Exploration and Technological Progress
One of the fundamental reasons for living is exploration. Humans are known to value exploration and new discoveries; hence, the constant adoption of novel technologies. It is the desire to discover new things that led to the knowledge regarding other planets, space, and the moon among other earthly bodies. The universe and all it encompasses could not be identified without space programs.\u00a0 Without the interest, technological progress would be impossible. Clearly, in the modern globe, science and technology have improved lifestyles with creations in aeronautics, automobiles, and medicines. Human curiosity has resulted in the enhancement of the communication, transportation, education, and healthcare sectors. As such, it has led to the general uplifting of people\u2019s lifestyles. \u00a0Space programs illustrate the unquenchable human thirst to explore. \u00a0Technology advances heighten curiosity thereby increasing the intellectual prowess much to the benefit of the people. As such, this paper will dwell on the various benefits of the space program that is known in the U.S. as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is funded by the federal government.
Fascinating Ordeal and Human Potential
The benefits of the space programs cannot be entirely stated. It is worth noting that space exploration is a fascinating ordeal that has roots from the Star Trek, Yuri Gagarin, and the Apollo missions. Humanity tends to depend on space for scientific inventions. Usually, people look up to the skies to seek spiritual guidance; illustrating the vitality of space in making crucial decisions. Humans have strived to solve the heaven and earth mysteries via the fighting dragons or the Bing bang theory. As they continue to be more knowledgeable, the need to explore the boundless space is vital. The human brain has unbounded capabilities that go beyond the earth; hence, the need to explore space. In that regard, space programs provide humans with an avenue to realize their potential much to the advantage of other citizens.
Advancing Scientific and Medical Fields
Space programs are beneficial since numerous studies can be done from space to assist the astronomy and scientific fields. The experiments conducted in space have consistently led to breakthroughs in different fields that benefit the human race. A good example can be drawn from the medical field. Due to the space programs, aspects such as scanning technologies, memory foam, hand-held vacuums, UV/scratch resistant lenses, ear thermometers, and clear braces have been discovered. Evidently, these inventions are fundamental to the improvement of lifestyles in the society. Patients can be handled with ease while medical practitioners have an easier time conducting a diagnosis. It is; therefore, prudent to appreciate the space programs in the healthcare system.
Inventions and Spin-offs
Much of the space programs have benefited the medical field even though the merits go beyond it. Visualize the next few decades of invention and key discoveries, particularly onboard the International Space Station (ISS). It is evident more discoveries will be achieved, which would drive the medical sector even further. Research based on space have led to major inventions like the artificial heart, which helps surgeons to conduct open-lung and open-heart surgeries. The invention originated from space shuttle studies with the assistance of surgeons; hence, illustrating its vitality. The MRI technology, kidney dialysis, and heart pumps are all attributed to space studies. Evidently, these tools have become crucial to the healthcare system much to the benefit of the entire population.
The Hubble Space Telescope
Another benefit of the space program is typified by the invention of \u201cThe Hubble Space Telescope.\u201d The tool is influential in the pursuit to know more regarding the globe. For instance, it has improved the measures of detecting breast cancer. Due to this development, the process of diagnosing breast cancer changed from scalpel or incision on the patient to needles. In that respect, unlike the past, the patients are left with smaller cuts. Moreover, the cost conducting the diagnosis has decreased from approximately $3,500 in the conventional biopsy to just $850 via the current equipment. The impact of space-related inventions and the spin-offs are felt beyond diagnostics. For example, the Jaws of Life; a tool used to rescue individuals involved in automobile accidents, was developed from another equipment utilized in space distinguish rockets from space shuttles.
Satellite Communication and Global Positioning System (GPS)
The Soviet Union entered the books of history due to the launching of Sputnik<\/p>
in 1957. Sputnik is the first ever human-made satellite to be launched on the Earth\u2019s orbit. As such, this realization pioneered the development of numerous advanced satellites that are presently utilized by various bodies. The satellites resulted in the enhancement of long-distance communication as well the television and radio transmission. It is evident that such channels have inspired globalization and even sceptics of the space programs cannot comprehend a world without these tools. It is hard to envision a world without television channels or cellular phones. Although the mobile technology cannot be entirely attributed to the space programs, NASA\u2019s communications satellite technology necessitated this service. The satellite-founded GPS (Global Positioning System) was initially employed in ships as well the aircrafts. Nonetheless, the functionalities have widened to include earth navigation. Satellites are the link to massive amounts of data. For instance, researchers and meteorologists use them to get adequate global climate data, which is utilized in forecasting occurrences. Therefore, seasonal weather patterns such as tornadoes and hurricanes can be monitored with ease.
Space-Related Inventions
Space programs can also be accredited the invention of beeswax microcapsules that are used in cleaning up oil spills. The challenge of accidental oil spills has increased over the years; hence, it was paramount to invent a tool that would alleviate the issue. As such, the beeswax balls absorb oil while leaving out water. The absorbed oil is then digested by microorganism enzymes that are within the ball. Once the balls are full, they burst and release safe products, i.e. water, carbon dioxide, and enzymes. The agricultural sectors also benefit from the hydroponics utilized by vegetable agriculturalists to grow crops without soil. On the other hand, the fluorometer, which is a tool utilized in monitoring plankton in the oceans emanates from the space programs. The gadget measures glow produced by plankton and other aquatic organisms, which draw sunlight during the photosynthesis process. It is worth noting that the plankton produces much of the globe\u2019s oxygen.
Conclusion
Overall, the benefits of space exploration cannot be entirely mentioned due to their expansiveness. It is a worthy program, and much of the global inventions can be attributed to the same. Nonetheless, the program has experienced significant challenges, particularly relating to funding. Some people do not realize the importance of space exploration deeming them expensive expeditions that have limited benefits. As such, institutions such as the U.S. Congress moved to downsize the budget allocated to NASA to reduce overspending on unnecessary ventures. Even as the space programs face these challenges, the benefits cannot be overlooked. The medical, communication and transportation fields have advanced due to the programs. Furthermore, the unbounded capabilities of the brain can be realized via space programs; hence, the need to support and fund them appropriately.
Works Cited
International Space Exploration Coordination Group. (2013). Benefits Stemming from Space Exploration. 1-26.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2011). Psychology of Space Exploration: Contemporary Research in Historical Perspective. Washington, DC.
