How Relevant is Space Exploration to Mankind?

Since prehistoric times, mankind has always wondered about the world outside. Underlying the presence of myths and legends is our urge to understand the world beyond. This urge to venture into the unknown has been made possible by the evolution of theories and the advancement of technology. However, it is only recently that space exploration has become a reality - the culmination of hundreds of years of knowledge finally realises our aim to map the unknown.

Space exploration is very relevant to mankind. Besides satisfying our urge to know the unknown, space exploration is very essential to our understanding of the universe and may someday prove crucial to the survival of humanity. Furthermore, the seemingly immense task of satisfying our urge has helped greatly to inspire the continual advancement of human knowledge and technology. This has brought about better material and technical well-being to the average individual.

One of the main fundamentals to the continuing survival and progress of our society is the spirit of curiosity and our aim to satisfy it in every one of us. Prehistoric man would not have survived to dominate the Earth if his curiosity had not led him to discover fire and make weapons. There would be no America if the urge to venture into the unknown had not inspired Christopher Columbus to sail beyond known seas. We would not know that the world is round if Ferdinand Magellas had not led the expedition to sail round the globe five centuries ago. It is this urge to venture into the unknown that has led mankind to what hoe knows today- Space is our seemingly infinite frontier today - the last unconquered frontiers by humanity. Space holds the key to the creation of the universe, the ,birth of humanity arid its purpose, and may, in the future, be the key to our survival. For all we know, our Earth is not permanent.

Someday in the distant future, the Sun would die out and planet Earth would be uninhabitable to humanity. Before that moment, it is crucial that we know our destination and goals, for without them, mankind may not survive. Why are we here? The purpose of humanity (if there is any) has not been ascertained, and it is vital that we discover the purpose of our birth and to realise it before some unforeseen disaster befalls us. Space exploration is our immediate, and probably ultimate, tool to answering all the questions that have haunted us since the moment of our birth. The answers may not be favourable to us but they will definitely help us in our understanding of ourselves and the universe.

Furthermore, space exploration has made possible the dreams of humanity and inspired it to advance its technology and knowledge. Throughout history, mankind has viewed the immense universe as beyond our understanding and capability. The development of space technology has proved otherwise - the launching of the Russian Sputnik satellites during the 1960s; Yuri Gagarin became the first human to leave the atmosphere in 1961; the successful Apollo XI mission that, landed on the moon; the passage of Voyagers I and II through the Solar System and the immediate environment around us has aided us to answer the many questions that have dumbfounded us and inspired us to venture beyond the Solar System. Space technology has helped to better the quality of life for the average being on this planet. The constant urge to excel has greatly improved the material wellbeing of civilians. Also, we understand more about our planet and its neighbours as well as our immediate dangers. Indeed, Neil Armstrong's words "That's a small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind" have truly reflected the immense technological and psychological breakthrough for mankind

Moreover, space exploration has helped to forge a common sense of identity and co-operation among the nations of the world. Millions throughout watched and wept for the successful landing on the Moon by the Apollo XI mission. The technology and knowledge of different nations have gone into the successful launch of the Voyagers' mission. This has helped to forge a sense of common identity for mankind among the various nations. Countries offered their condolences when the Challenger mission of 1984 went up in flames. It is through this common urge to share the burden of exploring the unknown that has helped to create a sense of common belonging to the nations and peoples of our very diverse world. In the future, with the successful interlocking of the American Skylab mission and the Russian Solyuz mission as past concrete evidence of co-operation, the world will definitely be more united in their common quest into the unknown.

Despite the immense costs of space exploration and the high risks involved, space exploration is very relevant to the survival of mankind. Friendship among nations will eventually help to dispel the presence of animosity and war between nations. Furthermore, space exploration has greatly helped us to understand the universe and ourselves better. In the distant future, when humanity reaches the frontiers of the universe, as a universal people, space exploration will have played an indispensable part.