It is interesting because there are all the movies about space and how it can be dangerous and

how astronauts need to think critically, but they never cover how much money Ingoes into it.
(provide examples for the cost of shipping supplies or other rocket costs)

Introduction: a bit about the history of space:

➔ “Everything started back in 1919; when the scientist Robert H. Goddard published a
groundbreaking work on rockets, A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes.” (Space
exploration & travel timeline)
➔ Now, NASA scientists are working on the return to the moon, half a century preceding
the first moon landing, and are constantly exploring Mars via rover.
➔ NASA has had its fair share of struggles over the years. There has been a rather large
debate of whether or not NASA should stay the United States main space program. From
cost arguments to politics, NASA has faced it all. It is up to you, the viewers, to decide:
Are NASA’s space missions and space program worth the cost, or should it be left up to
independent companies? Let's delve into the research and discuss the benefits and
drawbacks of NASA’s space program.

Script:
➔ “Hello and welcome to People Problems”
➔ Today we will be discussing if NASA should continue to have these high-cost space
missions.
➔ Introduction: a bit about the history of space:
◆ “Everything started back in 1919; when the scientist Robert H. Goddard published
a groundbreaking work on rockets, A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes.”
(Space exploration & travel timeline)
◆ Now, NASA scientists are working on the return to the moon, half a century
preceding the first moon landing, and are constantly exploring Mars via rover.
◆ NASA has had its fair share of struggles over the years. There has been a rather
large debate of whether or not NASA should stay the United States main space
program. From cost arguments to politics, NASA has faced it all. It is up to you,
the viewers, to decide: Are NASA’s space missions and space program worth the
cost, or should it be left up to independent companies? Let's delve into the
research and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of NASA’s space program.
➔ Viewer discretion: here on People Problems, we are fully committed to spreading our
love of space and our support of NASA’s space program. We want to give every viewer
the right to make up their minds, so we will be discussing the positives and negatives of
their space program.
➔ Argument 1: NASA is a government-funded organization
◆ Supporting details: The white house is increasing NASA funds from roughly $25
billion to $38 billion (Davenport, 2020)
 Beale & Ho 2

◆ The United States government funds multiple different agencies such as education
and defense. Both of those agencies are highly important to the success of this
country and another agency that the U.S. government funds is NASA. If the
government is willing to spend billions of dollars per year for NASA to explore
space then there must be some form of value that space exploration provides. For
example, the white house planned to increase its funding towards NASA from
$25 billion to $38 billion (Davenport, 2020). Members of the white house are well
educated and wise; therefore, if they wish to increase NASA funding, it must be
for a valid reason.
➔ Argument 2: NASA is safer and more reliable than private companies
◆ Supporting details: NASA fears commercial space organizations will create safety
problems in the future (Davenport, 2021). Many people worry that space
exploration should be left to NASA, a reliable organization, and should not be
open for public use (Davenport, 2021). The astronauts of the SpaceX mission will
not be trained by NASA but will be NASA approved before going to space
(Davenport, 2021) (Bachman, 2020).
◆ In recent years, space exploration among private companies has greatly increased.
People fear that if NASA were to decrease its presence in space, then private
companies would be more prominent. Many worry that this may lead to dangers
because commercial companies do not hold the same level of credibility and
reliability as NASA does (Davenport, 2021). For example, NASA fears
commercial organizations will create safety problems in the future (DAvenport,
2021). A common fear is that the people being sent to space are unprepared and
unqualified which puts their lives at risk. Although these people will be approved
by NASA, they are still not NASA trained; thereby, leaving room for error in the
future. Space exploration is deemed inevitable and should be done so safely and
cautiously. To achieve such goals would require funding for NASA to continue
their responsible and reliable explorations rather than leave it to unpredictable
private companies.
➔ Argument 3: NASA’s current space programs are important for the development of our
society in the future.
◆ The benefits of space missions, predominantly the moon, go far beyond the
advancement of more space exploration. It affects our daily lives as well.
Although the predictions can only be assumed, there is a great magnitude of
results that will come from these explorations. We are exploring the unknown,
anything could happen in the near future. Whether it be aliens or living in an era
like the T.V. show the Jetsons, there will most likely be a significant change or
discovery in our near future. One thing is for certain, there will be an
advancement in technology. To reach environments that are otherwise known as
uninhabitable, scientists must invent top-notch equipment to support the
scientists. There will most likely be a global improvement of technologies
 Beale & Ho 3

