Space has drawn humankind’s attention throughout history, and its mysteries continue to astonish. Exploration of any kind has brought forth benefits for the developments of civilizations. Space exploration, specifically, has improved the world through an increase of knowledge, advancement of technology, satisfying human curiosity, international cooperation, and economic development.
Space exploration inspires a gain of knowledge, both scientific and philosophical. It has also brought insight about our solar system and even some understanding of our universe. Finding answers to scientific questions goes along with answering those philosophical questions. Information gained through space exploration has brought …show more content…
Involving the public with the findings and advancements of space exploration strengthens human curiosity. Manned missions significantly increase, if not the popularity, but at least the awareness of space exploration. This is due to knowing the people are going to new frontiers, and taking the steps to progress humanity further. The mystery of space itself drives the natural human intense desire to learn, and answer those scientific and philosophical questions. Not knowing what else is out there in the universe inspires people to continue searching. The thought of being able see something never before seen, even if it would just be on a television screen. Interest in space exploration increases greatly when these breakthroughs are announced. The public gained intense national pride when their nation is the first to do something groundbreaking. In 1969, when the Apollo 11 crew landed on the moon, Americans watched on full of pride and a sense of triumph. Without space exploration, humanity will never advance in knowledge, and the curiosity of uncovering the mysteries of space will not …show more content…
Compared to other factors of government spending, NASA only receives “about $ 17.6 billion…that was 0.5% of the federal budget” (Martin). In comparison to other expenditures, space exploration receives a minimal amount in relation to the immense positive outcomes it produces. Some of that limited budget goes to paying the salaries of the scientists and engineers that make space exploration possible. The space program has created many jobs and therefore lowered unemployment. Even with a lower budget, employees strive to lower costs of space exploration through innovations, and pooling funds with international partners. In order to lower costs, space agencies work on developing new technology such as reusable spacecraft that will also decrease the amount of space debris around the Earth.
The advantages of space exploration immensely outweigh the perceived disadvantage of costs. Space exploration is the true foundation for technological advancements and economic growth. Humanity cannot constantly depend on current facts and knowledge; rather, we must look beyond the horizon and expand our understanding about the world around us. Knowledge and advancements are gained through the global cooperation of the space agencies located all around the world. The continuation of funding the space exploration program will only bring forth benefits for humanity now