[Opinion] The pros and cons of space exploration

NERON SIMPSON

Staff Writer

Cold. Quiet. Desolate.

Despite these conditions, humans have enthusiastically embarked on missions to explore space and have continued to push the boundaries of how far we can reach. Some people question however, if space exploration is necessary. Here are the pros and cons:

Why it is NOT Necessary:

1. Opponents argue that space exploration is unnecessary because the launching of rockets harms the environment. According to a 2022 study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, an increase in hydrocarbon-fueled launches could deplete the ozone layer and alter circulation patterns in the atmosphere within the next two decades. According to Christopher Maloney, a research scientist at NOAA’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory, “Launch rates have more than tripled in recent decades.” The launching of rockets is the direct cause of aerosol pollution above the troposphere, which is about 5-10 miles above the surface of the Earth.
2. Another important concern is space debris. Space debris is non-functional material that orbits the Earth. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, there are roughly 200,000 pieces of space debris between 1 and 10 centimeters (0.4 and 4 inches) currently orbiting the planet. Due to the high speed of orbit, collision with this debris can be damaging to spacecraft. One significant incident occurred on January 11, 2007 in which the Chinese military destroyed weather satellite Fengyun-1C in an anti-satellite system test. This led to more than 3,000 fragments of debris being released in space and accounts for 20% of all space debris.
3. On a physiological level, space exploration can have significant health impacts on the human body. Space radiation can increase risk of cancer, damage to the central nervous system and impairment of cognitive and motor function. To decrease this however, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has committed to increase protective shielding in space vehicles. According to NASA’s Space Faring: The Radiation Challenge: An Interdisciplinary Guide on Radiation Biology for grades 9 througH 12, hydrogen-rich shielding such as polyethylene being placed in frequently occupied locations, such as the sleeping quarters and galley (kitchen), has led to a decrease in space radiation exposure.
4. One of the most common reasons for opposition to space exploration is the cost. NASA’s budget for 2022 was increased by 3% for a total of 22 billion dollars. According to ZDNET.com, the United States spent more than $54.59 billion dollars on space programs. This was more than China, France, Russia, Japan, Germany, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Korea and the European Union combined. Opponents argue that the money could better be delegated to more direct issues such as healthcare, food insecurity, education and poverty.

Why it IS Necessary:

1. While it is true that rocket launches have had adverse environmental effects, space exploration has helped address significant environmental issues. According to the World Economic Forum, NASA has developed an algorithm to detect clouds in satellite imagery to monitor crop health. The technology produces image data in real-time for 16 major crops, as well as ground conditions, coverage and forecasts for global production. The algorithm can also be used to examine forest health, ice cap and glacier coverage and surface moisture amongst other factors. Additionally, as a response to the high volume of hurricanes along the U.S. Atlantic coast, a device known as the Cross-Track Infrared Spectrometer was created to scan the atmosphere and provide data on temperature and humidity. Not only did this help meteorologists predict storm direction and intensity, it was also used to track Hurricane Irma across the Caribbean and southeastern US in 2017. This helped residents of those areas make timely preparations in anticipation of the storm.
2. While the risk of going into space can weaken bone density and expose humans to space radiation, there are measures in place to prepare and keep astronauts healthy while committing to their jobs. Before selecting astronauts for a mission, NASA conducts health screenings for potential medical issues. These include heart problems, vision impairment and psychological disorders as mentioned by Scientia Pakistan. To minimize risk of disease transmission on the International Space Station, astronauts are quarantined weeks in advance. Once aboard the ISS, strict hygiene protocols are ensured such as hand-washing and disinfectant use. In addition to this, astronauts exercise for approximately 2 hours per day. Each astronaut is paired with two flight surgeons, which are specialists in aerospace medicine. They help monitor the astronaut’s health throughout the mission and are available 24/7 to address any health issue.
3. Another major benefit of space exploration is technological innovation. Many of the products people use today came as a result of developing space technology. This is more commonly known as NASA spinoff technologies. Spinoffs are commercial products developed using NASA research and development. Some important spinoffs include:
   1. CMOS Image Sensor: miniature cameras were needed for interplanetary missions, which led to the creation of the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). This captured light and turned them into images. This is now used in cell phone cameras, medical imaging and x-ray devices.
   2. Memory Foam – In the 1970s, NASA wanted airline pilot seats to be more comfortable. After being installed in space shuttles, memory foam is now found in furniture, footwear and other everyday items.
   3. Scratch-resistant sunglasses: To filter out UV (ultraviolet) rays and reduce scratches on visors, scratch-resistant glass was developed. This technology is now found in sunglasses, welder masks and sports goggles.
   4. Artificial Limbs – Shock-absorption technology combined with artificial muscle systems and diamond-joint coating has helped improve artificial limbs. With these added improvements, these disability-friendly tools have become more durable, functional and life-like.

Lastly, while $24 billion dollars seems like a large number, overall spending on NASA is a drop in the bucket nationally. The Planetary Society reported that in 2020, the United States spent $6.6 trillion dollars, while only 0.3% (22.6 billion) was allocated for NASA. Mandatory spending programs included healthcare (20%), income assistance (34%). Other categories included non-disclosed mandatory spending (13%), interest payments (5%) and veterans benefits (2%). NASA is considered a discretionary expense that requires annual appropriations by Congress. This category consists of all other programs (13%) and defense and related which includes the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs (13%). Space exploration is indeed expensive, but supporting it does not mean other important issues are not prioritized.

These thoughts were inspired by the talk,