Space Programs and

Research: Do we need it?

My Stance:
• Yes, we need space programs and research.
• It is worthy of the money and resources devoted because of the
benefits and outcomes it has offered us so far and will offer in future.
Historical Context

• USSR launched the Sputnik 1 in 1957, marking an emergence of new

age know as ‘Space Age.’
• US launched explorer 1 in 1958 as a quick response to USSR’s satellite
launch triggering a rivalry known as ‘Space Race.’
• Since then a lot of countries have joined in space programs and
research to show their dominance in the new territory.
• A general shift from competition to cooperation has been observed,
for example ISS. But still space programs used as a proxy war for
geopolitical rivalries is seen today.
Question
• Apart from countries using it as a show of power, what real
significance and scientific value it has in our life and for the whole
human race as well?
• Should the countries continue investing in it?
Arguments:
• Provide a unique challenge which has advanced our technological
capabilities.
• Technology developed during space programs have found better
usage in different field of science. Like for instance, Digital Image
processing in MRI and CT Scan.
• Biggest achievement came as the installation of satellite in space. We
got Internet, GPS, weather forecasting, etc. because of it.
• Global population is increasing and will reach 11.2 billion by 2030.
With overpopulation, the availability of livable space, food, clean
water, clean energy will be strained.
• A possible solution: expansion of human race to other similar
habitable planets. Research has shown Mars and Europa having the
largest possible habitable space.
• To solve energy crisis: Solar panels can be installed in space or the
Moon. Asteroid Mining can be done.
• These all require better technologies which can only be developed by
further continuation of space programs.
Counter arguments:
• Money and resources should rather be devoted to poverty and
hunger alleviation programs.
• For instance in case of India, $37 billion dollar invested annually
through different social programs.
• These programs are ineffective and insufficient. $74 billion should be
invested annually: UN. How adding ISRO’s $1.2 billion budget would
make any difference?
• Annually $300 billion should be invested at global level. The world
needs to be committed if it wants to tackle poverty and hunger. A
good sign of commitment would be cutting down global military
spending, which amounts to $1.7 trillion annually.
Conclusion:
• General perception of the people which make them believe that
rocket science has nothing to do with our lives.
• Which is used by few to criticize the utility of space programs time
and again.
• Given the necessity to solve global challenges mankind is facing, it is
of utmost need to continue space programs and research, possibly
increase the investments in it.
References:
• Atkinson, Nancy. “Where could Humans survive on our Solar System?” University Today.
https://www.universetoday.com/42782/where-could-humans-survive-in-our-solar-
system/ Accessed: 22 Nov 2018.
• Bera, Sayantan.“ India needs to invest $74 billion per year to eradicate hunger by 2030:
UN.” Livemint. https://www.livemint.com/Politics/vcRxMBBZ2AmVRtLemq5paL/India-
needs-to-invest-74-billion-per-year-to-end-hunger-by.html. Accessed: 22 Nov 2018.
• “Did NASA invent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?” Innovative Partnership Program,
NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/home/mythbuster/myth_mri.html. Accessed:
22 Nov 2018.
• Enriquez, Jof. “Japanese Scientist Develop Long Distance Wireless Power Transmission.”
RF Globalnet. https://www.rfglobalnet.com/doc/japanese-scientists-develop-long-
distance-wireless-power-transmission-0001. Accessed: 22 Nov 2018.
• Finch, Edward R., and Amanda Lee Moore. “Ecospace: The Economics of Outer Space—
and the Future.” American Bar Association Journal, vol. 62, no. 3, 1976, pp. 332–338.
JSTOR.
• “Global Military spending remains high at $1.7 trillion”. STOCKHOLM
INTERNATIONAL PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE.
https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2018/global-military-spending-
remains-high-17-trillion. Accessed: 23 Nov 2018.
• Kumar, Chethan. “ISRO earns Rs. 5600 crore over three years.” The Times of
India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-earns-rs-5600-crore-
in-three-years/articleshow/65390644.cms. Accessed: 23 Nov 2018
• “Space at Glance”. Department of Space. https://www.isro.gov.in/budget-
glance. Accessed: 22 Nov 2018.
• Whipple, Fred L. “Great Achievements in Space Exploration.” Bulletin of the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, vol. 35, no. 8, 1982, pp. 30–
40.JSTOR.
• “World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.” Department of Economic and
Social Affairs, United Nations.
https://www.un.org/development/desa/publications/world-population-
prospects-the-2017-revision.html. Accessed: 22 Nov 2018.
Questions?