Launch Point

Humans must explore space. We have already achieved amazing breakthroughs from landing on the moon to understanding gravity, yet so much of the universe is undiscovered. There is potential for much more. While many think we should decrease spending on space exploration and focus on the problems of Earth, stopping space exploration would limit us from improving our planet. Studying space leads to better research methods, improved protection from mass extinction events, and life-changing inventions.

Investigating other planets can teach us how to research our own Earth. Take Mars, for example. Because it is similar to our world, studying Mars can provide valuable data, such as insights into our geological formation or the evolution of life. However, we can also learn from the differences, like crust movement, between the two planets. In a NASA article, Brian Dunbar states, “Robotic and scientific robotic missions have shown that Mars has characteristics and a history similar to Earth’s, but we know that there are striking differences that we have yet to begin to understand. Humans can build upon this knowledge and look for signs of life and investigate Mars’ geological evolution, resulting in research and methods that could be applied here on Earth.” One way our exploration of Mars has benefitted us is through the discovery of a past magnetic field similar to Earth. Scientists have also identified certain rocks and minerals containing water, suggesting the availability of other resources. Not only that but discovering life–or the possibility of life–on Mars unlocks the opportunity for humans to colonize another planet. Resources on Mars could create a new home for humans one day, ensuring the survival of our species. 

Also, in the interest of the survival of our species, exploring space could help us prepare for extraterrestrial threats. Many celestial bodies threaten our planet and species–remember what happened to the dinosaurs? A European Space Agency article, “Why Explore Space?” states, “Some explanations for extinctions and evolution include strikes by asteroids or comets. Our technology is reaching the point where we can detect such a threat and might be able to do something about it.” That’s right–Armeggedon could be more than just a movie! Asteroids and comets have caused significant disasters for our planet. Exploring space has already bettered our technology so we can detect these threats. Earth’s planetary defense system scans space in search of any incoming objects. This technology gives a warning and provides us time to create a plan for the threat. With further research, we could easily stop these disasters from causing extinction by possibly deflecting the object away from Earth. Without studying the galaxy, we become vulnerable to other threats from outer space.

Exploring space presents an opportunity to solve problems we do not usually face on Earth. The answers to these problems have created inventions that are now used regularly around the globe. For example, space travel has benefitted products ranging from mattresses to baby formula. The Canadian Space Agency writes, “While developing life support systems for long-duration missions, researchers discovered a natural source for an omega-3 fatty acid that is now incorporated into more than 90 percent of baby formulas on the market.” Scientists improved these formulas because of an invention developed for space exploration. Plenty of other inventions intended for space, such as air purifiers and memory foam, are now used on Earth. Satellites used in space are the reason for accurate weather updates and internet access. Exploring space finds creative solutions for issues we wouldn’t have thought to research or solve on Earth.

Humans need to explore space to discover better research methods for Earth, ways to stop external threats, and necessary inventions. We’ve come far in our study of outer space, but so much more could help us. Stopping exploration would put us in more danger and prevent us from elevating life for the entire human race.