space travel

[almusic10]

why are scientists planing to spend so much money to travel to the moon and mars when the money could be spent sorting out the problems here on earth?

[Clanad]

Thus, it's always been, no? Man's innate desire to know, overides other considerations. Additionally, it has been experienced that literally thousands of new jobs, new products (think teflon) and other residual benefits comes from such a program. Probably far more than the same amount spent on more mundane public projects. Finally, investments in health improvements, for example, rapidly reaches a plateau of diminishing returns. The billions, with a B of dollars (and pounds) spent on cancer research could not be greatly helped with more funding. The current level of funding is important and must be continued, but many scientists state that a massive, new influx of monies wouldn't produce dramatic, sudden results... in my opinion...

[bobclean]

I agree with clanad. The money spent on these missions would NOT sort out problems on earth, but increases our knowledge and understanding of the universe. The many problems on earth will never be sorted out with money alone.

[jake-the-peg]

A tougher question is why is so much money being spent on manned missions.

In terms of knowlege against cost, robot explorers are way more efficient.

[boink]

Mars and the moon. their not going there, i think they plan to spend all that money on beer and dope.

[MrPahoehoe]

what a ridiculous question! why make space travel a scapegoat. at least going to the moon is going to bring benefits like jobs/technology, etc (as mentioned by clanad). what about literature grants and sport, etc, what do they add to the development of humankind?? (incase anyone can't tell i'm being sarcastic)

if it were of the utmost importance and the sole purpose of all humans, any one 'human' problem on earth could probably be solved, but would a society like that be worth saving? our society is an extremely varied mixture of various fields, that is preciesly what makes it worth striving for. for example if everyone on earth started working with the sole purpose of curing cancer what sort of a world woud that be to live in, without literature/art and other essentials like star trek ;-)

[steviep165]

and dont forget, the Earth has a finite lifespan. if we do not strip it bare of all the resources we need in the near future, the sun will burn us all to a crisp in the more distant future.
we need to figure out a way off this rock at some time or another.

[Hamish]

As a scientist trying to get money, I think you will find that the answer is politics. The goevrnemnt and various bosdies decide on areas of research which they wish to focus on, then the scientist get to bid for the money. Generally large amounts of funding are earmarked by the government (UK). However the flip side is that you probably dont know about all the areas where money is spent, Have a look at the EPSRC web site to get some idea of how much are where it is spent.

[Space]

I'd rather my tax money goes to space travel rather than feeding a royal family.
At least space travel can offer some interesting discoveries...