The Importance of Sending People to Space

Question

1
Several generations of people have seen pictures of Neil Armstrong stepping onto the Moon in 1969. At the time, the hundreds of millions who watched this historic event likely thought it marked the beginning of a bold new kind of exploration. Perhaps they thought they would soon hear more messages from outer space. Maybe they envisioned that by the turn of the century someone would walk on the surface of Mars. Now, though, more than 40 years later, it’s robots—not astronauts—who are making most of the voyages beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Robotic space exploration does have some advantages. However, there are many reasons why we should make sending more people into space a priority.

Beyond the Program

2
The capabilities of the space probes and rovers we now use would have been the stuff of science fiction just a few short decades ago. Like any other machines, though, they have one major weakness. They can do only what they are programmed to do. They cannot make a distinction between unusual and expected observations. They cannot reason. They cannot think. A human scientist who identified a curious specimen on Mars would likely concentrate on finding out everything possible about it. The unthinking robot would probably treat it as just another sample.

Efforts Yield Results

3
One of the arguments in favor of using robots to explore space is that machines can go places humans cannot. This may be true, but let’s consider the other side. Maybe the reason astronauts are not able to go to these places yet is that we aren’t putting enough effort into figuring out how to meet their complex needs during prolonged space missions. Humans have proven time and again that they are able to solve problems that may have seemed impossible at first. There is no reason to assume that the challenge of sending people to Mars, Jupiter, or Neptune and getting them back home safely would be any different.

Costs and Benefits

4
Humans, as living things, have many needs that robots do not. Giving astronauts what they require to stay healthy in space naturally makes these kinds of missions more expensive than ones that use robots. It’s vital to weigh these increased costs against the benefits. If sending one human crew to Venus could advance our knowledge of the universe as much as three robotic space missions could, even a much higher cost would be justified.

Keeping the Dream Alive

5
It is said that the idea of traveling into space captures the imagination. For most, though, it’s not an image of a small vehicle rolling across the surface of Mars that inspires awe and wonder. It’s the notion that—one day—people from Earth will explore distant worlds that are literally millions of miles away from our home planet.

Robots: The New Space Explorers
1
For some, the words “space exploration” bring to mind images of brave astronauts holding their helmets and waving at a crowd of smiling people before climbing into a rocket ship and blasting off. This may indeed be the scene commonly presented in blockbuster movies. These days, though, most voyages into space are made by machines. By making use of robots, humans can learn a great deal about our solar system and what lies beyond. The best part? We can do so without leaving the safety of Earth. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for people to attempt a risky trip to the Moon or to another planet.

Anything Astronauts Can Do . . .

2
The probes, rovers, and other types of equipment that travel into space are designed by brilliant individuals who have a deep knowledge of both robotics and space exploration. These machines can be programmed to do many of the same things a human might do. For example, space probes can measure the temperature on a planet and determine the gases that are present in its atmosphere. They can take photographs of a planet’s surface. Some can even collect samples and bring them back to Earth.

Accomplishing What Isn’t Humanly Possible

3
We are so far away from other planets that current technology makes it impractical for humans to travel to them. Machines do not care how far they are away from Earth, though, or even if they ever come back. Robots can go farther into space and explore more distant objects and planets than humans can. Robotic spacecraft have traveled to the closest planet to the Sun and those farthest away. Some have even ventured farther into the Milky Way.

Smart Spending of Space Dollars

4
We live in a world where many question whether it is wise to spend any money on exploring space. Even those who believe we should would likely agree that wise spending should be a priority. It is a well-established fact that it is cheaper to send robots into space than it is to send people. Consider the following: In 2011, NASA sent a rover called the Mars Science Laboratory to Mars. The cost of this mission was about 2.5 billion dollars. According to NASA, sending people on a similar mission would potentially increase the price tag to hundreds of billions of dollars.

Robotic Space Explorers: Creations That Inspire Awe

5
There are those who will argue that the concept of a robot traveling to Mars or Pluto simply isn’t as exciting as the notion of men and women making the same journey. Perhaps, though, they simply need to look at the idea of robotic space exploration in a slightly different way. These robots are making discoveries in places people cannot yet reach. They are a reminder of the practically limitless genius of the human mind.
Both authors of "The Importance of Sending People to Space" and "Robots: The New Space Explorers" argue convincingly for or against using robots in space exploration in place of humans. Do you think such technology is positive or negative? Write a well-developed, multi-paragraph essay that states and argues your position. Cite evidence from both texts to support your argument.
​

Answer 1

The Positive Impact of Space Exploration Technology

In the debate surrounding space exploration, the arguments for and against using robots versus humans are compelling. While the human spirit yearns for adventure and discovery, robotic probes also represent an evolutionary leap in our scientific capabilities. Ultimately, the technological advancements surrounding robotic space exploration are overwhelmingly positive, allowing us to explore further than ever before, while minimizing risks and costs associated with human space travel.

Robots have revolutionized our understanding of the solar system through their capacity to conduct thorough investigations without the need for life-support systems that humans require. In the article "Robots: The New Space Explorers," the author emphasizes that robotic machines can perform many of the same tasks as astronauts, such as gathering atmospheric data or photographing planetary surfaces. The Mars Science Laboratory rover, for example, is capable of conducting geological assessments and returning crucial samples to Earth, providing insights into our planetary neighbors that would be challenging for humans to achieve. As the author notes, these machines can travel to regions that are currently beyond human reach, venturing into the depths of space where environmental conditions could be lethal to astronauts.

Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of robotic missions cannot be overstated. Both the costs of sending humans into space and the complexities of ensuring their survival are astronomical. According to "Robots: The New Space Explorers," sending a crewed mission to Mars could skyrocket into the hundreds of billions of dollars, a price tag that could deter future exploration efforts. In stark contrast, robotic missions have already been executed at a fraction of the cost, allowing for the allocation of resources to multiple exploratory efforts instead of a single, expensive human mission. This efficiency not only enables broader exploration but also paves the way for scientific discovery at an unprecedented scale.

However, the human aspect of space exploration cannot be dismissed. The article "The Importance of Sending People to Space" highlights the potential for human ingenuity to tackle unforeseen challenges, something machines lack. A human observer can react to unexpected situations in real-time and make astute decisions based on evolving circumstances. This capability is particularly vital for missions to distant planets such as Mars or Jupiter, where the unknown is abundant. The astronauts' presence adds a layer of flexibility and adaptability to exploration that robots simply cannot offer.

Yet, despite the advantages of human decision-making capabilities, the current reality of distance and technology strongly favors robotic exploration. As advancements continue to enhance the abilities of these machines, they can push the boundaries of our knowledge further than many humans could ever risk or afford. Programs utilizing robots allow us to explore harsh environments and collect vital data that enrich our understanding of the universe.

In conclusion, the argument for robotic space exploration technology is not merely about replacing humans; it’s about enhancing our ability to learn and discover while ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness. Robotic missions have proven successful in expanding our knowledge of the solar system, and investing in this technology allows humanity to dream and aspire for greater discoveries. While the human element in space exploration remains invaluable, the benefits of robotic exploration firmly position this technology as a positive force in our quest to understand the cosmos.