Space Exploration Argumentative Essay

With the dawn of a new technological age, one in which there seem to be few limits on the achievements of private entrepreneurs, many have begun to ponder mankind’s future in space. The successes of private space technology companies such as SpaceX and Virgin Airlines, in addition to the shutdown of the NASA shuttle program, have led many to wonder if the future of exploration lies in the hands of the private sector rather than in the hands of the federal government. While some would argue that one option is more viable than another, the positive benefits of both industries show that the best way to increase human knowledge of space may be through public-private partnerships. The Cold War led to an unprecedented era of space exploration,

However, in this short amount of time, much has been accomplished. For example, the company SpaceX, a startup founded by Elon Musk, is well on its way to developing a “reusable multi-stage space launch vehicle”, a feat which NASA scientists have not been able to accomplish in the organization’s forty-plus year existence (Scaliger). This alone shows one of the major benefits to private exploration. Without the limitations of government-created budgets and timetables, private companies have the ability to innovate as they choose—plus, with market competition that the government does not have access to, companies have a motivation to innovate as fast as possible, as well as possible. These facts, in addition to the ability of private companies to innovate new technologies for less than the federal government can, is a major benefit of the private space industry (Shi). These technologies have enormous economic implications, as well. Many natural resources that are limited in quantity on Earth, but that are necessary for modern gadgets such as wireless devices, are available “in near-infinite quantities in space” (Diamandis). However, such technology is not without its drawbacks. Many fear that completely privatizing the space industry will lead to a destruction of its natural beauty in pursuit of monopolizing its potential for commercial ventures, in

This shows that public-private partnerships (PPPs) might be the most viable option for the future of manned space exploration. As of this year, NASA has announced just such a plan to partner with private companies in order to make the Administration as efficient and effective as possible ("NASA Seeks Partnerships With U.S. Companies”). A public-private partnership would bring in the best of both industries; if effective, the partnership could combine the innovation and entrepreneurship of the private sector with the altruism and scientific motivation of the government-funded NASA. This could lead to unprecedented future possibilities and inspire governments around the world to follow the same example. In a PPP, it would seem that nothing is impossible, and that the sky could be the limit on what could be accomplished.Works