In September, two astronauts found themselves stuck in space, and global discussions reignited the public debate about the value of space exploration. As the dramatic event continues to unfold, many Americans are revisiting questions about whether the vast amount of money spent on space programs is justified, especially when immediate problems on Earth remain unsolved.
Why invest so heavily in exploring planets that are far removed from our daily lives? Is space exploration truly a noble pursuit, or is it a costly venture that yields little in return?
Supporters of space programs argue that exploring the cosmos is not just a noble endeavor but a necessary one. “Without space programs,” Ryan Whitwam of ExtremeTech said, “we wouldn't have GPS, accurate weather prediction, solar cells, instantaneous global communication, or the ultraviolet filters in sunglasses and cameras.” Solar panels, cochlear implants and certain cancer research projects were realized because of space exploration. Even MRI machines owe part of their creation to space exploration by NASA.
Exploring space helps scientists understand the universe and our place in it. Curiosity and the drive to push boundaries are fundamental to human nature, and space exploration fulfills this desire to explore the unknown that is our home.
On top of all of that, space exploration holds some importance when it comes to resources on Earth, which are finite and limited. Because the strain on our natural resources has continued to increase, scientists and researchers have looked to space for mining important resources such as metals. Asteroid mining, which has not yet been fully launched but is being explored, could prevent the need for traditional methods of mining, which are known to release toxic chemicals such as lead and arsenic into waterways and carbon into the atmosphere, damaging Earth and contributing to climate change.
On the other hand, critics argue that space exploration is a costly and risky venture with no guarantee of immediate benefits. With pressing issues like poverty, inequality and environmental degradation, some believe that the billions of dollars allocated to space programs could be better spent solving problems here at home. While much money does go toward space programs—roughly $25.4 billion according to the 2025 U.S. Government Budget—it only constitutes around 0.3-0.5% of the government’s total budget.
Some believe that space missions are inherently dangerous, and they aren’t wrong; the ongoing rescue operation for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams highlights the risks astronauts face, and because of this, some question whether the potential for discovery is worth these human and financial costs. Furthermore, while space exploration may offer solutions to Earth’s problems someday, these possibilities are distant and uncertain at the moment. Colonizing other planets or mining asteroids for resources remain long-term visions that may take decades or even centuries to realize, if at all.
While space exploration carries significant risks and costs, its potential rewards cannot be ignored. Understanding our universe is fundamental to our living in it, and space programs continue to expand our knowledge of life and everything inherent to it. From technological advancements to understanding this strange place that is our home, space exploration continues to help us learn more. This doesn’t mean that we can replace the care of our planet with space exploration. The challenge lies in balancing these long-term benefits with the immediate needs of our planet, ensuring that space programs complement, rather than detract from, efforts to improve life on Earth.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.