Space exploration is a very one-sided business that is making the class barrier in society even more vast. The idea of “space money men” (source b) has a distinct group of elites that not even a fourth of the population can participate in. Also, the lack of certainty with space travel is concerningly large, including financial loss and even possible loss of life. The key word is private industries, space exploration is not affordable, which is why it's not worthwhile for the general public, more of a privilege for some than a pursuit for all. This exclusivity increases the socioeconomic gap while limiting the accessibility of space exploration. Therefore, with space exploration, the fundamental problem that arises with privatized space exploration, …show more content…
This community of some of the richest people in the United States has a multitude of sufficient funds to afford these “dreams” (source b. Therefore, an average American can not even fathom affording these rich people past times. This exclusivity promotes segregation and fosters the growing gap in societal classes, reinforcing the notion that space travel is a “reach for the stars” (source a) idea, not a reality. The resulting inequality underscores a broader societal issue, where only the privileged few can partake in this “new industry” within space exploration. This elite domination not only maintains the social division but continues to jeopardize the chance for space explorations broader involvement and …show more content…
The explosion they think was “caused by a failed strut”(source F), highlights the potential danger of the privatized space exploration because “outsourcing government projects” (source f) means there isn't the thorough checking that would usually happen, adding to the disregard for certain aspects of safety checks. While the private companies may be more agile and innovative than NASA itself, they can take the shortcuts they need to achieve their goals, leading to some compromises. The lack of stern regulation and oversight is very concerning and could lead to serious catastrophic accidents continuing the concept of complete unreliable venture, raising questions as to why ethical implications of profit are put over the safety of human life. There are significant ethical questions regarding the priority of commercial gain over human safety raised by this profit-driven approach to space exploration. Additionally, the high cost of space makes it an unattainable dream for the general public. Although a large number of “high quality jobs” can be obtained for NASA commercial crew and cargo program, the benefit of these jobs would still be for a very certain type of person with an extensive amount of education and experience. However, these benefits mainly serve the corporate interest and do not translate into affordable space travel for the
Lind, Michael. "Why We Should Embrace the End of Human Spaceflight."Salon.com. N.p.: n.p., 2011. N. pag. Rpt. in NASA. Ed. Margaret Haerens. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
Have you ever wondered what Earth was like without space exploration? In the story Leaving Main Street the author states, “The United States has more important things to spend money on.” On the other hand some people believe that successful space programs adds to our economy,national prestige,create jobs,and improves national security. We shouldn't spend valuable resources on space exploration, because we could end hunger and poverty.
In the article, “Challenger Disaster: Heeding the Ethical Lessons 30 Years Ago”, the story behind why the space shuttle Challenger burst into flames and what happened in the back ground is told. On that day, sorrowfully, seven people were killed including a teacher who was supposed to be the first civilian to go into space. The worst part is the explosion could have been avoided if only the managers at NASA had listened to the engineers.
In making decisions concerning space exploration, there are many issues and planning that need to be addressed. Space exploration is a serious thing and there needs to be a thorough thinking process on what is going to occur and backup plans in case anything happens. Leaving earth requires a good amount of work and expense, but in today's time we need to start thinking about these issues since on earth we are having serious problems such as the disappearance of the rainforest, the pollution of the oceans, an increase in desertification in some areas, and major climate changes. Now space exploration is a necessity.
The continuation of space exploration would be productive and beneficial because of vigorous planning before executing missions and preventing future accidents. Space has been explored for many years and many efforts have been made to fulfill this mission. Before sending someone to complete a mission, planning ahead of time can make space exploration a productive and beneficial factor. Without sufficient and correct information about the mission and what to do, it can make it difficult to execute. John F. Kennedy uses his speech to announce his plan to send a man to the moon.
When talking about the current space program, Neil Degrasse Tyson once said, “I got angry with America, because advancing is not just something you do incrementally. You need innovation as well, so that your advances are revolutionary, not merely evolutionary” (Tyson 3). America used to have the top space program in the world. Being first to the moon excited the country and gave everyone a sense of pride and fulfillment. Lately, though, we have been falling behind in space exploration. A successful space program is needed in America, and here’s why: we are losing our grip on the title as the world superpower and a new age of economics and politics is coming faster than we are prepared for. To be prepared for this new age we need the funds,
Humans have dreamed of leaving the earth and traveling space for many years, and up to this day they have taken many steps in the right direction. Yet, with every new frontier they approach, new problems loom over the horizon. All problems involved with space exploration may not directly involve space itself. Many of those problems surface right here on Earth. Some of the easier issues have been resolved, such as escaping the forces of gravity to reach outer space. More of these problems are far more arduous and the solutions need more time to be worked out properly. In “The Coming Schism” by James E. and Alcestis R. Oberg, humans have already begun colonizing space, yet there are still new problems arising. Major problems such as financing, communication and culture conflicts are important in the journey to space, because they all have the potential to disrupt progress.
