Expanding Our Horizons




Lately, I have been hearing some talk that many people believe that we should stop our searches/investigations through-out the galaxy and try to focus in on the issues here on our own planet. While I understand that we are going through some tough times here in the United States, I don't think that means that we should stop our investigations to other reaches or our universe. We need to understand other planets and other species before we can fully understand ourselves - at least this is the way that I see it. We don't need to give up the search for other live forms. What if something was to happen to our planet from to must pollution - not saying that it would be soon, however, it wouldn't hurt to look now. Imagine the idea of just hearing on the news one day that they have located a distant planet that could hold oxygen, carbon, etc. , to hear that we could live there! Nothing is impossible, nothing - it could happen at anytime. On the other side of the discussion, I do see how this could be taking up a lot of money, its not cheap to send a giant chunck of metal into space. I was reading up on the cost of a launch itself not for a spaceship but a satellite launch can cost anywhere between $50 million and $400 million. And an entire shuttle mission costs half a billion dollars (a shuttle mission could easily carry several satellites into orbit). This money could go to helping people here in our country, this money could help our several thousands of familys and friends get back on there feet. If not that it could go to helping the united states get "some what" out of debt to other countries by paying back some of the money that we owe.
Anywyas, my question to you is - Do you think we should continue the search through space or stop and take care of some money issues here?

4 ~*Comments*~:

Unknown said...

this post really makes ya think...what if...

Anonymous said...

Personally, I think at this moment in time our efforts are better spent on this planet. There are too many people in this world that go each day with out even their most basic of needs met. Not to mention the millions of people in our own country who live below the poverty line, the horrible state of our education system, the energy crisis, etc. I'm all for the space program, I was always fascinated by astronomy and am a self proclaimed science fiction geek, but I think it's a little lower on our list of priorities at the moment.

Very original idea to launch a discussion blog, I'll definitely be back. Welcome to blogger.

Alaedran said...

Woot.

Anonymous said...

That's very true, but I guess I just view it as worth the risk. I'd rather try and help 10 people who are quote unquote unhelpable then let one person who could have been helped slip through the cracks. Bleeding heart and all that. :)