Space Exploration: Colossal Waste of Money or One Giant Leap for Mankind?
Treasure Hunt or Wallet Drain: What this Debate tells about Human Psychology and Mindset
It is a persisting question in the minds of all who belong to a world that lacks curiosity, wishes to learn more, and so on. Being satisfied with what you have in a field and not seeking more knowledge and experience is something I hate the most. Being assertive, we should look beyond our lives, troubles, and the planet. Can exploring space solve a bit of our problems as well?
Curiosity is the spark that ignites discovery and drives us to reach out for the stars.
It is the engine of progress that keeps you exploring, learning and working for the benefit of the society, country and the planet as a whole.
Curiosity births the scientists who dare to venture into the unknown and make the first step.
Following Elon Musk’s brilliant, yet also brilliantly expensive Falcon Heavy launch, there was again social media outrage decrying it as a huge waste of resources that could have been better used on Earth. It’s something I’ve heard a lot here and there from both liberals and conservatives: “Why should we invest so much in something that barely affects us?”
Sun, T. (2018, February 15). Space exploration: Colossal waste of money or one giant leap for mankind? The Stanford Daily.
I come across many people daily who are so focused on their daily lives that they overlook the bigger picture. The belief of the futile waste of money and resources blinds them to the welfare, research, and development the world gets in return for investment in this gigantic field.
The allocation of funds into this field and NASA itself is likely to be cut down further. Before that, it should be noted that the money that goes into this space drama is not even a per cent of the country's total expenditure. Quoting:
NASA’s budget for financial year (FY) 2020 is $22.6 billion. It represents 0.48% of the $4.7 trillion the United States plans to spend in the fiscal year.
And to realise the return of these funds in the form of spin-offs that help better life here back on Earth. Most of the medical and scientific advancements the world has seen were born out of these projects like medicines for certain types of bacteria, survival in the harshest environments having low oxygen levels, and less air pressure density which takes this knowledge from the training camps the preparing astronauts are subjected to, simulations of microgravity, creation of better theories which improve our understanding of the universe and the associated dormant physics.
Belittling scientists and individuals who have largely reaped benefits through their investments in the field is wrong and irrational. Effects of such criticisms have resulted in the abortion of missions like the Chandra X-Ray Observatory which haven’t found their heirs yet. The impact these have is hugely significant for the space industry.
Talking about Chandra, the extinction-level event is about to take place soon. NASA’s 2025 budget saw “congressional compromise” where Chandra’s budget is slated to shrink tremendously. The observatory’s budget goes from a proposed $41.1 million in 2025 to $26.6 million in 2026. That second figure sticks for 2027 and 2028, but in 2029, the budget allocates only $5.2 million for Chandra.
In parting thoughts, I agree with the point that R&D in this field is highly supportive of the welfare of the human species. It helps improve our conditions, with large-scale Earth-based observatories we can forecast weather conditions a lot more than earlier, protecting some lives from the potential threat.
Space Exploration walks a fine line between being a colossal expenditure and a monumental leap for humanity. The costs may be undeniably high, but so are the rewards — new technologies, and what not! That’s just the view of the looker which matters at the last.
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