The Apollo 11 mission fascinated the country and captured the world's attention. The success of the mission provided many answers but also raised a myriad of new questions that humans had never thought about before. The triumph of achievement and intellect has left new consequences unnoticed, yet it is important to discuss the ramifications of space exploration from all angles before deciding on a course of action. While curiosity and the expansion of scientific knowledge are significant factors, the ecological impacts and financial implications of space exploration are the most important factors to consider when undertaking space exploration, as they will have the greatest effect on our future. Space exploration is complex, and the actions we take now will affect us for generations, so it is imperative that we make informed decisions to preserve our planet and our solar system for the future. The careless exploitation of resources by humans on earth has already had a negative effect on the environment, despoiling “pristine forests” and leaving behind “disrupted migration routes, soil erosion and species extinction” (Source E). Since the “final frontier” is still pristine and undisturbed by humans, we must carefully consider our actions so as not to destroy space as we have done to Earth. We must avoid exploiting new resources, conserve the life forms we can find there and leave space in the conditions in which we find it to preserve its purity (Source E). Scientific approaches typically favor preservation and conservation, while a company's for-profit approach is disruptive and disruptive to natural conditions. Government-sponsored scientific organizations such as NASA, which appreciate the United States. While some critics may argue that the 6% could be better spent on other programs, it is important to note that 19% of the budget is spent on “national defense” (Source C). Part of this budget could easily be reallocated to the space program to further advance our knowledge of space. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble goal, but before we fully commit to long-term space exploration, we must use all the knowledge we currently have. we need to determine whether it is safe to do so. The economic benefits are clear and multiple, but the ecological consequences are much more important. We still don't have enough information about the long-term implications of space exploration, both on our planet and the rest of space, but before we continue it's important to preserve the space we're exploring in as well as our planet.
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