Space Exploration

Space exploration has been a major interest among the United States since the space race in the mid-1900’s. Though space exploration may seem vital for expanding the wealth of our nation and enhancing life for us earth dwellers, there are certain issues that should be taken into consideration such as costs, ethical concerns, and the safety of our planet before we launch the rockets. Exploring the solar system is positively viewed by many, but most people do not agree with the amount of money being used for these explorations. $0.06 out of each federal dollar is spent on space and technology; that is three cents more that is being spent on space than being paid towards veterans benefits, and is two cents more than what the federal government spends on education, employment, and social services (Source C). Some people argue that our money could be used more wisely by putting it towards medical research. The National Institute of Health investigates ways to cure, prevent, and treat diseases. Using the federal governments money, NIH has helped decreased deaths from heart diseases and AIDS and has significantly improved the quality of life for those living with an illness (Source D). After seeing these achievements in medical research, citizens find it more sensible to support the mission to improve health rather than supporting the mission to space. Another major factor that needs to be considered before the journey in space are the ethical concerns. A group dedicated to ethics has brought up the issue of humans impact on space. Human expansion has nearly destroyed our Earth; we have problems such as global warming, pollution, and deforestation. This group fears the impact humans have on space sense there has been such a negative impact here on Earth (Source E). Another ethical concern is that space explorations is not a necessity. The United States is on a very tight budget. Being 14 trillion dollars in debt, tax payers believe the federal government