The Cost Of Space Exploration In The United States

For many years humans have been exploring space to discover the unknown and fuel their curious and adventurous nature, but the decision of whether space exploration is worth the cost is strongly debated. Due to various arguments and evidence space exploration is strongly supported is proven to be worth the cost. Some of these reasons include space exploration being able to expand our knowledge and it being able to generate wealth. With these reasons the argument of whether space exploration is worth the risk can be easily decided.

Space exploration is a subject of much debate in regards to its funding. There has always been a divide in opinions on space exploration. Many people, usually engineers or those in the field of science, have been in favor of space exploration and the innovations it could bring. Other people, such as politicians and businessmen, see space exploration as a waste of funding that does not result in profit or benefits. However, aerospace engineers are currently planning several space programs that could bring many benefits to the United States. Investing in space exploration will benefit the U.S. in the future by contributing knowledge, providing resources, and possibly finding another habitable planet.

Our loss of standing as the number one space faring nation will also greatly impact the nation on a psychological level. Americans have always been pioneers, innovators, and technological leaders; if we lose that standing it could cause a national identity crisis. Now we will break down the costs and benefits of the United States space program to help us better understand whether or not we should continue to fund it with taxpayer money.

Carl Sagan once said “every planetary civilization will be endangered by impacts from space, every surviving civilization is obliged to become spacefaring--not because of exploratory or romantic zeal, but for the most practical reason imaginable: staying alive... If our long-term survival is at stake, we have a basic responsibility to our species to venture to other worlds.” The National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA, is executing Sagan’s words every day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower created NASA in 1958 with the purpose of peaceful rather than military space exploration and research to contribute to society. Just 11 years after the creation, NASA put Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon, the first humans to

Although space exploration is now being emphasized on and invested in, what does this do to benefit earth or even every individual who lives on Earth? Many writers, engineers, mathematicians, and chemists can agree that space exploration is going to provide more research for medicine and environmental factors. Others may also argue that the risks of exploring another planet will be too damaging because the life or atmosphere as it is will not be the same after humans have made their print on it.

To start with, space exploration generates great wealth for America. “Economic, scientific, and technological returns of space have far exceeded the investment”, said Dr. Joan Vernikos (“Is Space Exploration Worth the Cost” 29-31). Space exploration does cost quite a bit but, the benefits greatly out number the cost. “In 2007, NASA’s budget of $16.3 billion is a minute fraction of the $13 trillion total G.D.P.”, said Dr. Joan Vernikos. Space explorations budget is so limited, yet so much comes out of it. So in other words, Space exploration is risky and does cost money but the benefits are phenominiall.

We shouldn't spend valuable resources on exploring space. Some people could argue differently but there is evidence to back this statement up. Like we could bring new problems to the U.S., it could threaten the life of the astronauts that go up to space and the government does not have enough support from the people.

In conclusion, we should not use money, time, and equipment on space exploration. The government can use their money on more valuable things, going to space is not beneficial, and it is extremely

I believe that space exploration should not be a priority for our country. Space exploration has lots of benefits but on the other space exploration also has drawbacks. But I believe the drawbacks outweigh the benefits of space exploration. I believe this because some drawbacks lead to dead, depression, and subconsciously. We should not spend valuable resources on space exploration.

Since the development of large and efficient rockets, space exploration has become reality. The numbers of reasons behind it are for scientific research, national prestige, developing military and strategic advance against other country. The big cost for space exploration has been a debate between the pros and contras. Some people say that space exploration gives useful advantages for the future life inspite of the big cost. However, other people say that the big amount of money is better used to solve the problems on the earth. I my self think that the problems on the earth is more important than the space exploration. Space exploration still can go on as long as they don’t spend much money.

“A Renewed Spirit of Discovery” was the title of President Bush’s speech for his vision of new Space Exploration. Since the debate was given on January 14, 2004, it has produced viable concerns from those who support and oppose the initiative. Arguments for and against it have appeared in all types of media, and more importantly in the minds of Americans. This Literature Review will discuss many of these beliefs in order to achieve a well-rounded, objective analysis of the issue. But before any opinions are put forth, it is always important to talk about the relative facts.

While NASA tries to sell its missions as patriotic endeavors, America must realize that it needs to help itself through hard economic times before investing in theoretical tomorrows”. (DeGroot, Jerry. "The US Government Should Cut NASA Funding.") By “stealing” this money from taxpayers it takes away from “more useful” programs on Earth such as education systems, helping the poor, or paying back national debt. These people need not to worry about the money being wasted in space because although it’s very difficult, space exploration has proven to be a successful thing to

There is also a huge risk of the spread of sickness because astronauts live in such close quarters. “During space travel, exposure to microgravity, radiation, and stress alter human immunoregulatory responses, which can in turn impact an astronaut’s ability to prevent acquisition of infectious agents or reactivation of latent infection. In addition, microgravity affects virulence, growth kinetics, and biofilm formation of potential microbial pathogens.” (Mermel, 2013) This just shows some of the possible risks astronauts may encounter during a prolonged space flight such as one to the moon or another planet. Because of all these risks NASA has created an extensive screening process and materials to help counter the spread of disease and infection in a space craft. These advances not only help astronauts but they also have applications for us on earth. We have already seen many of these “spin off” technologies like the implantable pacemaker, Lasik eye surgery and the MRI and CAT scan.

You hear a lot of people saying that space research is cool but it is typically a waste of money and valuable resources that could be used to benefit our own planet and the many problems that we have all over earth today. But I completely, one hundred percent agree on the further exploration of space for different reasons such as: we are living in a virtual age where everything is done with smart phones and computers and physical exploration is much needed. Second it can actually help the economy in multiple ways not just waste money. Lastly It also guarantees the development of good technology, not only with companies, but among the younger people who need to be inspired through the educational systems we have in America.

Humans have always been interested in space and the wonder in which it may hold. In the past, humans worshiped the stars as if they were gods while also studying their position to give them guidance for their lives. Their interested in space has fathered the desire to know more. Today, space has been seen by many as the new frontier or the home beyond earth. Society have even taken a step forward through the creation of stories in books and movies based of the idea of humans living in space and the present of alliances. Yet there is still controversy on the need to continue space exploration when our own planet has so many detrimental problems. There is an ongoing debate on whether not the money used for space travel could be better beneficially use for other causes. It is true that space exploration costs billions of dollars a year alone according to NASA current budget, which is constantly increasing. However, what many refuses to understand is that without space exploration many of the innovations that we have today would not have existed. While there have been, many failed attempts involving space exploration that has caused a tremendous amount of money to go down the drain. However, many people fail to realize the benefits of space exploration and the possible future it may