Michael Lind is an author, a columnist for Salon.com, and a policy director at the New America Foundation. In the article “Human Spaceflight Should End,” he favors unmanned spaceflights, arguing that robot space probes have been so successful in space exploration, that human lives should not be risked (Lind, Michael). In my opinion, robot space probes are better suited for space exploration because they do not require oxygen and if the probes get destroyed, there is no emotional attachment. With the closing of the human spaceflight program, many people would argue that this decision is a disgrace to America and its space program. However, the United States has been very successful using robots like the Mars rovers or the Phoenix lander. There has been a shift from using astronauts to using space probes due to the rapid growth in technology. An example of this technology is the Kepler Space Telescope. Using this, scientist have been able to discover more than 500 planets in a different solar system. A probe is orbiting Mercury right now, and there is another probe that is believed to go past Pluto in 2015. There are many arguments in favor of human spaceflight. One of the arguments Lind mentions and refutes is that machines are unable to conduct scientific experiments due to their lack of intelligence. This is proved wrong by the success of robotic drones and space probes. Another argument mentioned by Lind is that life is always seeking out new places to live. This argument is refuted by the fact that animals do not leave a comfortable habitat unless they have to. Lind also refutes the argument that space exploration is necessary for avoiding extinction. If a natural “catastrophe” such as a super-volcano or supernova made... ... middle of paper ... ...cost, and high risk. In this article, Lind devotes most of his time arguing of why human spaceflight should end. He provides very little evidence for any benefits of using robotic probes. He does describe a few examples of where they are going, but he doesn’t give any information on what the advantage is of using robotic probes rather than humans. Lind has a very sarcastic tone in this argument, and he doesn’t give enough credit to the astronauts. In conclusion, I believe that this article is not written well, and has minuscule evidence to why spaceflight should end, which ironically is the title of the article. Works Cited Lind, Michael. "Why We Should Embrace the End of Human Spaceflight."Salon.com. N.p.: n.p., 2011. N. pag. Rpt. in NASA. Ed. Margaret Haerens. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
Enduring Understanding: Space Exploration has changed the outlook on space & human existence throughout time as technology has improved.
Space, one of the great mysteries of the world. Many have dreamed of exploring the frontier that is space but only few have. It’s been 48 years since the last human set foot on another body in space, why would this be when it only took 8 years to send the first humans to the moon. Before we answer the question of why it’s been so long since the last time a human set foot on another planet we must answer the following: would it be more effective to send humans and robots to space or just robots? Sending humans and robots is inefficient because food and water must also be sent, which will take a great deal of weight, additionally humans are subject more directly to the dangerous frontier that is space. Sending just robots is the superior solution because of the following reasons: we can already send robots into space, robots can be controlled remotely by humans, robots can’t have their decisions influenced by emotions, and sending robots is much more cost effective.
On a cold winter’s morning on the 28th day of January in the year 1986, America was profoundly shaken and sent to its knees as the space shuttle Challenger gruesomely exploded just seconds after launching. The seven members of its crew, including one civilian teacher, were all lost. This was a game changer, we had never lost a single astronaut in flight. The United States by this time had unfortunately grown accustomed to successful space missions, and this reality check was all too sudden, too brutal for a complacent and oblivious nation (“Space”). The outbreak of sympathy that poured from its citizens had not been seen since President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The disturbing scenes were shown repeatedly on news networks which undeniably made it troublesome to keep it from haunting the nation’s cognizance (“Space”). The current president had more than situation to address, he had the problematic undertaking of gracefully picking America back up by its boot straps.
As a country we need to start investing more money and research into space technology. Programs currently exist for this effort, but the potential for research and progress is limited by a lack of funding; compared to other government funded programs, aerospace funding is pitiful. Continued research in space technology is a necessary step in our growth and development not just as a country but also as entire human race. If we are to achieve this goal, it is necessary to increase funding for space research and technology and consider the possibility of colonizing outer space. If we limit our existence to the planet Earth, and continue to drain the resources on this planet, we will destroy the only home we have.
