To Infinity and Beyond: Space Exploration

Posted: December 22nd, 2022

To Infinity and Beyond: Space Exploration

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To Infinity and Beyond: Space Exploration

Introduction

            Mankind’s interest in space exploration continues to grow significantly especially with technological advancements and new discoveries. In the previous centuries, human beings worshipped heavenly bodies and marveled at their mysteries. However, the past five decades presented a new opportunity to understand terrestrial bodies and their impact on earth. Space research shows potential in improving earth’s quality of life and presenting new prospects that are yet to be discovered. Opponents of this venture argue that space exploration is a costly fete presenting limited benefits for sustainable development. These resources would be better used to manage earth’s resources thereby guaranteeing long-term sustainability. Nevertheless, the benefits of space exploration such as innovation, mitigating global challenges, and inspiration, are more significant than the arguments against it.

Innovation

            The social benefits associated with space exploration relate to technology advancement and new knowledge. Through different ventures, scientists discovered the existence of the solar system and other aspects impacting the society today. It helped in the development of solar panels thereby finding an alternative to non-renewable energy sources. Medical researchers also used space innovations to improve cancer therapy and to develop implantable heart monitors. Improvements in water purification systems and computer systems also stem from this exploration. With further advancements, the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (2013) anticipates that the economic benefits will become more relevant thereby encouraging further pursuit. Rainey (2017) also adds that through technological advancements, space exploration could expand research further and create more opportunities for research and development across different sectors. The consequential benefits would range from effective waste management, medical advancements, energy storage, and enhanced engineering (International Space Exploration Coordination Group, 2013).

            In the future, innovative technologies necessary for space exploration could facilitate further development thereby reducing the associated costs and improving performance. One example of such technology is miniaturization which has shown significant potential in making space exploration more efficient. The result is increased return on investment and better global services regarding commercial and institutional space activities. Sheetz (2017) highlights how space exploration influenced more students to pursue careers in engineering, physics, technology, and mathematics. This increased the diversity of ideas and alternatives on profiting from space exploration both economically and scientifically. 

Inspiration

            Space exploration presents a unique opportunity for humanity to understand their role in the Universe. Naturally, human beings are curious and are always in pursuit of new ways to improve their lives. Research on space tapped into people’s curiosity, encouraging them to pursue scientific literacy to stay updated. Scientists succeeded in answering critical questions about the universe including its nature, the uniqueness of Earth as a planet, and its position in the universe. This eventually led to the identification of the solar system, and now scientists seek to discover if there are other universes or galaxies where life exists. While inspiration does not present any direct economic benefits, it is instrumental in the survival of humanity and it could contribute to further discoveries.

Addressing Global Problems

            Through space exploration, different organizations succeeded in collaborating and increasing their capabilities to create new solutions to some of the world’s major problems. More specifically, the International Space Station helped in building diplomacy and trust among countries by being a global venture. Different countries (including Japan and India) allocate their resources towards the manufacture of spacecraft thereby enhancing collaboration. It is anticipated that in the future Mars missions, there will be a need for further partnerships to ensure success.  Additionally, global organizations have been established to finance space exploration thereby guaranteeing the Earth’s safety from natural disasters such as asteroids. Sheetz (2017) anticipates that in the future, space exploration could help in finding effective ways of removing space debris, protecting space equipment, and improving research on space weather. As the world works towards environmental sustainability, space research could provide insight into the development and implementation of effective policies.

Economic benefits

            Currently, the benefits of space exploration primarily pertain to the employment opportunities created by large organizations such as NASA. NASA employs more than 17,000 people directly, and it has thousands of external contractors. All these employees have a primary role of guaranteeing the success of NASA’s projects and make effective plans for future exploration. Other countries including China and Russia also have space programs with similar or better capabilities as NASA, and they provide employment opportunities for scientists, researchers, and physicists among others. Future exploration could highlight potential resources from space that can help to improve the quality of life.

Long-term Sustainability

            Space research currently reveals that there is not other plant with life except for Earth. This presents a significant risk especially if the planet faces an external threat. In the recent past, reports indicate the presence of asteroids passing near Earth, all with the potential of obliterating the entire planet.  Human-made disasters such as nuclear war could also render the Earth inhabitable. Space explorations presents an opportunity to explore beyond the solar system and to find other planets where life is sustainable. Using the current knowledge, scientists can also work to find ways of making other planets suitable for life including Mars and the Moon (Petranek, 2015). It is important to have an effective contingency plan that would guarantee the longevity of Earth’s species.

Arguments Against Space Exploration

            The primary opposing opinion against space exploration is the economic cost. Dick (2004) explains that the finances used on space research are in the billions, yet the achievements are somewhat insignificant. While space exploration resulted in advanced technologies, there would have been other ways in which this technology was developed with the right resources. The external threats of an asteroid strike or nuclear war are not certain and they may never happen for a very long time. However, Earth faces some critical threats that are progressively increasing by the day. The primary threat is global warming, which has led to increased desertification, decline in rainforest coverage, and decline in the populations of various species to the point of extinction. These crises are currently in the world today and there is a need to address them to guarantee sustainable development (Leckie, 2016). Redirecting the space exploration funds to addressing these global needs can help to save the planet and there would be no need to vacate.

