Introduction
According to Space Foundation (2016), over 70 countries as at 2015 had developed space programs. Only Russia, United States of America and China have achieved spaceflight as the standard of space programs. Other countries yet to go into space have designed budgets and policies aimed at reaching the space at one point in time. By the end of 2010, over 52 countries had sent satellites that orbit the earth as part of the steps geared towards achieving space exploration.
The ability to launch and recover several satellites has been achieved by several agencies. Some of the agencies established around the world include China National Space Administration (CNSA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Indian Space Research Organization (ISIRO), and the Russian Federal Space Agency (RFSA). Arguments for or against space programs have led to an intense debate on their usefulness or irrelevance. In this paper, I argue that space programs are necessary for research and scientific developments so that job creation and technological development improves lives.
Space Exploration: Pros and Cons
Billions of dollars have been spent in space exploration. However, little achievements have been realized regarding improving the lives of people. Improved technology as part of exploration has been realized through massive spending (Baum 2009). The world has serious problems such as global warming and climate change which should be tackled. Budgets should be allocated towards reducing cases of serious issues such as high temperatures, droughts, floods, and hurricanes that continue to cause death in various parts of the world.
The depletion of rainforests should be considered a key priority that is spending money on the development of space technologies. Furthermore, pollution of oceans is a more pressing issue that pride of reaching the space. Desertification is at an alarming rate. Without adequate resources to tackle real problems that affect the planet, space exploration and programs are likely to be futile in the near future. Research on space exploration is, therefore, a waste of money, time, and effort.
Crucial resources from the planet should be spent in the management of challenges affecting humanity (Baum 2009). The Central American rainforest is facing the reality of being depleted. However, government authorities would rather spend resources on space exploration than consider the long-term sustainability of resources. All space exploration programs depend on the sustainability of current resources. As a result, there is no need to waste time in space when in the long-term; resources will not be enough to guarantee continued presence in space. The civilization of the world has serious consequences to the world.
The development of cities and technologies has led to massive deaths over years. The way forward is not to spent time in space but to look for ways in which the plant can be sustainable to the need of all people. Funding should be channeled to the science of seed clouds so that farmers continue in agriculture that can sustain humanity (Baum 2009). Since the population is on the rise, resources should be channeled into food so that famine and suffering do not continue affecting humanity.
According to Ehrenfreund (2012), the ingenuity to develop technologies and work in space is part of the progress that comes from space programs. Technologies such as satellites and spec exploration tools cannot be developed without exploration. Research and innovation are futile when students and members of the public are not supported to engage in space exploration. The development of space-shift has opened the world to several opportunities of developing alternative technologies that improve life. Technologies such as airline crash protection have been developed to improve air transport safety (NASA 2004).
Without space programs, safety programs designed to improve safety of air transport is likely to be futile. Space programs also create jobs for citizens. Space agencies as well as networks that support space programs contribute to the employment of millions of citizens, directly and indirectly. Universities and other institutions benefit through the employment of students into space programs. As a result, the economic impact of space programs to any nation motivates the high level of space programs and budgets around the world. In the case of Curiosity Mars rover landing, NASA asserts that over $2.5 billion was spent. A large amount of the money was spent on projects that affect the lives of people on earth. In the United States, space programs create over 7,000 jobs in over 30 states.
Conclusion
Space programs are not a waste of money. Space programs have led to the development of technologies that improve air transport. Spending over $2 billion in space exploration is not a waste of money considering the number of people employed directly or indirectly in space projects on earth. Genuine scientific discoveries cannot be achieved without funding. Despite the challenges that affect the planet, there is still need for space programs while allocating resources that deal with global warming and climate change. The need to gather knowledge in space is necessary for designing programs surrounding climate change and global warming.
Reference List
Baum, S 2009, ‘Cost-benefit analysis of space exploration: some ethical considerations’, Space policy, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 75-80. Web.
Ehrenfreund, P 2012, ‘Toward a global space exploration program: A stepping stone approach‘, Advances in Space Research, Vol. 49, No. 1, pp.2–48. Web.
NASA 2004, The Vision for Space exploration. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Web.
Space Foundation 2016, Global Space Programs. Web.