Space Exploration

[Hobby]

I was thinking about why we spend so much money on space exploration when we can't leave our planet.  The nearest habitable planet is 4.7 light years and would take thousands of years to reach.  To date NASA has spent like 1 trillion dollars. I have no doubt there are other planets with intelligent life but they are impossible to travel to. Studying and working in space near earth and the moon is worth while but sending a man to mars what for what? We can't live there! I would like to see money spent on fixing the problems we have here on earth than to burn money out the end of rocket.

[dogwalker]

A few have left our planet to go to the moon.
Many more have gone to the space station or done orbits and suborbital flights.
Some think the moon and Mars can be inhabited but it may be like the space station.
Mostly for a select few, not routine life.
But ummmmmmm that might be why we should take better care of the planet we have.

Some things developed for space had uses on Earth but I'd guess the return
on that investment may not be so good () compared to other investments.
Supposedly one reason NASA itself has not been as active as it used to be is it's too expensive!
NASA itself said that.

Going back to Moon though.  Artemis III !!!  Might land around Sep., 2026 if all goes well.
4 astronauts going up and 2 will land on the lunar surface who are planned to be one woman and one person of color.

[Blkfyre]

Resources, pure and simple. Science Fiction writers have been telling people for decades that untapped resources are out there on the moon/planets/asteroid belt for the taking, all we have to do is get to them.

And the rules as such now say, you put your flag down first, you own it.

[Tuscano]

The research required for space exploration has revolutionized many industries. What I can do now in my office is just amazing. Better results and cheaper

[HighStepper]

...But ummmmmmm that might be why we should take better care of the planet we have.

Some things developed for space had uses on Earth ...
 

The research required for space exploration has revolutionized many industries. What I can do now in my office is just amazing. Better results and cheaper

Space exploration has led to numerous technologies that have been adapted for everyday use on Earth. Here are some notable examples of NASA spinoff technologies:

• Memory Foam: Originally developed to improve the safety of aircraft cushions, memory foam is now widely used in mattresses, pillows, and even shoes for its comfort and support.
  
• Scratch-Resistant Lenses: NASA's research into coatings for astronaut helmet visors led to the development of scratch-resistant lenses for eyeglasses1.
  
• Infrared Ear Thermometers: Using infrared technology initially developed to measure the temperature of stars, these thermometers can quickly and accurately measure body temperature1.
  
• Cordless Tools: The need for portable, battery-operated tools for space missions led to the creation of cordless power tools, which are now common in households and industries1.
  
• Water Purification Systems: Technologies developed to ensure astronauts have safe drinking water in space have been adapted to create portable water purification systems used in disaster relief and remote areas1.
  
• Digital Imaging Breast Biopsy System: This technology, derived from Hubble Space Telescope's imaging technology, allows for less invasive and more accurate breast cancer detection2.
  
• Anti-Icing Systems: NASA's research into aircraft safety has led to the development of anti-icing systems for airplanes, improving safety in cold weather conditions.
  These are just a few examples of how space research and technology have been repurposed to benefit life on Earth. If you're interested in more, NASA's Spinoff website https://spinoff.nasa.gov/
  
  Disclosure:
  Above written with the aid of AI Microsoft Copilot. Interesting feature I'm just trying out.

[Hobby]

This is all true and was performed by space work done within 300 miles of earth. Why spend money going to Mars or other planets when we probably will never go there?

[Tuscano]

This is all true and was performed by space work done within 300 miles of earth. Why spend money going to Mars or other planets when we probably will never go there?

Like anal, you would never know if you refused to explore new territory...