The United States spends over $20 billion a year on space exploration through NASA. Do you think that this has been worth the cost? In three to five sentences, provide two specific examples of things we have learned from space exploration, and explain how these examples influence your opinion.(4 points)
Yes, I believe that the United States' investment of over $20 billion a year in space exploration through NASA has been worth the cost. First, space exploration has given us a deeper understanding of our own planet. Through satellite imagery and remote sensing technology, we have acquired valuable data on climate patterns, land use, and natural disasters, crucial for better managing resources and mitigating environmental risks. Second, space exploration has expanded our knowledge of the universe and our place in it. Discoveries like exoplanets, gravitational waves, and the cosmic microwave background radiation have provided insights into the origins of the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, fueling scientific curiosity, technological advancements, and inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers. The cumulative impact of these discoveries and technological advancements justifies the cost of space exploration.