regarding the development of many critical technologies, incorporation power,

computing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, communications, networking,
robotics, and materials. These new technologies will not only increase our
intelligence, globally and nationally, but it will also improve the United State’s
economy (“Space Exploration,” 2006). New space systems can address national
and commercial needs. For example, there was one satellite built with the intent
to advance the study of global warming (DeGroot, 2012). Space will not only
help the development of our society, but it will help the development of future
generations (“Space Exploration,” 2006). Children will look out into space and
be amazed by all that is out there. Our future offspring will be encouraged to seek
careers in math, science, and engineering. These careers are critical to the future
of our nation's economy. The author, Nakaya, stated, “When the unknown
becomes known, it catalyzes change, stimulating human thought, creativity, and
imagination.” Children of all ages will become curious about what is out there
and will have a desire to truly discover the future of space on their own.
➔ Argument 4: NASA’s current space programs help the development of future space
programs and our knowledge of space
◆ Pertaining to the development of our society, NASA’s current space programs
will advance the knowledge we need to explore outside of our galaxy or other
planets.
◆ NASA is currently planning and putting into action the return to the moon. As of
April 16, SpaceX secured a $2.89 billion contract to build a spaceship to go to the
moon (Proquest Staff, 2021). There is quite a bit of debate about whether or not
NASA should return to the moon. The United States should return to the moon
and colonize it. Catalan states, “While the moon may have already been explored,
colonizing it will be a greater triumph with project Artemis.” (2020). If we as a
country hope to visit and colonize other planets, we must study the moon first.
Jim Bridenstine, the administrator of NASA, states that the results of this will
help the exploration of Mars. By having astronauts do an in-depth analysis of the
moon and how it works, NASA will have a better understanding of what to do on
Mars. Pertaining to the colonization of the moon, NASA hopes to colonize the
moon next. Our space program’s next step is to figure out if a.) Mars can or has
supported life and b.) how life is formed throughout the universe. Mars is rich in
carbon dioxide, meaning it has a warm atmosphere and is very wet. This is very
similar to Earth, which is the only known planet with life. Astronauts are to drill,
take samples, culture biochemical analysis, and relate observations beyond the
ability of robotic rovers to discover whether or not Mars had life (“Why
Humankind,” 2019). The United States hopes to colonize Mars, and potentially
use it in the future beyond research. This mission will provide an epic advance in
human knowledge, covering the discovery of the truth about the nature of life and
our place in the cosmos (“Why Humankind,” 2019). Stephen Hawking argued
 Beale & Ho 4

that we must colonize other planets to ensure mankinds’ long-term survival

(DeGroot, 2012). This is exactly what the mission to Mars will bring us to. If
Mars is inhabitable by man, then the mission will for sure be able to bring us the
information needed to explore other planets and/or galaxies.
● Put in somewhere about in 2004 (Mar 23) how past liquid water was
found on Mars
➔ Counterargument: The actual costs of space
◆ Supporting details: One supply cargo can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $27,000
depending on the company or organization (The High, 2019). One NASA rocket
could cost $27 million (Davenport, 2021). One SLS rocket could cost $1.6 billion
(Catalan, 2020).
◆ Many argue that space exploration is unnecessary because of its high cost. For
example, when supply cargo ships are sent to space, they can cost anywhere from
$10,000 to $27,000 depending on what company is sending them (The High,
2019). Furthermore, rockets may take up a large portion of NASA’s budget, for
one of their rockets cost roughly $27 million (Davenport, 2021). Although this
amount may seem high, it is actually on the cheaper side compared to an SLS
rocket that could cost $1.6 billion (Catalan, 2020). The cost of space exploration
may be high; however, its benefits weigh out this negative which is why it is
important.
➔ Conclusion

References

Bachman, J. (2020 Mar 06). SpaceX Deal May Herald Tourist Trips to Space Station. Los

Angeles Times.