It is within man’s blood and nature to explore, and space is our next New World. Man’s first achievement in space travel was the launch of the Sputnik on October 4, 1957. For the next decades, space travel was roaring like a rocket, fueled by man’s desire to explore, man’s desire for knowledge, and man’s desire to beat his enemies. However, these impulses have died out as the well of government funding has been diverted to wars and debts, and the interest of the American people has been diverted to wars and debts. Amidst all these issues it is debated as to whether or not space travel is worth the money and the attention of scientists, particularly since humanity faces so many issues on earth currently. However, because of the past inventions, current services, and future benefits, space travel is indeed worth the money and attention of governments and people. It is within our hands to control man’s advancement, and space travel is the next venue to do so.
NASA’s research and innovation looked promising, but it came at a cost. Money, resources, and spacecraft accidents, most famously Apollo 13 all hindered NASA’s research. In the 21st century, the debate over funding for NASA is at its peak since the birth of the organization in 1958, especially when there are numerous problems throughout the world. Is the money spent on space exploration worth the advantages and advances it contributes to society? When considering this topic, one might ask themselves, why explore space?
People have been venturing out into the universe for many years now. In addition to satellites, both women and men astronauts have traveled into space to collect data about the universe. The first human being, the first animal, and the first spacecraft in orbit, were all achievements of the Soviet Union.
Human fascination with the stars is as ancient as Babylonians and has been suggested to be older than Stonehenge. From “be fruitful and multiply” to “live long and prosper,” the instinct to protect and propagate the species has manifested in religion, art, and the imaginations of countless individuals. As human understanding of space treks out of the fantastical and into the scientific, the realities of traveling through and living in space are becoming clearer. Exploring, investigating, and living in space pose an expansive series of problems. However, the solutions to the problems faced by mankind's desire to reach beyond the horizon, through the night sky, and into the stars are solutions that will help in all areas of life on Earth.
In America, space travel is a controversial issue that many discuss. Although exciting, some people find it unnecessary and a waste of money. There are also many risks associated with space travel and many issues are more important than space travel that should be focused on. There are ethical, diplomatic, and economic issues that need to be considered before making decisions about space exploration.
Most people think that the costly downside to funding space exploration is a reason to avoid spending money on sciences and instead spend it on problems here on earth, but such funding for space exploration actually promotes economical as well as scientific benefits. Space exploration is an important expenditure for the high cost because of the potential for numerous benefits such as the possibility to find useful resources to cultivate, space exploration and satellites produce many thousands of jobs in our economy, and it creates and discovers newer and better technologies through research and development.
“Sheltered as we are by Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field, which deflect lethal radiation from space, we are like coddled children who have never ventured into a tough neighborhood” (Folger 2). Humans have been fascinated with space since the beginning of our time. Just like children and rough neighborhoods, we have tackled obstacle over obstacle to make it home again. In the end, we have a better knowledge and strength than before. The future of space exploration can assist us in answering the everlasting question of how the universe came to be. The more we explore the infinite galaxies, the more we can scientifically discover and create new technologies as science advances. As we continue to discover, we can create new fields and occupations for aspiring young students like myself.
An Astronomy topic that has always been intriguing is space travel. The ability to rocket into space, look down on Earth, and “…explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before” (IMDB) is an adventure that people dream of experiencing. On July 20, 1969, an estimated six million people watched Neil Armstrong become the first man to walk on the Moon (Nixon Library). Presently, people are paying Virgin Galactic $250,000 to reserve a seat on a spaceship that is expected to tour suborbital space in the near future (Virgin Galactic). Although space travel continues to be of interest, there is also some controversy. Controversies include: the allocation of government resources for space exploration, government verses commercial spacecrafts, and the need to colonize other planets for the survival of humanity. The intrigue and the controversy of space travel are the reasons for this Astronomy conversation.