Ian Furman portfolio

                       New Frontier (Space synthesis)

            Space has been said to be the final frontier. Exploring this frontier was thought of as a dream until the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) made it possible. Unfortunately this space program has received little to no support in recent years. Space exploration, a new frontier in the quest for knowledge, is a feat that, if achieved, could pave the way to international and economic unity in order to make new discoveries in all aspects of life for the advancements of mankind.

            Even though countries around the world have their differences, they share a common goal in space. In a review of space exploration David Livingston wrote, “We don’t get along on Earth, but we do well in space (source A).” This means that even though many people don’t get along on Earth, they agree that space is the future of mankind. A former astronaut notes his experience by saying, “That all-important border would be invisible (source G).” Michael Collins was speaking on how he saw that in space that borders we have created between us were gone, all that was there was one big, blue and white Earth. If we could realize that there are no borders in space, humanity could live in a unified and advanced future.

            Space exploration provides multiple ways for society to economically improve. David Livingston commented on how, “Countries know how space exploration builds wealth and improves the lives of their people (source A).” Investing in space exploration has been proven to provide not only money for our country, it also improves the people’s lives and inspires their futures for the better.  The national institute of health (NIH) has used space research to, “improve the lives of nineteen million Americans and lower death rates by fifty one percent (source D).”  If the research can help improve people’s lives so much now, imagine how much our economy will improve if the research continued in the future. 

            Even though all of these ambitious advancements are great, they cost money in order to accomplish.  Russell Roberts, a public radio announcer, stated, “I don’t see the case for using tax payer money to get it done (source H).”  In his radio broadcast he acknowledges the benefits of space exploration, but feels it is too expensive to fund.  It may seem expensive, but we only pay a small percentage of six cents out of a dollar (source C).  The benefits of space travel far out way the costs.  If we invested more into to it there is a greater chance to build profit and grow as a nation. 

             People have argued about the ramifications of space exploration, but it only has potential to improve our economy.  It can improve our relations on earth and provide us with much more profit.  Space exploration has shown that it would only improve our lives.