From the Left
Space exploration should be a key goal of the United States in upcoming years. I have fond childhood memories of the excitement surrounding the Apollo lunar missions of the late '60s and early '70s. Like many Americans, I find it quite sad that we've seemingly lost our initial drive and hope in the pursuit of space. In 1968, many people believed that the space missions depicted in 2001: A Space Odyssey would come to pass by 2001, but they clearly have not. Although we've since sent probes such as Pioneer and Voyager past the planets to the outer rims of the solar system, there have been no manned missions to the moon since 1972 and we have yet to send a manned mission to another planet. Furthermore, aside from Skylab and the International Space Station, America has yet to develop a longterm space-based platform in which to live and work.
There are several reasons why we should devote much more effort to space exploration.
- Adventure: Throughout its history, America has had a strong devotion to expanding its horizons, and this dream should continue with space travel.
- Scientific Knowledge: Much new knowledge can be gained by performing both manned and unmanned space missions.
- Space-Based Industry: Many materials can be produced much more easily in the low gravity or zero gravity environment of space.
- Space-Based Agriculture: Space colonies offer the prospect of growing food in space, with the potential for ending world hunger.
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From the Right
Space travel is something that was introduced over thirty years ago. However, many of the computers used on the space shuttles are from the 1960s! It is incredible how Americans want to explore the possibilities of space, without the government finding the proper funding to update the space shuttles. When home computers are using more advanced programs than a space shuttle, there is a problem to be solved.
One main problem in the space travel program is that many politicians don’t want the industry privatized in any way. It is possible to let in capitalist interests, private interests, and individuals, who can afford to help the program grow and thrive. These interests are willing and excited to get involved. Politicians who think the government should be responsible for all of the costs are disillusioned.
In the past few years, the Shuttle operations have been partially privatized, with great success. According to NASA, the costs of operating the program have been reduced by 40%. More importantly, the overall safety of the entire space program has been increased by 800%. By allowing private sectors to manage what they are experts at managing, the federal government can only expect improvement throughout the program.
Former President Kennedy wanted the dream of space travel to include privatization. Therefore, it is only the duty of the government to fulfill that dream and be as efficient and wise about it as possible. There are always options to improve, however the government needs to release the reigns a bit for improvement to take place.
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