            Another argument would relate to the weaponization of spacecraft. Grisales (2019) explains how superpowers use space technology could help to avert potential threats from hostile countries in the future. She warns that the United States is particularly vulnerable if a hostile country chooses to take down its satellites from space. Currently, Russia and China have succeeded in developing anti-satellite technology that could threaten the country’s military space systems. However, if all countries incorporated this ideology, it would divert space exploration from its initial mission and it would be used for militarization. In line with this, space exploration resulted in the increase of space debris as satellites get destroyed out of space and they are not recovered. Grisales (2019) warns that if space debris continues to increase, it could result in a rise in the number of fast-moving particles. These particles can be dangerous as they could destroy satellites or lead to other unanticipated disasters.

            While these arguments are valid and critical, space exploration still presents significant benefits that could help in saving Earth in the long-term. Global warming presents an imminent threat along with overpopulation, and finding life in another planet could help to reduce the pressure of human activities on Earth. The weaponization of spacecraft and its use for military operations is also a worrying trend, but it is essential to consider that these countries design these systems for their protection. They could also be useful in case Earth faces an external threat.

Using Autonomous Technologies for Space Exploration

            Robots and autonomous technologies present a significant advantage to space exploration in the context of cost effectiveness. These technological advancements can perform virtually any task that a human being can execute, and they reduce the risk of loss of life (Leckie, 2016). However, robotic exploration is significantly costlier as it takes a longer time to complete a particular mission. In the future, robots could be useful in extensive planetary exploration beyond the solar system. The past three decades saw to the use of orbiters, landers, and rovers to explore the solar system and its components. Expanding the use of these devices could be instrumental in further research. Manned explorations also present some advantages regarding comprehensive data collection and more mobility. Combining the benefits from autonomous technologies and human beings could improve efficiency in space exploration (International Space Exploration Coordination Group, 2013). The result would be faster discoveries and increased technological development.

            Eventually, with progressive advancements, manned explorations would not be necessary, thereby reducing the risk on human life. Engineers can develop robots programmed to execute specific functions in space, thereby increasing efficiency. The cost of creating and maintaining autonomous technologies is relatively high due to technological limitations. Further advancements could guarantee more resources and ultimately reduce the overall costs. Robots can be useful in exploring other galaxies and in increasing human’s knowledge of outer space. Nevertheless, there are some integral aspects that would be difficult to replace within the next few decades. For example, human beings are more mobile in outer space, and are able to cover grounds faster than robots.  Engineers have to focus on this central challenge by developing more efficient technologies (Rainey, 2017). This achievement could revolutionize space exploration, and place relatively less risk on human life.

Conclusion

            Essentially, space exploration presents more opportunities than challenges to the future and longevity of humanity. It creates employment opportunities, increases innovation, and helps in resolving some of the world’s most important problems. Space exploration also inspired younger people to pursue sciences and mathematics to find sustainable solutions for the future. It has also improved collaboration and partnerships among countries with the aim of solving global challenges. Nevertheless, it is vital to consider the dangers it poses through weaponization and space pollution. The resources allocated to space exploration are also exorbitant in comparison to the benefits it provided. Still, its potential is still untapped and it further technological advancements might be beneficial if the society encourages space exploration.

References

Dick, J. S. (2004). Consequences of Exploration: Learning from History, NASA. Retrieved from:  https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/whyweexplore/Why_We_03_pt1.html

Grisales, C. (2019). With Congressional Blessing, Space Force Is Closer To Launch. NPR. Retrieved from: https://www.npr.org/2019/08/11/743612373/with-congressional-blessing-space-force-is-closer-to-launch

International Space Exploration Coordination Group. (2013). Benefits Stemming from Space Exploration [PDF File]. Retrieved from: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/Benefits-Stemming-from-Space-Exploration-2013-TAGGED.pdf

Leckie, A. (2016). The 12 Greatest Challenges for Space Exploration. Wired. Retrieved from:
https://www.wired.com/2016/02/space-is-cold-vast-and-deadly-humans-will-explore-it-anyway/

Petranek, S. (2015). Your Kids Might Live on Mars. Here’s How They’ll Survive. TED. Retrieved from: https://www.ted.com/talks/stephen_petranek_your_kids_might_live_on_mars_here_s_how_they_ll_survive/transcript

Rainey, K. (2017). 15 Ways the International Space Station is Benefiting Earth. NASA. Retrieved from: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/15_ways_iss_benefits_earth

Sheetz. M. (2017). Don’t Doubt Elon Musk, Says stronaut Who Spent a Year in Space. CNBC. Retrieved from: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/17/astronaut-scott-kelly-says-dont-doubt-elon-musk.html