                 In this database, the author covers the future of space explorations through

private companies. The database covers the different private companies that will be
 Beale & Ho 5

making their into space as well as when they schedule to take off in the future.

Furthermore, the resource points out the connection between NASA and commercial

companies in terms of safety and reliability. The future of space exploration may no

longer be in the hands of government-funded companies but rather high-income

corporations and anyone they see fit.

Catalan, I. (2020 Mar 09). NASA Prepares to Go to the Moon: Is the $30 Billion Trip Worth It?

University Wire.

                 In this newspaper article, the author pushes forward the benefits of

returning to the moon, despite the conspicuous negatives. The negatives, such as the

high cost and the ever-changing political views towards NASA's space program, are

only a fraction of what this mission could bring. By ending with the main point that

colonizing the moon will be a triumph, the author wanted to express their final stance

on the matter. The author refuted their arguments by going into detail regarding how

quickly the goals for the space program change and the high price that comes out of

taxpayers' pocket. The author hoped that by doing so, they would be successful in

convincing those who were questions whether or not returning to the moon would be

worth it.

Davenport, C. (2020 Feb 11). Big Budget Boost in U.S. for Travel to the Moon; Artemis

Program. Ottawa Citizen.

Davenport, C. (2021 Mar 07). NASA's Losing Its Grip in New Space Age. Washington Post.

                 Within this article, the author talks about the growing popularity of private

companies within space exploration. NASA looks down at commercial companies in

terms of safety and regulation. Although NASA cannot ignore its advancements in
 Beale & Ho 6

space exploration, for they provide cheaper routes and money is not always available

to NASA. Many scientists view private companies to be the future of space

exploration and view it as something that could work alongside NASA. In addition,

different companies often have different goals and intentions; therefore, each of them

builds different space crafts for different purposes.

DeGroot, J. (2012). The US Government Should Cut NASA Funding. In D. Haugen & Z. Lewis

(Eds.), Space Exploration. Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from "The Space Race Is a

Pointless Waste of Money," 2009, Telegraph)

                 Within this database, the author refers to the high expenses of NASA and its

funding. Over time many presidents have sought to increase space funding to create

new advancements as well as to compete with other countries. On the other hand, not

all presidents have seen space exploration as a necessity and have attempted to reduce

its funds in order to increase the funds of other programs. Furthermore, parts of

society have spoken out about space and feel that it is something that should remain

untouched and does not need human involvement.

Greenfieldboyce, N. (2021, March 17). NASA to test rocket in the next step toward returning to

the moon. NPR. Retrieved March 30, 2021, from

https://www.npr.org/2021/03/17/978163949/nasa-to-test-rocket-in-the-next-step-toward-

returning-to-the-moon

                 This article from NPR focuses on the return to the moon and how NASA is

planning to get there. The author, Nell Greenfieldboyce, takes the time to break down

the steps to reach the moon. Nell is a trusted scientist correspondent at NPR and has

contributed numerous articles concerning NASA. Greenfieldboyce quotes the

 Beale & Ho 7

administrator of NASA, Steve Jurczyk, to emphasize the importance of the return to

the moon and his confidence in getting there. Although it is expensive, NASA is

working hard to gain enough funding to cover the expenses and get their astronauts

back up to the moon. The author even supplies a photo and video to signify the

magnitude that must go into building a rocket. NASA needs to revisit the moon, but

they are ultimately challenged by delays in scheduling and a lack of funding.

