Quote:
Originally Posted by novaderrik
we explore space because it's there, and it's what we do.
we are a nomadic species by nature.
but governments might do it for reasons of national security- the nation that controls the high ground has a strategic advantage, and there is no "ground" higher than space.
there is also the economic benefits of space exploration- hundreds of thousands of jobs are created to support it, and every penny spent is spent here on earth. and the lessons learned and technology developed as a result eventually trickles down to everyone.
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The argument about creating jobs is a bit flawed I think, because without large government support, there would not be space travel at all.
Well except from one private firm that has now reached the 100 km barrier of space with a private financed craft.
We could create that jobs as well in wellfare, bureacracy, education, other fields of science, healthcare, etc.
Suppose you would invest the money that now goes into space travel on new energy technologies, I think it creates more jobs, it reduces green house gases and avoids rising price levels because of reaching oil depletion/peak oil problems, etc.
So please compare that.