The Controversy Over Manned Exploration Of Space

As humans, we are born with a natural desire to learn and discover. With space exploration, we are able to do just that. In an online essay called “Is Space Exploration Worth the Cost”, Dr. Joan Vernikos,

The push into the vastness of space will encourage technological innovation, yield vast scientific benefits, and follow mankind’s legacy of exploration. Thus, America and the world should undoubtedly continue space travel so that mankind is absorbed entirely in Earthly troubles, but remembers its greater place among the stars. For as President Obama observed in his 2010 address to NASA, “space exploration is not a luxury, it’s not an afterthought in America’s quest for a brighter future -- it is an essential part of that quest”

In even the most primitive civilizations, the extra-terrestrial has had immeasurable influence on society. Mankind has always had an urge to explore the great unknown, and answer the most fundamental questions of our existence. Space exploration deserves not only to be a top priority in our nation, but much more funding than it already has, because it is rooted with history that has taught us many things and will continue to do so, it will help us advance technology beyond the scope of commercial innovation, and it can answer the greatest questions that every civilization has tried to answer.

I have gathered you all here to persuade you that space exploration is indeed worth the risk despite what a few people think. Those people think that exploration is a complete waste of time and money, but I would have to completely disagree with them because it has many benefits for the human race. Exploration is worth the risk, because it will give us information and resources that we didn’t have access to before we explored that place.

Neil Tyson once said, “The day we stop exploring is the day we commit ourselves to live in a stagnant world, devoid curiosity, and empty of dreams.” Over the last fifty years, humans have been able to circle the world, walk on the moon, and visit all the planets in our solar system. In those five decades, NASA has successfully launched over 100 manned flights, with only two ending in failure. Yet, the question still remains. “Are major explorations worth the risk?” With the technological, and medical knowledge that we have today, indeed, explorations are worth a shot.

These days after the space race has put a man on the moon, some people have asked what comes next. Some people believe that the best next step is to simply use unmanned probes to explore as it is simply too dangerous and expensive for people to go themselves. However, many people believe that it would be foolish for people to not continue exploring space and some have even begun their own programs, like the Mars One Project, to try to get people into space.

Picture a typical 5th grade class at a career day. The young boys and girls are full of jitters and excitement to learn about the future careers of their choice. Some will choose the typical banker or lawyer approach, but what about the child who dreams to be an astronaut? Is this a realistic goal? Is there even a need for space exploration in today’s world? The answer is yes. Space Exploration is still central to discovering the vast universe.

Time and time again has it been proven that the best means of advancing the world is through the education and inspiration of young people. This is a crucial part and a high priority of NASA in particular and has led to the development of many programs for students across America to be inspired and become prepared for the next generation of space exploration. Specifically, the FIRST Robotics Competition, the DIME Competition, and the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge are all programs designed to harbor the curiosity and wonder that those of the younger generation possess in the field of space exploration. Consequently, a force of future scientists, engineers, and, of course, astronauts is developed to pursue space exploration for years to come.

On July 20, 1969, outside our Earth in the cold, and darkness of space, the first humans landed on the moon, Neil Armstrong said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Ever since the moon landing the space program took off, through failure and success we discovered things, advanced our technology and more. Learning from previous mistakes and making sure that they did not happen again. The space program has allowed for the world to grow in technology, unite different people, and teach people about the world we live in. Since the exploration of space has greatly benefited the world with advanced technology and knowledge, along with more cooperation between countries, I believe that the space program should continue.

As humans, a necessary part of our psyche is exploration. However, numerous trials are confronted when it comes to space exploration. While it remains vital that humans explore this great expansion, one must consider the issues that occur. After all, what is more important, space exploration, or our continued existence?

The United States has explored space since as early as 1946 with various space technologies (Van Allen). Space technology has enabled the U.S. to explore the universe and discover much beyond planet Earth. Although we have made many successful launches to space several times, there are trade-offs assumed from utilizing space technology that was beneficial and quite costly. It is in our best interest that we continue to enhance our space technologies and continue our presence in outer space to uphold our leadership position. The U.S. dominates space exploration and utilization; in turn, this has afforded us military power, sustained our national security and provided us with economic advantage. The U.S. space program’s history is made up of

When I was a child, I used to think that the idea of space travel was out of this world, some parts of myself still do. I’ve always believed that astronauts had a job more fascinating than anyone else, to have the luxury of being a part of one of the most spectacular feats in the world. It was a luxury not just given to them, but obtained through years of exhausting, strenuous work. I’m very proud, to this day, to be a citizen of the country that put the first footprint on the moon. Margaret Lazarus Dean, author of Leaving Orbit, and a NASA junkie, does an excellent job at opening the eyes of her readers to show the long hours, days, and years put into American space flight. After reading the book, the stories and experiences shared have helped me to more suitably understand the substantial accomplishment American spaceflight has made.

Space exploration provides the ability for humans to gain more knowledge about space and the phenomena that occur in the solar system and the universe. When determining the ability to have frequent space exploration, it is necessary to consider the effects to the health of people and the ability to fund the planned endeavors for space travel.

Mankind has always been fascinated with exploring the unknown. From sailing to distant lands to someday setting foot on other planets, the spirit of exploration is the same. Bur now with the current economic situation and the high cost of sending people to space, NASA is being looked at as a way to free up some much needed funds. Although, there is many problems here on planet Earth that need addressing, the benefits of space exploration far out weight the disadvantages. Space exploration has given us more advanced technology, advances in the medical field, and a boost to the economy and these facts cannot be disputed.

In the early 60s, President John F. Kennedy led America into a space race against the Soviet Union. American men and women across the nation backed this goal, allowing NASA to take great leaps in advancing its space exploration programs. This unified nation fulfilled its goal, and Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. However, since then, America’s space exploration has only declined. Funding for NASA has been drastically cut, thus greatly limiting the opportunities for exploring the cosmos. Understanding and exploring the universe is detrimental to the advancement of the United States and opens the door for vast possibilities. If the government chooses to limits its own advancement, then that responsibility must fall