Abstract and Background
There has been an increase in the number and frequency of complains concerning the poor allocation of federal funds in the United States. The issues raised include funding of NASA and spending a lot more on space technology. Highlighted herein, are the health issues as pertaining to the astronauts and critics are demanding for possible solutions to these problems. These issues have over the years escalated to worrying levels due to the governments neglect to impose strict policies to these corporations so that they can yield expected results. This is partly due to their need to protect their status as pioneers of space explorers and to save face among rival governments. Consequently, an increased interest by policy makers has developed towards the transformation of the rules and regulations that govern the implementation, sustenance and protection of these workers (Miller, 2007).
Statement of the Problem
The space exploration program has been in existence for a very long time but the results from the same have been disappointing. As such, debates from different concerned groups have ensued regarding the extent to which these programs are applicable. The “naysayers” contend that these programs are a waste of valuable resources that could otherwise be useful in addressing other more pressing issues here on earth. These issues include but are not limited to crime, hunger and diseases. Those in support of space exploration insist that it is a way forward. They claim that space mission’s gears towards safeguarding the future of the human race. This study sets out to investigate to what extent this statement holds true with regard to the Chinese workers.
Introduction
Space exploration may be regarded as one of the most ambitious projects of the humanity, as it requires essential human, financial and time resources. People study the surrounding space, observe the space objects, try to find out whether we are alone in the universe, or whether there are other planets that may be suitable for life etc. The actual aim of these researches may be explained only by the natural curiosity of the humanity, as practical use of these knowledge is highly doubted by some researchers. On the other hand, people have an opportunity to study the processes which could be useful for understanding the origins of planets, galaxies and the universe in general. Miller defines space exploration as “the use of astronomy and space technology to explore outer space” (2007, p. 49). It is one of the controversial topics in America because it is a very expensive affair with little progress recorded each year. Arguably, it is a venture worth undertaking because it is all about the future of the human race.
Origins, History and future of Space Exploration
The process of space exploration was started in the ancient times, when people were observing various objects from their observatories on the Earth. Hence, the first astronomical principles and rules were found out. Nevertheless, this knowledge was not of any scientific value for the ancient civilizations, as the main aim was the communication with gods, creation of calendars, defining of seasons, etc.
The deeper exploration was started when the first optical systems were invented. Hence, the researchers found new planets, some new stars, and had an opportunity to observe comets and meteors.
The first flights of the man-created space objects were initiated during the World War II, when German scientists launched V-2 rocket to outer space. Nevertheless, the main aim of these launches was the military attack but not the scientific exploration of the outer space. Anyway, this was an essential step forward in space technology development, as the humanity had an opportunity to launch the research equipment to the orbit, and research the space, including Earth, moon, sun and other space objects.
In accordance with Blair (2002) it should be emphasized that the discovery of such grounds would not only provide habitable lands but also an array of untapped resources. Metallic asteroids are rich in metal components utilized here on earth. As an example, he uses the 2km asteroid discovered in 1986. The metal components contained in that single asteroid amounts to $25.7 trillion in today’s market. Nova Publishers, which has a proven record of accomplishment in providing credible and quality literature, published this book. In addition to this, the author has done other extensive research on this topic and his works features in other literature dealing in the same subject. It is a very resourceful book when it comes to understanding the economic benefits of space exploration.
Zimmerman (2009) dwells on the future of space exploration. It is highlighted that the best way of managing this area to ensure that it yields the expected results. In fact, the success of any space program depends on the ability of the staff to communicate and coexist with little to no conflicts. Hence, it is suggested that good leadership and managerial skills will ensure a successful and bright future in this important field of study. The respective authorities should put in place strategies to enhance global relations since the world is rapidly becoming a global community. Using research rather than firsthand studies to support his ideas, the author insists that promoting international relations will increase the possibility of developing and establishing an international space station that will see experts from different countries work together towards a common goal.
Space exploration has been a very important aspect in many countries. This importance comes from the fact that there are many benefits (educational, scientific, economic and technological) that emerges from such exploratory missions. BNSC (2009) reflected on the plans that UK had in regards to the future of its space program. In page 57-65 of their article titled “Space Exploration Review”, the authors highlighted the fourth option that they have tabled to the minister, which was the human and robotic option. This option covered a wide range of activities including the tiniest shred of involvement to the big agendas such as the human spaceflight program. The authors stated that two viable possibilities presented gear towards the evaluation of the costs and benefits of such programs to the UK. The first option (4a), BNSC (2009) aims at highlighting the minimum investment that the UK requires to have a hand in human spaceflight.
On the other hand, the second option (4b) offered an unbiased and combined method that would ensure that UK had the highest possibility of yielding the most from this program in terms of economic returns. BNSC (2009) recommends that investment on both the human and robotic activities is a worthwhile endeavor. As regarding to the first option, the authors recommend that UK could extend their broadband lunar communications the UK scientists get included in the early human expeditions that would occur in the early 2020’s. To further support their claim that a viable investment as regarding to space exploration should include both human and robots, the authors gave an example stating that humans have a rational mind and can make quick and rational decisions when faced with some problems unlike the robots which are programmed to follow certain commands without questioning them (BNSC, 2009). For example, a human being has the reasoning capability that enables him to repair any malfunctioning equipment appropriately. On the other hand, it would take a long time to program a robot so that it can perform the same task (BNSC, 2009).
