The Perpetual Value of Space Exploration

Navigating the Complexity: Your Handbook for Championing Space in a Complicated World

Many space enthusiasts and exploration advocates likely encounter the familiar argument: “Funds should not be allocated to space exploration when pressing issues on Earth demand attention.”

While issues like public health, social injustices, and climate change are indeed critical, resolving them doesn’t necessitate cutting funds for space programs.

Engaging in this conversation can be challenging, so we’ve compiled a few concepts here that you can use when championing the cause of space exploration.

The cost of space research is not as high as commonly perceived.

Numerous countries globally allocate funds to space science and exploration as a proportionate segment of their overall federal budget.

Public opinion research indicates that individuals often overestimate NASA’s share, estimating it to consume up to a quarter of the U.S. federal budget. However, the reality is that NASA’s budget constitutes only about 0.5% of the total federal budget, and the percentage is even lower for other nations with space programs.

Providing accurate information can significantly alleviate concerns among critics, highlighting that space spending isn’t utilizing as many public resources as perceived.

In the fiscal year 2020, the United States government allocated around $6.6 trillion, with NASA receiving just 0.3% of this total, amounting to $22.6 billion.

The chart categorizes mandatory spending programs in shades of blue, while discretionary programs, requiring annual appropriations by Congress, are represented in shades of orange.

The “Defense and related” category encompasses both the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Source: Office of Management and Budget Historical Tables 8.5 and 8.7.

Space spending pays off

For those contending that public funds should address global challenges, it’s crucial to recognize that investing in NASA has a positive impact on the U.S. economy.

Similar benefits are observed in other nations that allocate funds to space programs. Expenditure on space initiatives sustains high-skilled employment, propels technological progress with real-world applications, and fosters business opportunities that contribute to economic growth.

Consequently, this expansion of economic resources can then be directed towards addressing the world’s most urgent issues.

The findings of space research have a direct impact on issues on Earth.

As individuals dedicate their efforts to the exploration of space, they uncover insights that can also benefit the world in various ways.

Examining methods for cultivating food in orbit or on Mars, for instance, provides valuable knowledge applicable to growing food in challenging earthly conditions, contributing to efforts to address the impacts of climate change.

Additionally, medical research conducted aboard the International Space Station enhances our understanding of the human body, leading to advancements that can save lives and enhance overall quality of life.

Studying space helps us understand our own world

Exploring the cosmos provides a crucial shift in perspective. Delving into the mysteries beyond Earth offers context for comprehending our own planet. Examining the celestial bodies within our solar system and beyond emphasizes Earth’s status as a precious haven for life.

For instance, when spacecraft journeyed to Venus, the observation of a runaway greenhouse effect transforming the once habitable planet into a hostile environment highlighted Earth’s unique conditions. Astronauts venturing into space witness the delicacy of Earth’s atmosphere, fostering an appreciation for the precarious balance sustaining life.

A cosmic viewpoint underscores the imperative of safeguarding our planet’s habitability and encourages investment in preserving this delicate equilibrium.

Exploring space has the potential to be our collective savior in the future.

Even with all the social and environmental advancements, our safety is at risk if an asteroid collides with Earth. To ensure our ability to protect the planet from potential threats, it is imperative that we explore space, identifying and studying asteroids and comets in our cosmic vicinity.

Space is inspiring

Not every aspiring child dreaming of becoming an astronaut will realize that dream, a sobering reality many of us acknowledge. However, the inspiration to aspire to such grand ambitions motivates children to dedicate themselves to diligent study and acquire skills in science, engineering, medicine, or other fields that contribute to the betterment of humanity and directly address challenges faced by our species.

Moreover, inspiration extends beyond childhood. As we marvel at the captivating beauty of Jupiter’s clouds or ponder the enigma of Enceladus’ oceans, we have an opportunity to embrace the wonder and grandeur of the cosmos we inhabit. Contemplating the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe serves as a reminder that we may not be the sole planet striving for balance, justice, and sustainability. Even in the darkest moments, there is a profound beauty in persistently pursuing greatness and uncovering discoveries that could fundamentally alter our perception of ourselves and the cosmos.

There’s plenty of room at the table

Certainly, there are numerous critical challenges confronting humanity that demand resolution. However, addressing these issues doesn’t necessitate abandoning our upward gaze, halting exploration, or ceasing to make new discoveries.

Human civilization possesses remarkable capacity, allowing us to address multiple significant objectives simultaneously. If someone believes a particular issue warrants more attention and investment, they have the agency and responsibility to advocate for it. The persistence of our challenges isn’t a consequence of allocating resources to space science and exploration, and there is no need to juxtapose our aspirations against one another.

This article is republished from the planetry society under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.