The High Cost of Space Missions. (2019 Jan 12). SIRS Issues Researcher.

https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2264338676?accountid=3785

                 In this article, the author covers the high costs of space exploration; and the

different paths scientists have taken in an attempt to overcome these costs. Sending

anything to space is often costly; however, the article points out that a single pound of

something can cost thousands to ship. In addition, the author makes a statement about

how different private companies will charge different amounts per pound. Due to these

high expenses, NASA is finding new ways to recycle material that would not

necessarily need to be sent up.

Mascaro, J. (2016). Humans Should Resume Exploring the Moon and Outer Space. In M. Ruth

(Ed.), Space Exploration. Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from "Following Newt to the

Moon," 2012, Thespacereview.com)

Proquest Staff. (2021 Jan 04). Space Exploration and Travel Timeline. SIRS Issues Researcher.

https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2250550187?accountid=3785

                 This timeline maps out space events from the years 1919 to 2021. The

ProQuest staff wanted to give readers a resource to use when researching space. It was

detailed, short, and included everything from Robert Goddard launching the first
 Beale & Ho 8

liquid-fueled rocket in 1926 to the first vehicle to fly to another planet in 2021. This

vertical display of information made it easy to find the information any reader would

need. With over one hundred entries and more on their way, there is no doubt that the

ProQuest team left anything out.

Space Exploration Will Play an Important Role in America's Future. (2006). In A. C. Nakaya

(Ed.), America in the Twenty-First Century. Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from "The

Vision for Space Exploration," 2004, Www.nasa.gov)

Why humankind shouldn't return to the moon. (2019, July 18). The Spectator (Hamilton,

Ontario), NA.

                 This article directly challenges NASA's plan to return to the moon. Instead

of returning to the barren, lifeless moon, this author feels that NASA should go

straight to mars. Going to the moon is an expensive expedition that will require

billions of dollars, money that will come out of taxes. The author wants to encourage

those to advocate for a journey to Mars. By going to Mars, astronauts will be able to

discover if there is life and if mars can support life. Mars is a promising mission; that

will increase our knowledge of space and set goals for the future of space exploration.
 Beale & Ho 9

Research VIDEO Peer Edit

Peer Editor(s): Sidney
Writer’s Name(s): Allison and Catherine
PSA Videos: If the videos are made, watch them, and rate them using the rubric
below. If not, just use the “Script” and “Content” portions of the rubric and move
on to the questions.
Script: Includes a well-written script of all spoken 15
parts of actors as well as stage directions (25)
Format: Used professional video production and N/A
editing software such as Movie Maker (25)
Content: Videos are persuasive in nature and 20
present three different, important points of topic. The
opposition is addressed and refuted. Each video
uses appropriate content or an attention-getting
technique to make an impact on the viewer.
(20)
Focus: Videos stay on topic (10) 10
Speaking Skills: Rate, pitch, volume of speech N/A
are appropriate to hear and understand video. (10)
Professional: Characters in video act and dress N/A
for the part (no fits of giggles) (10)
How long are the script rough drafts?
9 Pages.
Is the script convincing? Does it adequately support the pro or con stance? Why?
Yes, the writers provide a lot of facts and sources to support them. She contradicts
the cons by providing more beneficial reasons.

What did you learn that you did not already know?
 Beale & Ho 10

I did not know that the white house is starting to increase its funds for NASA;
roughly 425 billion to $38 billion.

Does the script have correctly formatted parenthetical citations included to cite the
sources?
Yes

Is the opposition addressed and refuted?

Yes, the opposition is discussed in the opening lines; “There are all the movies
about space and how it can be dangerous and how astronauts need think
critically…” and then is refuted with; “but they never cover how much money goes
into it,” which is then followed by more refuted reasoning.

What is the strongest part?

I think argument three is the strongest part. The writers educate while also
persuading their audience to support space exploration.

What could be done to improve this work?

(When the script is made) provide persuasive dialogue between writers, rather than
many facts.