The reviewers acknowledged that space exploration is an expensive ordeal for any one country. In the second option (4B), BNSC (2009) inferred that these technologies in 4A could be used as an advantage against other countries until the UK astronauts were allowed to contribute in the lunar drillings and the installation of telescopes around the moon (BNSC, 2009). In addition to this, this section has also highlighted the various benefits that come from utilizing both human and robotic activities in space exploration.
Literature Review
According to Johnson-Freese (2007), the most suitable tool to use while evaluating situations is analyzing the correlations that exist between the aspects presented. As such, the study shall use the descriptive correlation research method. This is because it seeks to identify the relationship between two variables, which in this case are the costs, and the benefits of space exploration. The data collected will consist of testimonials from some selected workers and reports from various sources related to the policies governing these programs, foreign and local investments in the country. The data collected will then be put in comparison to data generated by other related studies to evaluate the efficacy of space exploration in America as regarding its contribution in enhancing the welfare of all. To answer the questions designed for this study, the establishment of key concerns geared towards the provision of guidelines for the interviews and the criteria used in data collection will be discussed.
Data Gathering Procedure
As earlier mentioned, an evaluation methodology shall be used to design the procedures through which the purpose of this study can be realized. The participants for the interviews shall preferably be selected from industries located in NASA. Questionnaires shall be distributed among the citizens, workers and employers from various regions in order to gauge whether the situations are similar. Appropriate diagrammatic presentations in form of charts and table shall be provided and narrative explanations of the same offered. The proposed methods shall suffice in addressing all the questions posed in this study because they provide credible data from the one on one interviews and the answers posted on the questionnaires. In addition to this, the mean obtained after compiling the data, shall provide accurate information regarding to the topic and the correlation shall be used to identify the causes of problems that are faced in space exploration.
The data collected will consist of testimonials from some selected workers and reports from various sources related to the policies governing these programs, foreign and local investments in the country. The data collected will then be put in comparison to data generated by other related studies to evaluate the efficacy of space exploration in America as regarding its contribution in enhancing the welfare of all. To answer the questions designed for this study, the establishment of key concerns geared towards the provision of guidelines for the interviews and the criteria used in data collection will be discussed.
The psychological effects of space missions to the astronauts is described by Freeman (2000). In fact, this aspect of space explorations deserves particular attention, as the influence of the circumstances and factors which can not be created on the Earth should not be ignored. Freeman claims that isolation (from family and friends) may lead to anxiety and depression. The fact that the astronaut is away from his family and put in an unknown environment is not easy and may have detrimental effects on the person. The author also reflects on the importance of privacy to a human being. He claims that privacy is a psychological need and lack of it may cause serious mental issues to a person. The author is a professor of electrical engineering at MIT. He has written other books on this topic. Most of his work has been review and accepted by various scholars. All these factors make this book a credible source of information. This book offers an elaborate overview of the challenges faced in space exploration. It helps in this research because it provides a greater understanding of the psychological implications derived from outer space missions.
Another important aspect of space explorations is the existence and operation of the International Space Stations. In fact, this may be regarded as the unique tendency for Defining the actual importance of the space explorations with resorting to human resources. Hence, the key research is held by Haskell & Rycroft (2000). The concept of the international space station is regarded from all angles (political, social, economical and technological). It is claimed that the ISS is an increasingly important issue in the modern world due to the heightened efforts by many countries to do more research in space. They argue that the development of an international space station has a high commercial potential to the participating nations. In addition to this, they assert that it presents many countries with an opportunity and viable grounds to carryout more scientific research, achieve technological and educational development. The authors have provided a great number of references that collaborates their opinions as regarding to the establishment of the ISS. In addition to this, the book extensively reviews previously written literature, compares, and contrasts the main ideas to the preceding of the symposium. The book is applicable in this study because it explores the benefits that come from the implementation of the ISS.
References
Blair, E. (2002). Asteroids: overview, abstracts, and bibliography. USA: Nova Publishers.
BNSC. (2009). Space Exploration Review. UK: BNSC publishers.
Freeman, M. (2000). Challenges of human space exploration. NY: Springer.
Haskell, G & Rycroft, M. (2000). International space station: the next space marketplace: proceedings of international symposium, 26-28 May 1999, Strasbourg, France. NY: Springer.
International Debate Education Association & Trapp, R. (2009). The debatabase book: a must-have guide for successful debate. USA: IDEA.
Johnson-Freese, J. (2007). Space as a strategic asset. USA: Columbia University Press.
Makemson, H. (2009). Media, NASA, and America’s quest for the moon. USA: Peter Lang.
Marshall Cavendish Corporation. (2005). Explorers and Exploration. USA: Marshall Cavendish.
Miller, R. (2007). Space Exploration. USA: Twenty-First Century Books.
Rau, D & Higgins, D. (2005). The International Space Station. USA: Compass Point Books
Sears, J & Moody, M. (2001). Using government information sources: electronic and Print. USA: Greenwood Publishing Group.
Zimmerman, J. (2009). Approaches to Future Space Cooperation and Competition in a Globalizing World: Summary of a Workshop. USA: National Academies Press.