In the recent years, the topic of space travel has become even more relevant as the big space exploration companies propose new missions such as sending astronauts to the moon and Mars. But what are the benefits of Space Travel? And do these benefits outweigh the costs? Let’s first look at both the costs and benefits and then I’ll weigh in on this current topic.
I am not going to go into the specific costs of each mission because that would take too long and be too boring. It’s no secret that it costs millions to send equipment, such as Rovers, to space and billions for manned missions so every time something leaves Earth everyone is hopeful that the mission will be beneficial in its own way and improve Space travel in the future. As most benefits are intangible it’s hard to put a value on them and most people will argue that there are too many problems on Earth and that this is where resources should be used, however let’s look at the benefits of exploration anyway. This video below talks about all the benefits of space exploration so if you want more information then I suggest you check it out. Im only going to talk about a few that I feel are the most important.
The first benefit is that space travel has allowed for scientists to study Earth from orbit. If people are concerned about all of Earth’s problems, then they should know that it is very beneficial to study Earth from Space. It has allowed us to learn a huge amount about Earth’s climate and has given us the ability to measure weather systems and the impact of humans in these systems. Some say that putting funding into space exploration, takes resources from other efforts such as addressing climate change but being able to study Earth from orbit is beneficial to addressing this issue.
Some will argue that Earth is overpopulated, and space exploration can solve this problem. As scientists strive to learn more about other planets, humans may be able to live in space. In my last post, I talked about a mission that will take vital equipment needed for humans to survive into Space so this may be closer than we think.
The biggest benefit, in my opinion, is the advancements that are made with each mission. From the first launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite by the Soviet Union, to the first landing of man on the moon, each time the missions have been bigger and better. More has been learnt about Space and with each future mission, more will be discovered which can lead to endless possibilities in the long-term future of 50 years and longer.
So yes, the costs are huge and they will keep growing as the advancements in space travel continue but the amount of knowledge we gain and the new discoveries we make definitely outweigh the costs in my opinion. Not only are we learning about Space but we can use space travel to learn more about the pressing issues on Earth and find solutions to combat them. Space travel and exploration is beneficial for everyone and for now, the costs are worth it however, this could change in the medium future of 20-30 years and longer so we will have to see what the future of space discoveries are like and if the costs of those are worth it!
If you want to read more, here’s a link on this topic:
Let me know what you think! Do you think the benefits about outweigh the costs? Are there any benefits you can think of? Feel free to leave a comment or tweet me on this topic!