The inquisitive nature of human beings has led this species to solve innumerable mysteries and explore the Blue planet. The same intrusive nature has also propelled them to explore the space to find out new planets and stars. The persistent evolution and development of space technology have allowed man to discover and investigate the outer space and the inestimable celestial structures. Whereas the astronomers study the stars and the sky through their telescopes, the human spaceflight and unmanned robotic surveys are conducted to explore the space physically. However, a lot of money is spent on space exploration. While many people consider space exploration advantageous and potentially beneficial for the human development, there are others who oppose space exploration due to the high costs involved with no major benefits for mankind. Space exploration, as a matter of fact, is a waste of money and resources as they could be used for the improvement of peoples’ lives throughout the world given the current economic challenges.
It is good to have an idealistic prospect for the future. However, it is extremely unwise and irrational to try to achieve such goals by putting the present at stake. Even in the contemporary times, out planet is challenged with significant issues including, famine, war, diseases, and poverty. In fact, it is extremely difficult for billions of people to live with full stomachs under shelters. Space exploration is undoubtedly a luxurious and lavish dream that is unaffordable for the majority of Earth’s population (Yang, 2011). Therefore, it can be justly argued that time and energy must not be wasted on gigantic projects like Mars Missions. Instead, human beings need to set new goals for improving the living standards of underprivileged and deprived people. After addressing the issues and problems of our planet, space can be explored with the available resources and capital. However, it is not a great idea to continue to initiate new space projects when a large number of people are suffering from pitiable conditions, diseases, and circumstances (Yang, 2011). It would be a true achievement to have a hunger-free, disease-free, and peaceful world.
There is no doubt that satellite technology has profoundly benefitted the world. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the difference between space exploration and satellites launch into the Earth’s orbits. The life on Earth is not benefitted by sending missions into interstellar space for exploring stars and other planets. Furthermore, private companies launch satellites commercially as the profits facilitate them in the maintenance and development. Space exploration, in its truest sense, cannot be commercialized as it needs large subventions from the respective governments. For instance, “at the peak of the eighty-year race to the moon, NASA spent more money on space exploration than the federal government spent on education, health care, or international affairs” (McCurdy, 2011). It proves that it is better to spend money on people and improving their conditions.
Money and resources spent on space exploration is a waste as they do not benefit a large number of people. Instead, these resources must be devoted to plans that carry more worth. For instance, the same money and funds could be utilized for renewable energy research, cancer research and research in several educational disciplines. Although such projects may result in several spin-off benefits, they would be handling and tackling real world problems.
People who believe in spending money, time, and energy in space exploration assert that it is necessary for mankind to work towards the expansion of its horizons. Therefore, space exploration must be continued for proving man’s ability to excel and rise above. They claim that the world has changed absolutely with space exploitation. Broadcasting through satellites and communication has enabled people throughout the world to interact and interchange ideas. Man has started to understand the world better with space exploration. They also assume that without satellites, no one could be able to predict climate and conduct climate research. It is also asserted that space exploration has indirectly benefitted the world in various ways. Technological development such as creation of special suits (for firefighting, withstanding extreme conditions), understanding of aging process through zero-gravity effects, and the creation of fuel cells are all some indirect benefits derived from space exploration. According to such proponents of space exploration, spending money on space programs is a way to secure our planet’s future.
Even though most of the mentioned arguments carry some weight, it still needs to be remembered that the space exploration is a desire that is not preferable over human needs. It is the high time “to look after our planet and combat the multitude of problems threatening our ecosystem: the disappearance of the rainforest, global warming, and the pollution of the oceans” (Meaney & Robinson, 2014) instead of wasting money on a hope to conquer other planets in the universe. Instead of focusing on the indirect benefits of space exploration, man needs to concentrate on the resolution of issues with the money wasted on launching space missions (Yang, 2011).
References
Donlan, J. E. (2009). Ordaining reality made easy: A guide for creating the future. Boca Raton, FL: Universal-.
McCurdy, H. E. (2011). Space and the American imagination. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press.
Meaney, S., & Robinson, T. (2014, November 8). Debate: Is space exploration a waste of resources? Retrieved March 02, 2016, from http://www.cherwell.org/comment/world/2014/11/07/debate-is-space-exploration-a-waste-of-resources
Yang, U. (2011). The third world: Where is it?: But we have life and space!: Forgotten corners of the world. Central Milton Keynes: AuthorHouse.
