If there are so many problems here on earth should the USA continue aggressive space exploration?

Answer 1

Two very good reasons:
1) The knowledge and technology we gain helps provide solutions. The computer you wrote your question on would not exist without that knowledge. Much of the medical technology we now enjoy is derived from the space program. And the single biggest source of information about environemental problems including climate change comes from NASA. Those are just a few example of how space research helps us with things right here on earth.
2) I fwe expect to remain technologically and economically competitive in the 21st century, space must be a top priority. we are on the verge of being able to use space as a venue for producing a vast array of new products and technologies--in materials engineering, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and electronics--just for starters. The countries that take the lead will have a tremendous advantage in the coming decades.

And we need to return to agressively developing our space travel capability. At this time--and for the last 15 years, that has not been the case. Short-sighted political leaders--of both parties--have short-changed this area of research time and time again. They have cancelledproject after project for advanced spacecraft--and what they've funded as a "replacement" for the shuttle is no more than a cut-and-paste of leftover technologies that may wrk--but is an inadequate solution at best--anda death trap at worst.

But, while you are criticizing spending, why not let NASA--which has paid for itself many times over--off the hook. Try critixizing the billions wasted on pork-barrel highway projects like Senator Stevans (R-Alaska) "bridge to nowhaere" or the billions of subsidies to the oil industry--the billions of subsidies to the drug industry--subsidies to the tobaccoo industry--the tens of billions that go into the pockets of HMO'sand nursing homes with no benefit for the public. Try picking on them instead of a program which has a record of producing real, tangible benefits.

Answer 2

One of the most compelling economic reasons for getting about out to space, particularly the moon, is that the moon's regolith contains significant quantities of 3He, a valuable fuel for fusion power. It's extremely rare on Earth, so harvesting 3He at the moon is an excellent business proposition. It's already been estimated that a single haul of 3He about the size of the Space Shuttle will be worth a billion dollars today. Not bad, huh?

It's not true that going out into space is all games and exploration. In the very short future, it will be as much business as anything else already being done on earth. Nobody ever says, "With so many problems here on earth, should Walmart continue to expand? Why isn't Walmart helping Africa instead?"

Answer 3

The problems here on earth means we should be even more aggressive with space exploration. If things go bad here one earth, a means of escape would be nice eh?

Answer 4

The technological spin-offs from the space programs have been plentiful over the years. There are many secondary benefits to you and me from spending dollars on space exploration. Heck, look what happened to Black and Decker after they were contracted to build a cordless drill for he Apollo program. Everyone has a cordless drill tucked in their garage somewhere. (Granted the cordless tool business would have probably developed anyway, but NASA had a need for something new, and that drove innovation.)

Check out http://www.thespaceplace.com/nasa/spinoffs.html for more info.

Answer 5

The democrats voted to end subsidies to oil companies this week. That alone would probably pay for homeless shelters in every major city. The problem isn't that money is short - its that it is given away by corrupt politicians to people and corporations that are already filthy rich. There is plenty of money for everything if we can keep the crooks away from it.

Answer 6

why not the estimated year for our layers to wear out is 4 billion year that's only if we still cave gas cars or power plants

Answer 7

Ya, they could start by seding Bush to the Moon.