonders within may become influences for artists around the globe and may change the way society looks at things. If this doesn't convince you then maybe you will convince yourself.
Space exploration is of important value to us because exploring is in our nature. Since the beginning of humanity we have always been exploring and it has been the main reason for our expansion and development. With out this lust for exploration and knowledge, mankind would still be very primitive and living in the valleys of South Africa. It is this desire that drove the Vikings overseas. We long to see what lies beyond and what else lies out there. Humans also are compelled to dominate and rule over land. Like North America was a new frontier for the Europeans to conquer and expand, space is a new frontier for our world to expand into.
Humans also crave to have all their questions answered. Is their a god? What is it that lies at the end of space? Is their other life out their? These are questions that drive us to explore space and beyond and by investing our money into space exploration we are making it possible to answer our questions and the questions that our ancestors pondered about. Another, part of our nature that will compel us to invest in space exploration is our desire to survive.
