unique perspectives from six people

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Is Space Exploration Important?

#1 Get Control of The Monster

Well, this was something I wanted to write simply based on personal opinion. I imagine that I had dreams like many other children about being an astronaut. All of the movies made over the last decade about space have continued to foster our inner-child as we dream about the unknown. However, our current reality is that we are a nation that is 11.8 TRILLION in debt. We do not need to be spending money we do not have on exploring the “great-unknown.” I like the idea of exploring the universe but in this time of financial crisis we must realize that some things must be cut. Tightening the belt does not mean that when our nation is healthy again we cannot increase our spending again. All of America is being forced to realize that some of their dreams will have to wait. Unfortunately, some of our “inner-child” dreams should wait until our dreams do not continue to increase our debt. So, yes space exploration is important, just not more important than getting control of the monster that is our national debt.

Submitted by Paul Buchanan.

#2 Gotten Out Of Hand

I believe space exploration is important to a cetain degree. I greatly admire those who have the guts to do it, and those who are future astronauts. To be quite truthful, it has gotten out of hand and costly to the USA. I know there is talk about what we can use SPACE for. Is there another form of life, yada, yada, yada...

The discoveries that have been made recently are cool but I think we should just take it easy on fundings for it. There is no doubt that Sapce Exploration is important but it sickens me to know that soooooo much money is being given to NASA when there are critical times on Earth.

Submitted by Stefanie Greene.

#3 So Much To Learn

Absolutely! Space exploration is important for a number of reasons. First, how arrogant is it to assume that Earth is the only planet with life in the entire universe? We are a tiny speck even in our own solar system and not nearly the oldest planet, which leads scientists to believe that life began long before life on Earth.

The universe is vast, which means that the odds that there is more to our reality than meets the eye is very good. Besides, we stand to learn so much about ourselves, our existence, and what else might be out there through space exploration.

There are those who feel insignificant when faced with the expanse of the universe. I have a completely different view. I am excited to find out what else is out there, what other creations exist, what or possibly who we can learn about.

Space exploration is important because it reminds us to never stop wondering, and gives us a sense of humility in the universe.

And then there are all the practical reasons. So much “space exploration” actually teaches us more about life on Earth from medical treatments to botany and improved technologies. The space industry employs so many people, too. To just end space explorations would put hundreds of thousands of people out of jobs and would affect a number of other industries that supply and benefit from space exploration.

And if this isn’t enough to convince you, have a look at this:


It’s truly amazing…makes my heart race and my eyes bright with excitement!

Submitted by Laura Jung.

#4 Young People Who Dream Turn Into Adults Who Innovate

Space exploration is important for a number of reasons.

One, if we (the United States) don't maintain supremacy in space exploration, someone else will and will end up bombing us from the moon (or somewhere; you know what I'm saying) one day. I'm not a huge proponent of spending billions on military might, but there is some serious military clout in space technology that I'd rather see in our hands than in, say, China's.

Two, space exploration is important because one day we as a human race might find ourselves having ruined this planet and having to move to another. Seriously, that might be an extreme view, but I wholeheartedly believe natural environmental changes, pollution, and overpopulation will have dire consequences eventually. I'd like to have an "out" to survive.

And three (and this may be as important or more so than the others), space exploration reminds us that we're small and keeps our sense of wonder in tact. Who know where we'd be if entire generations of engineers, scientists, and others weren't inspired at all of the possibilities of this world by the Apollo missions or the launch of Discovery after we thought all was lost after the Challenger? I still remember sitting in our school cafeteria in elementary school when they brought us all in to watch the latter; it was magical... Inspiring young people to dream is one of the most underrated priorities of parents, educators, and well, anyone. Young people who dream turn into adults who innovate, and if space exploration does nothing else but help this process, it's certainly important.

Submitted by Amanda Rogers, Esq. Visit her blog - Seven Eighty One.

#5 Because We Can

Space exploration is important and should be pursued simply “because we can”. Why do we always need an excuse to be stupidly extravagant on something that doesn’t always pan out like anticipated? :) Just stop pretending that “concrete” results are why we keep sending people up into space – really… Who wouldn’t go up into space if they had the chance?

Though we have obviously benefited from space exploration, I don’t think it is worth trying to justify the noble goal through its own merit. We simply do it because we can. I know there are good reasons to explore space, but we should all just quit lying and fess up to the real reason…"Hmm...send people to the moon, why not?"

Submitted by Jason L. Buchanan. Visit his Facebook Profile.

#6 In Comparison To?

Is space exploration important? I would have to say yes, it is. I believe it is important to learn as much as we can about the universe we live in so that we have a better understanding about what surrounds us. It is key to gain all of the knowledge and understanding available to us so that we can teach others everything we know about our universe. Keeping information up to date and current is imperative. Putting correct information in our childrens’ textbooks is certainly significant. That’s one side of the coin.

The other side of the coin is this: how important is space exploration? I realize that wasn’t the question at hand, but I believe it should be addressed. It’s important to know what’s around us, what could potentially happen to our planet and our universe, but is it more important than say, education? Cancer research? I think it’s essential to prioritize where funding goes. There is only so much out there that we have the capability to explore, but there are things here on Earth that need our immediate attention.

Submitted by Lauri Lenox.