I really think N.A.S.A should get much less funding...
There are problems on Earth that need fixing, we don't need to spend 100 billion dollars to look at rocks... in my opinion.

how many of the problems with earth can be solved with 100 billion dollars? honestly?

If we'd said that 50 years ago I wouldn't have DirecTV. :(

N.A.S.A. also uses a lot of it's funding developing new technologies to use here on earth for civilian and military purposes. There is much more to N.A.S.A. than looking @ rocks in space.

Originally posted by yellowhammer
N.A.S.A. also uses a lot of it's funding developing new technologies to use here on earth for civilian and military purposes. There is much more to N.A.S.A. than looking @ rocks in space.

That is true - they do a lot of work with aerodynamics and other such things that keep the aerospace industry in this country in pretty good shape.

This is a paper I wrote for English.

Exploring Space: Why It is Necessary



Most advances made by man have begun with two simple words: “What if?” The human race has always had a desire to learn and better itself. In the past few years this desire has been directed more strongly toward outer space and more recently, to the planet Mars. This type of research is extremely expensive; however the possible advances gained are so important, the United States is willing to fund these endeavors to ensure that any breakthroughs accomplished will be shared with all countries. The exploration of outer space and the planet Mars is essential to the continued advancement of life on Earth.

The United States is a world leader. The exploration of outer space and the planet Mars is the responsibility of our country due to our position in the world. The United States has more resources for such research. Financially, the United States can accomplish the exploration due to a healthier economic situation, which is more successful than other countries with space programs. The United States also has more researchers, engineers, and scientists who are capable of executing a successful mission. The United States would also be more apt to share any findings that may help mankind, which may not be the case if other parties make discoveries. If the United States does not support this exploration, it is very likely that it will not be accomplished.

The exploration of Mars has far reaching implications. NASA hopes to find evidence of water on Mars. Many scientists believe that finding water on Mars is proof of the planet’s ability to support life as we know it. If evidence of water is found, scientists will want to know where the water went. Findings of this nature could help to protect our own planet in the future. Water is a requirement for life of both plants and animals. Mars is a preview of the desolate wasteland Earth could become if water sources were exhausted on our planet. If science can determine why Mars dried up, it will be possible to look for such signs on Earth and such a cycle could be prevented from happening to our own planet.

In addition to the search for evidence of water, scientists will also study the mineralogy of Mars. Learning what Mars’ natural resources are will also determine if continued missions to Mars are called for. If natural resources on Earth are consumed, a new source will be needed. The Mars rovers are equipped to perform sampling of rocks and soil to determine makeup and density. If required minerals are found to be in abundance on Mars, future missions will have possibilities of mining of minerals which may be in short supply on Earth.

While it may seem unlikely, Mars is considered to be a planet for a manned settlement. The rovers that NASA has sent to Mars thus far are greatly limited in their capabilities compared to what a manned mission could accomplish. The atmosphere of Mars is such that it can be converted or refined into the elements required to support human life for use in small habitats. Scientists believe that a settlement can be established for manned research and continuous living on Mars. A scientific settlement such as this could increase the exploration of Mars exponentially. In addition to the capability to return to Earth, such a station could be used as a launch platform to other areas of the galaxy or universe.

Yet another benefit of space exploration is that it helps to improve life on Earth. The ability to control the aspects of gravity during experiments is a feature not available on Earth and is one which has helped to create several advances in medicine. Dave Dooling, of NASA, tells of a widely used device called a bioreactor was created with the help of the U.S. space program. It is a device in which cells are grown and develop the way they do in weightlessness. The cells are then used for study rather than endangering patients (Dooling). Another advance is the Ventricle Assist Device. An example is supplied by Bob Dotts, another official of NASA. If a patient’s heart is not be able to pump blood well enough, the device can be attached to a heart to provide better blood flow until a transplant can be performed (Dotts). There are many other heart ailments in which this device can help to save a patient’s life. Studies are also being conducted on Osteoporosis in orbit during space shuttle missions. Scientists monitor the effects of weightlessness on the human skeletal structure to better understand how bone concerns develop on Earth. The last experiments on Osteoporosis were conducted by the scientists of the European Space Agency aboard the shuttle Columbia (ESA). This is a prime example of how the United States shares information and its space based technologies with other countries.

Unfortunately this branch of science is not without risk. The tragedy of the shuttle Columbia is a prime example. The lives of seven pioneers were lost when the shuttle disintegrated upon reentry. The loss of experiments, while unfortunate, was only a setback and can be replaced. Conversely, the people who crewed Columbia can never replaced and should always be honored for their sacrifices made for the betterment of life on Earth. The crew knew the risks of their mission and they also knew the risks of not going on the mission, stagnation of progress. There will be crews in the future who will gladly assume the risks of space also, because they too will know the risks of inaction are too great.

It can be concluded that exploration in outer space and on other planets is necessary and required to further develop the human race. Additionally, the United States is to be the leader in this effort as it is a leader on the world stage. The benefits to be gained by continued exploration have endless possibilities; advances in the field of medicine alone are worth the cost. Now is the time for this research, postponement will ultimately delay attaining longer and better levels of life. While the ideas of space exploration may have begun with “What if?” an infinitely more important question is, “What if we don’t?”.





Works Cited



Dooling, Dave. “Bioreactor expands health research”. Microgravity Research Program. 1998. <http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/br/ground.htm> (February 25, 2004)





Dotts, Bob. “Ventricle assist device” NASA-JSC Commercialization Background

Information 1999 <tp://www.jsc.nasa.gov/technology/techops/heartpum/heartpum.htm>

(February 25, 2004)



ESA. “European science on shuttle mission”. Human Spaceflight – European Space Agency 2003. < <http://www.esa.int/export/esaHS/ESA1Z78708D_index_0.html> (February 25, 2004)