Is space exploration worthwhile?

When NASA launched the Apollo Program, it was a means by which the United States could engage in a resource-intensive competition with the Soviet Union, without either side firing any shots. It was actually quite clever for that reason, alone — and probably saved far more lives than it claimed, as a result — so we must take this into account in any cost–benefit analysis of that venerated Program. Also, while our focus was then on the Moon, the resulting technological advancements have since improved life here on Earth, for people all around the globe.

By some accounts, China is currently pushing for a military presence in space — in particular, satellites that could potentially target other countries. If this is so, it may be desirable for the US Military to develop a Space Force simply to keep them from having a monopoly on armed satellites (similar to the nuclear standoff). However ironically, it’s been said that whoever controls outer space will control this planet. (Though I’m not sure how much credence I give such speculation.)

However, it occurs to me that there are also some significant downsides to continued exploration. For one thing, since colonizing Mars is nigh impossible, for a whole slew of reasons (there are some good YouTube videos about this, but I’m out of links today), it seems to me it would make more sense to invest the same resources colonizing Earth’s deserts and oceans. I mean we ought to look at the uninhabited parts of our own planet before we even consider going to another one, right? And however imperfect our environment might be, it will always be more hospitable than that one. ̄\_(ツ)_/ ̄

Then there is this aspect, so eloquently expressed by the African-American poet Gil Scott-Heron:

> A rat done bit my sister Nell
> (with Whitey on the Moon).
> Her face and arms began to swell
> (and Whitey’s on the Moon).
> I can’t pay no doctor bill
> (but Whitey’s on the Moon).
> Ten years from now I’ll be payin’ still
> (while Whitey’s on the Moon).
> The man jus’ upped my rent las’ night
> (’cause Whitey’s on the Moon).
> No hot water, no toilets, no lights
> (but Whitey’s on the Moon).
> I wonder why he’s uppi’ me?
> (’Cause Whitey’s on the Moon?)
> I was already payin’ ’im fifty a week
> (with Whitey on the Moon).
> Taxes takin’ my whole damn check;
> junkies makin’ me a nervous wreck;
> the price of food is goin’ up;
> and — as if all that shit wasn’t enough —
> a rat done bit my sister Nell
> (with Whitey on the Moon).
> Her face an’ arm began to swell
> (but Whitey’s on the Moon).
> Was all that money I made las’ year
> for Whitey on the Moon?
> How come there ain’t no money here?
> (Hm! Whitey’s on the Moon.)
> Y’know, I jus’ ’bout had my fill
> of Whitey on the Moon.
> I think I’ll sen’ these doctor bills
> Airmail Special,
> To: Whitey on the Moon.

^_^ So, what do you think? Is the continued exploration of space a necessary pursuit, or is it just a waste of resources at this point? For posterity’s sake as well as our own, should we be gazing upward & outward, or would we be better off focusing downward & inward? Discuss.

Another motivation for space exploration could be to prompt the writing of such nice poems :)

i would say that there are no circumstances under which we should support the united states military expanding into space. expanding is the opposite of what they need to do.

in the future more space exploration can be good and exciting. it's an important part of being human to explore like that. there are overwhelmingly large priorities here on earth right now though, as you mentioned.

Food for thought:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=YKNOQ5R1NLA

There are individuals in every culture and society that will be poor and remain poor no matter how much you aid or support them.

Many individuals who were poor and won the lottery ended up spending/wasting it all and ended up back in poverty in a few years.

Space exploration and eventual colonization ( Mars is not the only option youtube.com/watch?v=tZcTYFrOzos ) represents a future for those who are willing able to create a positive future for themselves and their children.

truest form of capitalistic mindset ever.

"it is literally unthinkable that we could ever solve poverty, it physically can never happen, totally and utterly impossible, there will always be poor people forever. but colonizing the galaxy? no problem chief."

@Mopman first, I admit, I haven't seen the video to the end. I only saw the first part where it said it was a sponsored video.

You mentioned poverty.
Well, if anyone is going to space, it won't be the poor people.
Space exploration is a costly endeavour.
If poor people were going there, it would only be as a type of modern slaves.
Similar to the British colonization of Australia.
People didn't willingly go to that harsh environment. They were brought there as forced colonists to do hard labour.

And there are so many other issues regarding space colonization
A good example is the country of Greenland.
They have a lot of space, but they lack housing, and domestic agriculture. Not to mention a lot of social problems, created by living in poverty in such a harsh environment.

Space exploration is only one aspect of space science programs, and a completely acceptable endeavour for governments, to whichever degree they can reasonably fund.

I think primarily this should be a space for governments.

If I was in charge of a country I would definitely increase funding in space science, among other scientific areas while also heavily investing in the welfare, health and economic future for my comrades.

@lilyhollow said in #6:
> truest form of capitalistic mindset ever.
>
> "it is literally unthinkable that we could ever solve poverty, it physically can never happen, totally and utterly impossible, there will always be poor people forever. but colonizing the galaxy? no problem chief."

First capitalism has done more to raise the average person's quality of life than any other system of government.

We can and should help those who can make the effort to improve themselves.

But for some you can literally hand them millions of dollars and they will still be poor again in short order.

@NaturalBornTraveller
Millions of individuals travelled to the United States when it was mostly undeveloped and there was little or no government support or programs with only the promise of opportunity.

Australia was used as a penal colony, that is true but the number of individuals who travelled there voluntarily dwarfed the small number sent there as punishment over the years.

You want a better future for the average person on earth ( including Greenland ), how about harvesting the practically unlimited resources of space and creating a future were all heavy industry, mining and power production is done in space.

@Mopman said in #9:
> Millions of individuals travelled to the United States when it was mostly undeveloped and there was little or no government support or programs with only the promise of opportunity.
The colonisation of US was not as bright as you make it sound.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemptioner
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indentured_servitude
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Company