We need to explore extraterrestrial space to know better about our origin, and presence in the universe as well as our future. However, there are several arguments against space exploration such as high cost expenditure associated with space research, and potential health risk to explorers.
1. For View Point
Space exploration is vital as earth’s resources are constantly put under tremendous pressure by the growing population. Further, there is also a need to know if human inhabitable conditions can occur in planets other than earth, in order to ensure sustainability of life. There is an inherent curiosity to know how universe is originated, are there other planets that can support life, and a desire to know about the space in general. This curiosity has led to several inventions that function in zero or microgravity environment. Space research and development has lead to several products that have improved quality of life on earth such as vacuum cleaners, solar energy systems, fuel cells, as well as advancements in medical field, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI), and anti-cancer drug delivery systems (Intini). So, space exploration enables overall technological advancement, and extends human capability. Satellite imagery, has led to several advancements in climate and meteorological studies, and space explorations to find new mineral deposits (Intini), and potential oil reserves in extraterrestrial regions are also in the pipeline.
The strongest viewpoint for continuing space exploration would be for ensuring the sustainability of human life (Intini). While climate change, and other extraterrestrial events such as meteorite hits, black holes and giant stars at the end of their life, all pose a threat to human survival on earth, it is only logical to try to find suitable regions for survival in the outer space. While earth’s natural resources are depleting, and there is a threat of global warming, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and spread of vector borne diseases, coupled with the fact that the earth’s, and the solar system’s life itself are defined, it is justified to explore space for human sustenance (Intini).
The weakest argument for space exploration is Nations claiming space explorations are meant to guarantee greater security to the world (Intini). Most space research is carried out only by the economically dominant powers, and the data is also not shared among nations. Thus there is a race to establish monopolism in space research, and this only creates insecurity in people’s mind. Open knowledge sharing, and coordinated regulation of space research is essential to ensure the world populations benefits irrespective of socio-economic disparities. Thus, space explorations increasing security to world population is not a strong for argument.
2. Against View Point
Several experts such as Hanbury feel that money invested in space science is a waste, and it should be used to preserve rainforests on earth, and minimize pollution. Hanbury further argues that climatologists have already figured ways to manipulate weather, create rain, and space explorations contribute far less to meteorology. There are evidences indicating reduction in bone mass of astronauts indulging in space missions, as well as other suspected health risks such as cancers, Alzheimer’s and cataracts (Wired). One-month microgravity exposure leads to 1.5% loss of bone mass in an astronaut, which occurs only in one year for an aged person on earth (Intini). Immune system defects and cancers are attributable to space radiation i.e. subatomic particles moving with velocity closer to that of light. These radiations interact with metal surfaces of the spacecraft or space suits, and further emit harmful secondary radiation (Wired). The radiations interact with human cells, and modify their functions. Additionally, longer presence of humans in space leads to space pollution with human generated waste. Abandoned satellites, plastic parts, human waste are all polluting the universe as well.
The strongest against viewpoint is the huge amount of expenditure that space research programs demand. Critiques argue that if this much of amount is spent on pollution prevention, health care, education or other public welfare schemes, it would benefit even the economically weaker sections of the public. Costly space research is only benefitting the economically stronger section of the society, and government funding should be diverted to other pressing problems such as waste management or environmental pollution (Hanbury). The weakest argument against space exploration is that we can carryout our normal activities on earth without the need to understand our solar system or universe. In other words, knowing about outer space does not affect my daily life activity. This is a weak argument because any invention or discovery starts from inquiry and curiosity. If we do not try to understand space, we will be ignorant of several cosmic events, regular as well as extraordinary ones. Earth’s seasonal cycles, ocean currents, tides and climatic patterns are all governed by the planet’s rotation and revolution around the sun, its position in the solar systems, as well as lunar influences. So, space explorations are needed however, the funding and frequency of outer space missions should be based on proper judgment.
3. Conclusion
Thus outer space explorations could help mankind get access to more resources, and help in sustenance of human life beyond earth’s boundaries. But, the cost invested in space research is huge and can be used to manage pollution, and conserve forests, and mitigate climate change impacts. Space research does not often lead to breakthrough discoveries on extraterrestrial life or cosmic phenomena, but it has led to several technological advancements that have improved human life on earth.
Works Cited
Hanbury, Robin. "For and Against: Space Exploration." E&T. N.p., Oct. 2011. Web. 19 July
2016.
Intini, Elisabetta. "10 Reasons We Should Be Exploring Space." Spiked. N.p., 22 June 2015.
Web. 19 July 2016.
Wired.com. "The 12 Greatest Challenges for Space Exploration." Conde Nast Digital, 16
Feb. 2016. Web. 19 July 2016.
