Is Space Exploration Worth The Cost?

Space has been depicted through media as an extravagant place to explore which can provide benefits for Earth and its people. Space has been glorified for decades through television series, such as Lost in Space back in the 60s, to new movies such as Star Trek and Interstellar. However, in reality what doesn’t come to light is the harm that could be done to Earth and space. As space exploration gains more approval by the nations worldwide, relevant issues must be considered before making rash decisions regarding space exploration.

One important issue that should be acknowledged is how potential exploitation could be avoided during space exploration. An inevitable result of exploring space is the extraction of the resources found in space,
Source A provides insight on why space exploration is worth the cost. “We don’t seem to get along well with each other here on Earth, but we do quite well in space. These countries and agencies know that manned space exploration...shows us the way for how we can all live together in peace” (Livingston). This source is built on the idea that space unites the nations of the world together by uniting them with a common goal. However, Source G presents an opposite view that refutes this idea. Collins states that he believes space exploration would only be beneficial for political leaders if they could see the Earth and “realize that the planet we share unites us in a way far more basic and far more important than differences…” (Collins). However, he says that due to the fact that they cannot do this, the only way space exploration could be beneficial is if “...all countries must begin thinking of solutions to their problems which benefit the entire globe, not simply their own national interests” (Collins). As a result, the only way exploring space could bring welfare to the nations is if they recognize ways to aid everyone