A Discussion of Whether Resources Should Be Invested into Space Exploration

Introduction

Space exploration has changed modern society with the emergence of high-level technology over the last few decades globally, offering a way to discover new worlds, challenge the boundaries of science, and stimulate innovation. The spirit of discovering the universe has been beneficial to society for decades, resulting in numerous innovations such as wireless communication devices and cell phone cameras. The term "resources" in this article can be defined as money, astronauts, scientists, and technology, which could be used during space discovery. The term "space exploration" can be defined as a kind of universal investigation with technology to gain knowledge of the galaxy. This essay will discuss whether resources should be invested in space exploration by examining the following issues. Firstly, resources devoted to space exploration lead to evolution in science and technology and stimulate the economy. Next, resources invested in cosmic discovery are crucial for the long-term survival of humanity. On the other hand, astronauts exposed to space radiation could potentially suffer from long-term diseases.

Economic and Technological Benefits of Space Exploration

Firstly, resources should be used in space exploration to support innovation and economic prosperity. Thomas (2023) states that universe exploration is not about transforming things and products; rather, it is about challenging our knowledge and finding it technically feasible to facilitate innovation. Indeed, it is almost impossible to use communication devices without satellites, and behind these advancements are dedicated scientists who have applied their knowledge and resources to research for decades. According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (n.d.), numerous inventions that connect to our daily lives originate from space exploration. For example, digital photography was invented by NASA in the 1960s for the primary purpose of capturing images in telescopes. By the 1990s, the technology had become small enough for universe exploration, leading to the widespread availability of digital cameras on various devices. In addition to that, resources supporting the space industry could also benefit the economy. China's aerospace industry has developed rapidly over the last few decades, based on their independent innovation, significantly impacting space discovery. Data shows there are about 12 national laboratories under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) located across mainland China in different provinces, with over 140,000 highly educated employees (CASC, 2022). Moreover, CASC has exported a significant amount of products and services to the international market, stimulating economic development. China has exported communications spacecraft to Nigeria, Pakistan, and Laos, as well as other Asian countries. It can be seen that the resources China has invested in space exploration potentially position China as a leader in the global space community. Furthermore, China's space industries provide a wide range of jobs, promoting economic growth and increasing living standards. Therefore, it could be concluded that money and other scientific resources funded in space research could possibly lead to the innovation of new technology and stimulate the economy.

Space Exploration and Human Survival

Next, money, scientists, modern technology, and other resources should support universe discovery, which is essential for the survival of humanity. Schwartz (2021) suggests that cosmic discovery is an obligation to ensure humanity's survival. Earth contains a limited amount of fundamental resources, and with rapid population growth, these resources will be exhausted. However, the universe is vast and contains massive resources available for discovery. As a result, using existing resources from Earth to acquire new resources from the universe is crucial for humanity's survival. Schwartz also suggests that cooperation is significant in the space industry, whether between governments or multinational organizations. For instance, a multinational working group for the long-term sustainability of space exploration was established with experts from Canada, France, Japan, and the United States. The primary goal is to utilize long-term development for future generations and explore resources in space. Furthermore, Munévar (2019) believes that large-scale space exploration is essential, as it could possibly prevent extinction. Survival is the fundamental part of the prosperity of mankind, and there is no doubt as to why resources should not be invested in universe discovery. Consequently, it can be said that money, scientists, and technological resources supported for space expeditions are potentially vital for the long-term survival and prosperity of humanity.

Risks to Astronauts

On the other hand, labor resources such as astronauts should not be invested in galactic exploration due to the radiation, which could cause long-term diseases. According to the National Research Council (2020), serious consequences of cosmic radiation include nervous system damage, blood vessel dysfunction, or even cancer. With the constant input of resources into space research, increasing numbers of uncertainties emerge regarding the diverse levels of risks astronauts may face. Jandial, Hoshide, Waters, & Limoli's (2018) experiment shows that cosmic radiation may significantly damage brain function through prolonged exposure to the ionizing field in the universe. This effect can manifest as a loss of learning memory, anxiety, depression, or other behavioral disorders, potentially damaging the nervous system. However, maintaining both mental and physical function is vital for astronauts' health and mission safety. Shimmering, Cucinotta, & Wilson (2017) warn that space radiation has a fatal impact on astronauts, and protection from space exposure is essential to ensure they live and work in a safe environment. As a result, labor resources such as astronauts should not be invested in cosmic discovery due to safety concerns related to strong cosmic radiation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this essay has discussed whether resources such as money, astronauts, scientists, and technology should be invested in space exploration. Resources funded in space discovery could lead to innovation and stimulate the economy; they are also an essential part of humanity's survival. On the other hand, cosmic radiation could damage the brain or other nervous systems. Therefore, it can be concluded that resources should be invested in space exploration due to their potential contributions to innovations and economic prosperity, as well as for the continuation of humanity.

References

CASC. (2022). China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Annual Report. Beijing: CASC.

Jandial, R., Hoshide, R., Waters, J. D., & Limoli, C. L. (2018). Cosmic radiation and its effects on the nervous system. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 96(3), 1-10.

Munévar, G. (2019). Space exploration and human survival. New York: Springer.

National Research Council. (2020). Managing space radiation risk in the new era of space exploration. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (n.d.). Spinoff 2020: NASA technologies benefit society. Retrieved from https://spinoff.nasa.gov/

Schwartz, J. S. (2021). Cosmic discovery and the future of humanity. Astrobiology Journal, 21(4), 345-359.

Shimmering, M., Cucinotta, F. A., & Wilson, J. W. (2017). Space radiation risks and protection: A review. Frontiers in Physics, 5, 1-9.

Thomas, P. (2023). The impact of space exploration on technological innovation. Journal of Space Policy, 39(1), 12-25.