In a world where space exploration has become a normal thing to hear about specifically in scientific endeavors, some have raise the question: is it really necessary? The human race has been fascinated with space for millennia, but humans have only been exploring space since 1957, with the launch of spacecraft Sputnik, built by the USSR. Since then, many other countries have engaged in space exploration, some of the bigger programs being from countries such as the U.S., China and Russia. Because of its negative effects on people, the environment and society, we should be weary and stop engaging in space exploration.
According to NASA, astronauts who take part in space exploration face a significant risk of getting seriously injured or even killed. Radiation and gravity are two dangers that naturally occur in space. Radiation from the sun outside the protection of our atmosphere can damage equipment that space explorers use and also damage the DNA in the astronauts’ cells. This can cause many health problems for the astronauts, particularly being deadly for them. The different levels of gravity can also impact a human space explorer’s body, causing muscle and bone loss as well as vision impairments. Other reasons why space exploration may be harmful include the environment and expensive government funding. Space exploration can be very costly, and years of research and materials are needed for making rockets and other space exploration tools. According to Space Impulse, rockets can cost any where from $1 million to $178 million USD. Space exploration can also be a large contributor to pollution therefore, contributing to climate change. The damage to the environment can be from pollution, from the rockets, and additionally from the materials needed to build a rocket. According to the Smithsonian Institution, rockets are made up of aluminum and titanium, and those materials when mined can cause environmental damage such as destroying animal habitats. The transportation of these materials across the world can also produce carbon dioxide which is harmful to the environment, further contributing to climate change.
Although technological advancements allow us to explore space and even settle on other planets, the damage it may do to the people traveling in space and the Earth’s environment may be more detrimental than beneficial. Before we stretch our horizons to the stars, there is still a lot we can change here on Earth.
