Is Money Spent on Space Exploration A Waste?
Many countries in the 20th century were proud to claim space exploration successes. Several findings emerge from a cost-benefit study of space exploration, raising serious questions about their significance.
With the introduction of new private companies and nations, space exploration efforts have intensified in recent years. In addition, institutions and governments are investing vast sums of money in space exploration and research in order to develop more sustainable space exploration instruments and collect more precise data. There are a number of reasons for the resurgence of space exploration, including preparation for the unknown, making humans interplanetary, advancing materials research, and gathering more data about the Earth.
Since the first successful space exploration, there have been debates over whether or not institutions and governments around the world should spend taxpayer money on space exploration and research. However, it is challenging to provide a justification for the total amount of money invested in such projects. When using neoclassical thought, it becomes clear that the funds may be put to better use elsewhere, and that space exploration is not one of them.
What is Space Exploration?
Astronomy and space technology is used for space exploration, which entails looking around the universe. Though astronomers use telescopes to explore the universe, both manned and unmanned robotic spacecraft are also used to explore the physical aspects of space. One of the main sources of space science is space exploration, which is also a form of classical astronomy.
History of Space Exploration
Space exploration has been a part of human history for a very long time. Ancient cave paintings from the Stone Age contain the earliest examples of humans gazing upward and pondering the universe. The act of physically exploring space while using a spacecraft is known as space exploration.
Astronauts’ work in this sector is referred to as space exploration even though it is not done within our atmosphere because the term has frequently been used as a stand-in for human exploration. Everything started when Dutch scientist Hans Lippershey created the telescope in 1608. Galileo was the first person to ever use a telescope in 1609. On the Moon, he observed mountains and craters as well as stars that were invisible to the unaided eye. Following his discovery, Galileo drew what he had seen and described it in his book Sidereus Nuncius.
Astronomy and mathematics made strides throughout the Renaissance, which improved space exploration projections. As a result, we are now in the modern era, where humans have been sent into space and have successfully landed on the Moon. A lengthy and intricate history of space exploration exists. It is composed of a wide range of distinct occurrences, inventions, and discoveries.
Arguments Against Space Exploration
Money poured into space exploration is unnecessary and pointless until all the other crucial issues affecting our planet are resolved. When millions of people around the world go to bed hungry every night, it makes no sense to spend billions on space exploration.
Some people also lack access to adequate housing, while others cannot afford even the most fundamental forms of medical treatment. Moreover, most people everywhere still endure pain as a result of fresh catastrophes like Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and terrorism. There are new emergencies, but billions are being wasted on space exploration while certain programmes to address them are severely underfunded, with fatal consequences.
Arguments in the Favour of Space Exploration
In the event of an unexpected external invasion, some may argue that space exploration is undertaken to safeguard the survival of the human race. The benefits of space exploration include the identification of promising new settlement sites, the identification of new energy sources, and the deterrence of any external threats. However, that would be a mistaken assumption given the continued existence of numerous internal dangers that have not been neutralised. For this reason, I consider space exploration programmes to be a waste of money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, governments and institutions with an interest in space exploration should only invest in such programmes once the most pressing problems facing society have been resolved. Prior to spending billions of dollars, it is crucial to examine the motivations behind space exploration and the various strategic options under consideration. However, most people around the world see space travel with optimism and support various space exploration initiatives. Inspiring national pride, solidarity, and shared achievement. Importantly, space exploration is not always a waste of money because it can contribute to a country’s growing expertise and prosperity. However, I believe that funding for such programmes should be reserved for when more pressing social and economic issues have been resolved.
