How can space exploration benefit us in future?

Answer 1

Aside from a positive goal for human kind (rather than spending our time and money killing each other)...

Biological/Physiological tests are done in space that help us understand how our bodies work and what they need as well as other species

Space agencies and their partners develop very unusual technology for the very unusual trips that astronauts have to take (like memory foam) and these are often later applied to Earthbound devices.

If we can look at life, or the building blocks of life on other planets (or moons) we can better understand our own evolution and current biology.

If we can look at planets forming in other solar systems it will help us to understand how our planet formed.

Looking at the unusual things that make up our universe like pulsars and quasars for instance help us to understand more local physics. The more we understand physics the more amazing things we can do (especially when it comes to energy and travel).

When we can explore further out from the Earth we can conduct new expiriments in new environments.

Philosophically speaking it would be... the biggest thing ever to see that there is extra-terrestrial life, inteligent or not.

There may be a day that we need to leave the Earth.

Answer 2

While many answers have touched on some good reasons (development of other sciences) I think the most significant change will be the development of quantum technology over the next 30 years.

Quantum technology will enable computers that will go much faster than today's fastest super computer. This will allow us to create better mappings of the human genome for medicine. Help make better climate models. And help us understand particle physics better so that we can create new materials and prove new mathmatical theories, such as M-theory (string theory).

It can also be used as a new form of communication, using a phenomenon as "entanglement". (I'll be happy to explain if you want to email me).

Lastly, entanglement could be used to transport energy.

Quantum technology will have as great an impact on human civilation as electricity has had to date. It's development will likely depend on agencies such as NASA to make it more accessible to the commercial sector.

But if you want an endless list of what the space program will help with, you can literally pick anything and the space program will inevitably have a positive impact on it (agriculture, city planning, better insulation, etc... It doesn't always have to be the lastest or most outrages technology. Sometimes it's as simple as creating a better jet engine, which saves millions of gallons of fuel a year.

Answer 3

Not so much exploration in distant space, but near-Earth satellites can provide many benefits: weather prediction, navigational aids, pollution monitoring, erosion prevention, aggression monitoring, space-based industries (new materials made in free-fall or microgravity) and the spin-off products they will make. None of these will require going further than the Moon.

Answer 4

Much like it has in the past. Through space exploration, will continue to make advances in medicine. We will discover high quality materials to aid in firefighting and life saving, not to mention sporting. Aside from altruistic reasons, USA will benefit militarily. As long as the space program has a defense facet, we will maintain it.

Answer 5

well i have a horrible back and memory foam helps relieve the pain and pressure in my back and neck. If we ever lose all of are natural resource maybe we can find a way to mine them from other planets. There are all sorts of un-known chemicals in space and some of them might be used to fight cancer and aids. there is another side to it though space exploration cost millions of dollars and we still have the rain forest to look throught and the ocean.

Answer 6

The obvious answer is Mars colonies. Give us a backup planet in case this one gets overpopulated. The real answer is "Discovery". Penicillin didn't have any pre-determined use when it was discovered but it has saved millions of lives. Neither did the electron and yet today our world is governed by electronics. It's all just information. It all comes in handy eventually.

Answer 7

Through the civilian application of technologies perfected in space.

Answer 8

Well, You could go and have a dinner in a "Space Restaurant"
And That's really forth the billions of dollars they're spending on this research!

Answer 9

The harvest of natural resources on planets and astroids. The colonization of other planets or moons.

The development of space technology can enhance our technology on earth also. (NASA invented many things)

Answer 10

if humans don't colinize any where but earth ; we'll all die as a species . the earth isn't going to last forever , but i (as a species) plan on living forever .