Hi all,
I am back at home for the extended weekend and it feels great. Before i carry on, a happy Ugadi to one and all!
I always wanted to discuss this topic…space exploration(SE).Is it really necessary?. So i thought it would be good if i could raise this topic in this space and elicit views of the Wiproites.
The case FOR SE is pretty simple and straight forward. SE(unfortunately) represents a country’s prowess in scientific advancement. It has, over the years, come to indicate a country’s clout in the international arena. Moreover, proponents of SE, claim that many aerospace technologies are spin offs from the research time and money spent on SE.
The case AGAINST SE is as follows. We all know how much countries around the world spend on SE. The expenses of preparing the basic infrastructure for SE is humongous to say the least. Then there is the cost of the space vehicle and not to mention to the high tech gadgetry inside it that transmits back data to the ground centre, the fat pay cheques for the scientist and technical staff working there.
The other thing about SE is that it tends to be impractical. We all know that other than the earth there is no planet that is hospitable for human existence. No planet has the right set of “ingriedients” for humans to reside in it. So what the probes we sent to mars managed to find water in it. Mars’s atmosphere still doesnt have the right composition for humans to live in. Then how about the soil..who is going to make it cultivatible.
Last but not least, the planet that we are all living in can accomodate all of us. I read somewhere that we can fit into a texas in groups(read families) of 4 with a dwelling and a garden for each group. So there is enough space for everyone and there can be(with proper policies) enough food and opportunities for each and everyone of us.
I have intentionally not stated my position in detail here so that it will not influence you people. I hope to have a debate on this issue. Waiting for your comments and replies
4 comments:
** We all know that other than the earth there is no planet that is hospitable for human existence.
- What percentage of the Universe do we "really" know? We ve not explored it to the best of our ability. And our technology may be classified as *good*, but not way too good to actually state that it can certify non-existence of life elsewhere.
** No planet has the right set of “ingriedients” for humans to reside in it.
- Y so..? Y do u feel that only hydrocarbon life forms can/should exist..? No, I am not being drawn in to fiction here. But y shd we be so "narrow-minded" and come to such a conclusion that there can't be anything else apart from life on Planet Earth?
I agree that a helluva lotta money is being spent here. But well, Science does render man curious to explore the vastness of the expanse that is space and the universe.
Probability is an interesting subject. And when we ourselves have a lot to uncover in Science, it is prolly best to be realistic. Nothing is for certain.
It *may*... just *may* be greener on the other side.
Have a good time at home. buddy... Take care.
Peace.
@kartz..ok say, we do find something out there that is somewhat hospitable...after spending billions(trillions?) ... so whats next...all of us are going to shift there? as if destroying earth wasnt enough...
I do not know if the money spent on space exploration is done so efficiently but I'm of the opinion that money should be spent and things should be explored. Whether we get anything in return is another point but there are lots of other things that we waste money on. Money spent in space exploration can't be called a waste. I'm afraid we (the human race) do a few things to which we can't attach a value. If we start doing so, we may end up doing nothing. Technological understanding and progress will be made only when we venture into uncharted boundaries. At what cost? As much as you can afford after setting aside for the life on earth.
We cannot shift anywhere till we break the light barrier.
SETI - Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence - is on a quest. Life forms may/may not exist. If they do, we are unsure about their intelligence levels. That is another debate.
NASA, especially, has huge funding for space projects. And well, as Sriram pointed out, there are many other ways wherein in money goes waste. SE has shown some promise thus far. They are coming out with some results. And no project on such a scale can guarantee quick results.
As a space enthusiast myself, I'd love to find out if any other hospitable place exists. Somewhere. (Forget ET. I mean something that can cater to us hydrocarbon life forms)
It is a ubiquitous fact that humans are a greedy race. So, destroying Earth will be a result of our unending desire and vanity. While those scientists find some habitable place, we can try to prolong Earth's lifetime by cutting down on our consumption.
But as I said though, shifting *anywhere* is sheer bull till we develop something that can equal or go faster than c.
Peace.
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