aFireInside Posted June 6, 2014 Posted June 6, 2014 Here is my pitch. Hawkings & Bill Nye make the case that humans need to explore space for survival therefore we need to fund more space exploration programs. They make the case that this leads to innovation in technology. I heard stef talk a little bit on this but i think it would be interesting to get a rational take on this subject. To me it seems like funding space programs is like welfare for Scientist.
Culain Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 I would ask, what EXACTLY is in space that is necessary for our survival? What are they going to find that will advance our technology? From my knowledge we still have the required minerals and tools to last a LONG time without ever needing to go into space. Also, Bill Nye is a statist and wants America to be a global leader; he wants to beat other countries in the race, this isn't about humans it's just about patriotism.
MarkIX Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 I would ask, what EXACTLY is in space that is necessary for our survival? What are they going to find that will advance our technology? From my knowledge we still have the required minerals and tools to last a LONG time without ever needing to go into space. Also, Bill Nye is a statist and wants America to be a global leader; he wants to beat other countries in the race, this isn't about humans it's just about patriotism. I think the point is that all of us could be killed quickly by an asteroid impact at any time, won't you please think of the species (children are so yesterday). Don't get me wrong I'd love to go into space but I'll never get there on Statist terms. A better chance would be something like these guys
hannahbanana Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 From my knowledge we still have the required minerals and tools to last a LONG time without ever needing to go into space. Although humans would be able to last a long time on Earth, that still defines some point where we would fun out of resources. And another question is, at what cost? It could be that humanity could survive, but what of other species of plants and animals? What about population growth, food shortage, war? It's about more than just pure supplies available; as population size increases, the risk of wars and conflicts increases. If there was a nuclear war, the planet would become largely inhabitable in a very short amount of time, not enough time to find another place to live. So I guess the point of going into space would be to try to avoid all that death and hardship while we still can, since it is clear that there are so many different situations that can mess it up for us (not including asteroids and random solar flares that could incinerate the planet). Going to space would also grant a huge opportunity to people that want to start a new way of living. Although there are proponents to colonize space in a statist way, I'm pretty sure that right now space exploration is increasingly being funded by private businesses. It might be possible for a privately funded expedition/colonization to take place that could be completely separate from governments. Also, space is just pretty freaking cool.
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