The Benefits of Space Exploration outweigh its disadvantages

I will now begin my argument. Argument-1) As we know, the world's resources are finite. Mining on earth is also dangerous to the environment, as it can cause deforestation, water pollution, and erosion. [1] However, why only mine on earth, when there better opportunities in space? There are millions upon millions of asteroids in our system, and mining asteroids does not destroy habitats. [1][3] It is proven that asteroids are rich with hydrocarbons, water, and even precious metals. [1] Scientists speculate that an asteroid with a 1 mile diameter contains over $20 trillion worth of elements. [1] NASA is projected to launch a mission to capture a near-earth asteroid in 2021, and it will only cost the $1 billion. [1][2] However, this is not an issue, as privately owned companies exploring asteroid mining are backed by several billionaires. [1] Also, the US government's federal budget is approximately $3.5 trillion dollars, making the expense of this program only 0.028% of the federal budget. [4] Furthermore, the expense would be minute compared to it's profit. Scientists speculate that even asteroids as small as 100 feet would reap $50 billion dollars in profit. [1]2) Space exploration has provided many heath benefits. The International Space Station (ISS) was launched in 1998. [5] The ISS is one way space exploration provides health benefits. The space station serves as a laboratory in space. Why do we need to perform research in space, can't we just do it on Earth? Well, a lot of these experiments cannot be performed on Earth, as the experiments require zero gravity. Here are just a few of the health benefits that come from space exploration: Each year, more than 7 million people die from cancer. [6] ISS research has created a microgravity platform that enhances the cancer treatment process. [7] Space exploration has also paved the way for artifical limbs, which is another NASA spin off. [19] The ISS research has created a tool that will help control asthma. [8] ISS research has created a technology that can detect shingles early, therefore allowing prevention. [9] The ISS has aided in vaccine development. [10] 780 million people don't have access to clean water. [11] Technology developed for the ISS can now be used as water purification for developing countries. [12] Pacemakers are a spin off of space exploration. [13] Ear thermometers are derived from space exploration. [14] Space exploration has provided many heath related breakthroughs, spin offs, and inventions. These benefit humanity greatly. 3) Space exploration has also improved technology. One spinoff of space exploration are cordless tools. [14] As this is very general, it is a very significant invention. If we didn't have cordless devices, all electronic devices whatsoever would still have to be plugged into the wall in order to be used. Another extremely important spin offs is solar energy. [19] Solar panels have been commercialized, as you can find them on thousands of houses across America, and the world. Solar panels are extremely efficient, release no pollutants whatsoever, and reduce home electricity costs. Therefore, it is extremely benefitial. One of the most important technologies that is still used today are satellites. Yes, satellites are inventions derived from space exploration. [14] Satellites allow for phones, and most importantly: smart phones. Without satellites, smart phones would not exist, as would would have no way of texting, calling, surfing the Internet, downloading apps, music, etc. One may argue that smart phones could still exist through cloud computing software. Ahhh, but cloud computing software is also derived from NASA. [15] Cloud computing software has now boomed because of nasa. Another spin off derived from space exploration is Petroleum Remediation Product. [19] This allows consumers to safely clean petroleum pollutants from water. This is safe for the enviornment, and makes the water safe for humans. 4) Space exploration inspires kids, whether it be to be a scientist or to reach their dreams. [16][17] When I was a kid, I dreamed of being an astronaut. Even today, if you ask kids what they want to be, it'll most likely be an astronaut. [18] Conclusion:Space exploration has provided many benefits ranging from mining, health, medicine, safety, technology, inspiration, along with many others. Sources:[1]:. http://theweek.com...[2]: . http://www.nasa.gov...[3]:http://www.universetoday.com...[4]: . http://useconomy.about.com...[5]: . http://www.google.com...[6]:http://www.cdc.gov...[7]: . http://www.nasa.gov...[8]: . http://www.nasa.gov...[9]: . http://www.nasa.gov...[10]: . http://www.nasa.gov...[11]: . http://water.org...[12]: . http://www.nasa.gov...[13]: . http://spinoff.nasa.gov...[14]: . http://dsc.discovery.com...[15]: . http://spinoff.nasa.gov...[16]:http://www.childmind.org...-[17]:http://www.suffolknewsherald.com...[18]: . http://shareranks.com...[19]: . http://spinoff.nasa.gov...