"That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." - Neil Armstrong (Dunbar). When Armstrong took those first steps on the moon he probably never realized that, in the future, people would be questioning whether we should continue spaceflight. Some question whether human space flight is worth all the money that goes into it. So why not send robots, others inquire, they are less expensive to send. Some question whether space flight is necessary at all and plead with others to focus on the problems we face here on Earth. Others would refute that remark and say that space flight helps us to understand our own planet and is therefore benefiting us. Not to mention all the inventions that are created that aid in everyday life that were created in the space flight endeavor
NASA has made great advancements, we continue to explore the vast solar system filled with magnificent sights. There is so much more out there, from black holes to some of the biggest stars coming to the end of their life cycle. With all this out there waiting for us why don't we pursue all the possibilities out there, all the knowledge and advancements we’d gain would be significant. We must continue to fund these space exploration projects to see all that there is to see. We would discover there’s more to space than we think maybe more the the life cycle of a star or more to nuclear fusion. It's important that we expand and explore to find a new planet, one day this planet will die and we need somewhere to go and something to do, if our species wish to live on. Its also paying off in many other ways. Technological advancements you see today like your phone was possible through space exploration even though you may not think of it. The space programs have made huge advancements in our world such as more fire resistant clothing and, car interior. We went from having a 70 pound micro computer with just 40 KB of memory (Less than a GB, Less than a MB(Which is 100 times smaller than a GB) so it's 40/1000 of a MB) Today we have 1 TB(1000 GB) flash drive the size of your thumb in just about 40 years. Allowing us to miniaturize
When talking about the current space program, Neil Degrasse Tyson once said, “I got angry with America, because advancing is not just something you do incrementally. You need innovation as well, so that your advances are revolutionary, not merely evolutionary” (Tyson 3). America used to have the top space program in the world. Being first to the moon excited the country and gave everyone a sense of pride and fulfillment. Lately, though, we have been falling behind in space exploration. A successful space program is needed in America, and here’s why: we are losing our grip on the title as the world superpower and a new age of economics and politics is coming faster than we are prepared for. To be prepared for this new age we need the funds,
The debate about space exploration has been raging on for decades, people on both sides of the issue vehemently arguing their point of view. However despite the possible risk space exploration has the potential to change humanity for the better, and doing so is well worth the risk. This essay will elaborate some of the plethora of ways that space exploration could benefit mankind.
The recent events regarding the NASA Mars probes have renewed the debate of reinstalling manned space missions with the objectives of exploring and landing on foreign worlds such as the moon and the red planet Mars, rather than the use of solely robotic craft and machines. It is my belief that we should return to the days of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, those of manned lunar landings and manned space exploration. Robots simply cannot and should not be allowed to be the sole means of visiting these worlds, nor should humans only be able to witness new findings second hand through the use of computers and machines. It is human nature to be normally curious of one’s surroundings, and it is important that we send one of our own to new worlds. The effects that past missions have had on the world’s people, as well as our political and cultural climates are another valid reason for flesh instead of metal to lay claim to space. Also, the limitless applications and new education that manned flights can bring to us from on site human interactions could lead to another technological and industrial revolution like the original lunar programs had done for us during the Gemini and Apollo programs.
Detractors of public sector space agencies like NASA frequently argue that expending money and resources on sending humans into space is wasteful and irresponsible during shaky economic times. After all, in 2010 the U.S. Census Bureau in recorded 46.2 million people in poverty, the largest number in the 52 years the figure has been published. Putting tax dollars into a shuttle and sending it on an extraplanetary voyage is uneconomical in the eyes of many. However, beneficial developments of the space program can be found in airports, hospitals, laboratories, and homes around the world. Foam created for protecting the outside of a shuttle passing through the harsh atmosphere has found use as a durable, light-weight molding material for artificial limbs. Research and development for NASA'S programs has parented a network of hundreds of communication satellites used around the world on a daily basis and monitored by NASA. Robotic arms used for repairs, maintenance, and hazardous labor in sp...
Mankind has always been fascinated with exploring the unknown. From sailing to distant lands to someday setting foot on other planets, the spirit of exploration is the same. Bur now with the current economic situation and the high cost of sending people to space, NASA is being looked at as a way to free up some much needed funds. Although, there is many problems here on planet Earth that need addressing, the benefits of space exploration far out weight the disadvantages. Space exploration has given us more advanced technology, advances in the medical field, and a boost to the economy and these facts cannot be disputed.
In America, space travel is a controversial issue that many discuss. Although exciting, some people find it unnecessary and a waste of money. There are also many risks associated with space travel and many issues are more important than space travel that should be focused on. There are ethical, diplomatic, and economic issues that need to be considered before making decisions about space exploration.
The 1960's brought new advancements for all of Earth. Machines and men were sent into space, and this sparked a new government agency, called NASA. Space was a new frontier, and virtually everyone was interested in exploring it. Over the years, the interest in space exploration has weakened, and NASA was almost terminated from existence, although there have been many advancements in it over that time. Space exploration should continue because it could help solve many problems on Earth, such as overpopulation and lack of resources. Exploration of the final frontier must continue in order for human life to continue.
Disadvantages of space exploration include the cost and the danger. Currently, many people are under the impression that our missions to space are not very cost effective, especially considering the current state of our economy, and this is often an immediate turn off to a most people. It is true that we could spend less money on our missions and make them more cost effective, but usually the U.S. space program ...
Steven calls manned missions ‘an incredible waste of money’ and argues that “for the cost of putting a few people on a very limited set of locations on Mars we could have dozens of unmanned, robotic missions roving all over Mars”. This quotation suggests that space exploration is a waste of money as of now but he is also stating that countries can use their money more efficiently if they allow robots rather than humans to enter space. This would then allow many people to adjust their perspective on the matter and realise that space exploration may not be a waste of