Some people feel that the cost of space exploration is far too high for the benefits it brings

while others
argue that space programmes should continue no matter what the cost. Discuss both sides and give your
opinion?
Tiền đổ vào space exploration thì nhiều quá so với lợi ích mà nó mang lại.
Số khác thì bảo là cứ đầu tư đi dù tốn kém thế nào.
Given the importance of venturing into space in the modern age, questions about whether the government
should put financial premium on these research projects are looming large. While it is a common assumption
that investing money in space exploration is a lost cause compared to to the benefits, many argue that space
exploration should be high on the national agenda, regardless of the exorbitant cost. The following essay
will analyze these conflicting views before giving my opinion which support the former view.
Advocates of space exploration tout the practical benefits that this investment bring to technological
advancements and national security in comparison to the budgets spent on it. They argue that space
exploration has led to numerous scientific and technological advancements such as new medical treatments
and impoved communication technology. To illustrate, the development of CAT and MRI scans influenced
by NASA’s imaging technology has contributed greatly to improving the quality of life for people on Earth.
Additionally, a nation’s security is an aspect that can gain significant benefits. It is the United States’
reconnaissance satellites that provide crucial intelligence on military activities around the world. Data in
2019 have shown that the US spent $14.1 billion on national security space activities to protect citizens and
ensuring stability. In this light, projects on space exploration deserve higher financial support from the
government.
Alternatively, proponents of allocating more governmental budgets on space exploration believe that the cost
of space exploration is astronomical and could be better spent on other priorities such as education and
healthcare. This holds true for many underdeveloped nations that people are still living under the lines with
no more than $2 per day. It is education that can help these countries address pressing social and economic
issues. As each person is a social unit generating wealth, paying tax and contributing to the development of
the society. If citizens receive proper education and healthcare, they can play active economic roles. In this
case, budget spent on space exploration programs is a squander. That is not to mention the risks and dangers
from accidents and disasters. Take Columbia as an example, the Challenger space shuttle disasters resulted
in the deaths of 14 astronauts. Even worse, money spent on space exploration has little to no impact on
alleviating the suffering of the struggles on Earth.
In conclusion while space exploration has led to numerous technological advancements and the security of
one nation, its costs and risks are important to consider. A balance must be struck between pursuing
scientific curiosity and addressing immediate societal needs so as not to dent the budget of the government.

3. Critical opinion:

 Idea 1: While space exploration is expensive, it has led to numerous scientific and technological
advancements that have improved the quality of life for people on Earth.
 Idea 2: However, it is important to consider the costs and risks of space exploration and prioritize
spending on pressing social and economic issues. A balance must be struck between pursuing
scientific curiosity and addressing immediate societal needs.

2.2 Argument 2 for B: Risks and dangers

 Explain: Space exploration involves significant risks and dangers to human life and can lead to
accidents and disasters.
 Example: The Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters resulted in the deaths of 14
astronauts.
 Data: According to NASA, there have been 18 astronaut fatalities during space missions.
  Influence: The risks of space exploration could outweigh the potential benefits.

2.3 Argument 3 for B: Private sector involvement

 Explain: Private companies can take on space exploration, which would reduce the burden on
taxpayers.
 Example: SpaceX, a private company, has successfully launched and landed reusable rockets,
lowering the cost of space launches.
 Data: Private space companies have received over $25 billion in investment since 2000.
 Influence: Private sector involvement could lead to more efficient and cost-effective space
exploration.

4. Critical opinion:

 Idea 1: While space exploration is expensive, it has led to numerous scientific and technological
advancements that have improved the quality of life for people on Earth.
 Idea 2: However, it is important to consider the costs and risks of space exploration and prioritize
spending on pressing social and economic issues. A balance must be struck between pursuing
scientific curiosity and addressing immediate societal needs.

1.1 Argument 1 for A: The benefits of space exploration

 Explain: Space exploration has led to numerous scientific and technological advancements, such as
new medical treatments and improved communication technology.
 Example: The development of CAT and MRI scans was influenced by NASA's imaging technology.
 Data: NASA's investments in space technology have contributed to over 1,800 spin-off technologies.
 Influence: The advancement of technology has improved the quality of life for people on Earth.

1.2 Argument 2 for A: National security

 Explain: Space exploration is critical to national security, as it provides crucial information on

potential threats to the country.
 Example: The United States' reconnaissance satellites provide crucial intelligence on military
activities around the world.
 Data: In 2019, the US spent $14.1 billion on national security space activities.
 Influence: Maintaining national security is essential for protecting citizens and ensuring stability.

1.3 Argument 3 for A: Inspiration and education

 Explain: Space exploration inspires people and encourages scientific curiosity.

 Example: The Apollo moon landing inspired a generation of young people to pursue careers in
science and technology.
 Data: NASA's outreach programs have reached millions of people, encouraging interest in science
and technology.
 Influence: Encouraging scientific curiosity can lead to innovation and progress.

1.4 Argument 4 for A: The cost of space exploration is not high compared to those invested in other areas
  Explain: The cost of space exploration is worth it, given the irony that the money spent on space
programs is often less than the amount spent on other, less impactful areas.
 Evidence: For example, the budget for NASA is only a small fraction of the US military budget.
 Impact: The very same people who argue against the cost of space exploration may not realize that
the amount spent on it is comparatively low.

2.1 Argument 1 for B: The cost of space exploration

 Explain: The cost of space exploration is astronomical and could be better spent on other priorities,
such as education and healthcare.
 Example: NASA's annual budget is over $22 billion, which could fund many other important
programs.
 Data: The cost of the Apollo program in today's dollars was over $100 billion.
 Influence: Prioritizing spending on other programs could address pressing social and economic
issues.

2.2 Argument 2 for B: Risks and dangers

 Explain: Space exploration involves significant risks and dangers to human life and can lead to
accidents and disasters.
 Example: The Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters resulted in the deaths of 14
astronauts.
 Data: According to NASA, there have been 18 astronaut fatalities during space missions.
 Influence: The risks of space exploration could outweigh the potential benefits.

2.3 Argument 3 for B: Private sector involvement

 Explain: Private companies can take on space exploration, which would reduce the burden on
taxpayers.
 Example: SpaceX, a private company, has successfully launched and landed reusable rockets,
lowering the cost of space launches.
 Data: Private space companies have received over $25 billion in investment since 2000.
 Influence: Private sector involvement could lead to more efficient and cost-effective space
exploration.

5. Critical opinion:

 Idea 1: While space exploration is expensive, it has led to numerous scientific and technological
advancements that have improved the quality of life for people on Earth.
 Idea 2: However, it is important to consider the costs and risks of space exploration and prioritize
spending on pressing social and economic issues. A balance must be struck between pursuing
scientific curiosity and addressing immediate societal needs.