space exploration is not a waste of money

-- Intro -- While I do believe the instigator (in this case, Con) has the burden of proof, I guess I have no choice but to begin making my case. Since we have a lot of rounds, I'll begin with citing just a few points - pros and benefits - to investing in space exploration. I look forward to Con's rebuttal and making points of his own. Thanks in advance to Con for his participation in this debate. 1. Truth Truth about science and other things exist before humanity ever discovers it. Just as humanity was ignorant to most truths such as facts about the planets, solar system, outter space, gravity, etc. we are still ignorant to a lot of scientific data that could answer many of our questions and reveal more of nature's truth. Information about science can help us become more innovative regarding technology, and answer many fundamental questions that may even enlighten us or help us answer other questions or dictate new philosophy in the area of mathematics, physics and even ethics. Knowledge is power, and knowledge is righteous. To limit our understanding of the universe limits our potential as human beings and prevents us from being the best we can be. And who knows - we may even find (intelligent) life on other planets. 2. Raw Materials Through exploring space, we may find new minerals including previous raw materials (rocks or other resources) that could help us here on earth. They could help us profit or better take care of our planet and/or ensure the survival of our species. It might also help us become more eco-friendly. 3. Desire Many people have an appetite for action-adventure and seek fulfillment in taking big and exciting risks. Space exploration often satisfies this goal for lucky people. 4. Money While it's true that space exploration can be expensive, it's also true that the industry creates thousands of jobs. I can also argue that the investment returns are worth it for the definite and probable gains. I'll expand on this issue further if my opponent brings it up. -- Re-cap /Conclusion -- "Any information that can be gained from further [space exploration] is vast... [it can help us] determine how life developed in the solar system, where it may have existed, whether extant life forms exist beyond Earth, and in what ways life modifies planetary environments as well as understand how physical and chemical processes determine the main characteristics of the planets, and their environments.... Thereby illuminating the workings of the Earth, learn how the Sun's retinue of planets originated and evolved, explore the terrestrial space environment to discover what potential hazards to the Earth may exist, discover how the basic laws of physics and chemistry can lead to the diverse phenomena observed in complex systems" [1]. This scientific information can, of course, answer questions about the 'bigger picture' and perhaps help answer some basic human questions such as: Why are we here? In addition, the industry helps create jobs and serves as a useful investment insofar as the gains we can have (technology, science, raw materials, money, etc.). I suppose I'll leave it at that for now. Good luck, Con. [1] http://www.users.muohio.edu...