The early period of space exploration was majorly driven by the United States and the Soviet Union. The landmark for this period took place when the first human-made object called Sputnik 1 was launched to orbit the Earth in 1957 (Guterman, 2004). Before 1957, there was little knowledge about space although studies of the solar system had begun. However, with the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in America, global space curiosity was ignited. Despite the considerable interest in space exploration, there are significant risks associated with it; among them: unpredictable and varying temperatures and dangerous radiation which can cause such diseases as cancer (Guterman, 2004). Therefore, although there are substantial benefits associated with space exploration, it poses substantial benefits to humanity.
The environment found in space is not conducive to the habitation of human beings. Thus, human flights to space pose challenges to astronauts, such as contact to hazards like dangerous radiation, acute exposure to chronic carbon dioxide. Other imminent threats include bone fractures due to the changes induced by the spaceflight and the intolerance of the orthostatic due to immense interaction with gravity. Further risks include the changes of vision which are caused by the spacecraft. Therefore, proper space gear is required to protect the astronauts from those threats. For instance, the atmosphere on Mars is warmer and thicker than on Earth due to the significant amounts of carbon dioxide in its sky which makes it dangerous for humans (Griffin, 2007). The spacecraft should, therefore, be designed in such a way that it protects people as they strive to satisfy their inquisitiveness.
When astronauts leave the Earth’s service, they are exposed to major threats due to radiation. They are, therefore, at the highest risk of contracting cancer, damaging the central nervous system, and other degenerative diseases. Cancer is mainly caused when an astronaut is exposed to high-energy protons and nuclei which will change the human Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and cause mutations of the cells in the body. Studies have shown that exposure to such radiation in various strengths and doses leads to the development of degenerative diseases and cancer (Haynes & McKay, 2002). The evidence, therefore, shows that space exploration is an endeavor that is associated with high risks (Haynes & McKay, 2002). Other dangers originate from the prospects of the botch of the life sustenance systems.
The unwavering interest of humanity to conquer space has been enduring and universal because it is a sign of national prestige. Nations are driven to discover new territories and extend the boundaries beyond the technical and scientific limits. The unquenchable desire to challenge, explore, and conquer the unknown has delivered benefits to human society for centuries. The exploration of space assists in addressing the central questions about humanity’s place in the history of the universe and the solar system. By addressing those challenges related to the exploration of space, technology is expanded; new industries are created as well as fostering a peaceful relationship with other countries. Exploration and curiosity are core to the humankind spirit, and they cannot, therefore, be separated from humanity (Haynes & McKay, 2002). Therefore, people are willing to forego the risks associated with the exploration to fulfill their innate desire.
The Martian environment is hostile to an extent that it makes life on its surface unbearable. Mars, or the Red Planet, has an atmosphere that hardly protects the ground from radiation that originates from space and the sun. The surface of the planet has harsh chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide which pervade the soil (NASA, 2020). The liquid water, an important ingredient for the survival of humanity, does not exist on the planet for long, quickly evaporating or freezing to sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, it shows that the planet Mars does not support life, thus making it difficult for the astronauts to survive there. However, since it is a biocompatible planet, scientists are trying to unravel whether its unchangeable astrophysical parameters would permit the maintenance of warmer and thicker carbon dioxide (Iacomino, 2019). Although it has an average temperature of minus sixty, it might possess a significant amount of materials that can support life (Griffin, 2007). So, in case scientists successfully observe these findings and experiment on them, inventing some useful gear and other equipment, it is likely to be possible to make more prolonged and fruitful trips on Mars.
The focus of the space agency in New Zealand on commercial opportunities and the favorable coverage it receives from the media has given it an advantage. Moreover, the fact that it is domiciled within the Ministry of Employment, and Business Innovation, has provided a basis for the development of space tourism. The country will face a myriad of cultural, environmental, and geopolitical outcomes for being the launching state for space exploration (Scott, 2020). The state is the launching site will have implications on the country’s tourism branding, and sustainability. The slogan “100% Pure New Zealand’s tourism brand,” which has been in use since 1999, has been receiving stinging criticism due to the reports that it has been participating in the prevalent degradation of the environment in the nation (Scott, 2020). Lack of legislation and the effects associated with that have raised major concerns in the state.
Although there are several risks connected to space exploration, the benefits outweigh the demerits of the exercise. Scientists are working day and night to reveal ways of mitigating the space exploration risks. Therefore, space missions mustn’t be stopped so that nations can continue getting enriched scientifically. Space exploration has increased technology more, especially satellite technology, and quenched the human desire to satisfy human curiosity.
References
Guterman, B. (2004). An interview with NASA chief historian Steven J. Dick [PDF document]. Web.
Griffin, M. (2007). The real reasons we explore space. Air and Space. Web.
Haynes, R., & McKay, C. (2002). The implantation of life on Mars: Feasibility and motivation. Advances in Space Research, 12(4), 133-140. Web.
Iacomino, C. (2019). Commercial space exploration: Potential contributions of private actors to space exploration programs. Springer.
NASA Solar System Exploration (2020). Top 10 sinister solar system facts. Web.
Scott, M. (2020). A space tourism destination: environmental, geopolitical and tourism branding considerations for New Zealand as a ‘launch state’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism. Web.