Governments are spending more on space exploration, with countries racing to land spacecraft on the moon and beyond. But is funding space development really worth the cost, or should resources be focused on pressing issues here on Earth?
Constructive
Pro Peter
Space development is crucial for humanity’s future. Like the early internet, it is small now but holds immense potential. Halting progress would mean losing opportunities to advance medicine, technology, and society. In medical research, space offers unique advantages, such as the acceleration of cellular aging, allowing scientists to study diseases and test drugs more efficiently. On Earth, developing a new treatment can take over a decade, but successful trials in space could lead to cures for cancer and other currently untreatable illnesses. Microgravity also aids technology, enabling simpler manufacturing of semiconductors that power modern electronics and drive innovation. By 2030, private U.S. space stations will open new paths for science and industry. Space is the next frontier, and development must continue to unlock its transformative potential.
Con Bella
Space development is not only expensive but may cause harm to the environment. Each rocket launch releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, soot, and toxic chemicals, worsening climate change and polluting the upper atmosphere. As missions increase, Earth’s atmosphere and ecosystems will pay the price. Ethical concerns are also significant. While billions lack clean water, food, or health care, governments and private companies spend billions on space tourism and experiments. Medical studies in space can put astronauts at risk, raising questions about human testing for corporate gain. In addition, for Korea, manned lunar landing remains unrealistic given current technology and budgets. Gradual advancement through satellites, probes, and launch vehicles, along with participation in international lunar projects, is a safer and more practical path for contributing to space exploration.
Rebuttal
Pro Peter
Space exploration remains a vital investment. You may argue it harms the environment and raises ethical questions, but progress can be managed responsibly. Scientists are already developing reusable launch systems and cleaner fuels to reduce pollution. Innovations from space technology, such as renewable energy satellites and advanced climate-monitoring systems, can help combat climate change. Moreover, ethical concerns overlook the broader benefits: space research drives survival and progress. Everyday technologies ? GPS, weather satellites, and medical imaging ? originated in space programs. Rather than diverting resources from Earth, space development complements them, generating breakthroughs in health care, communication, and disaster management. While Korea may not yet pursue a manned lunar landing, investment in the space industry remains critical. Space is not a distraction ? it is essential to humanity’s future.
Con Bella
Space exploration may seem exciting, but human ethics and environmental concerns raise serious questions. You argue it will advance medicine and technology, yet these outcomes are uncertain. Medical research in space can accelerate aging studies, but the costs are enormous and the risks to astronauts are high. Billions spent on orbiting experiments could instead be used to improve Earth-based laboratories and health care, benefiting people immediately. Similarly, producing semiconductors in microgravity is costly and unlikely to be practical or affordable compared with Earth-based manufacturing. And, again, rocket launches release significant greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants, worsening environmental damage. Before reaching for the stars, humanity should focus on urgent issues at home ? climate change, poverty, and disease ? ensuring resources are used to help current and future generations more effectively.
Judge’s Comments
Both Peter and Bella make compelling arguments. While Peter stresses innovation and humanity’s future, Bella reminds us of ethics, costs, and environmental harm. Space exploration holds promise, yet its worth depends on whether society can balance urgent challenges on Earth with the ambition to reach beyond it.
Surim Yoon For The Teen Times teen/1760056159/1613367727
1. Who argues that space development is crucial for humanity’s future?
2. How can medical research in space accelerate scientific discoveries, according to Peter?
3. What technological benefits does space development offer, as mentioned by the pro side?
4. Who raises concerns about the environmental and ethical costs of space exploration?
1. Do you think you would support investing in space research for long-term benefits, or focus on solving problems here on Earth first?
2. If you were an astronaut participating in medical research in space, how would you weigh the risks and potential benefits?
3. Would you be excited or worried about the environmental impact of rocket launches?
4. How would you decide whether to prioritize space technology development or immediate Earth-based solutions like health care and climate action?
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