On November 3, 1957, the first living creature from Earth entered orbit around our planet in the Soviet vessel Sputnik 2. It was an enormous step into exploring the universe outside planet Earth. We often view space as the last frontier to chart, but we must consider our motive. Are we going to space in search of knowledge and improving ourselves, or do we seek to conquer and exploit other planets after exhausting our own?
Billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson are investing billions of dollars into making space flight more feasible. Why? Scientific research and development, innovations that expand the economic sphere, and tourism. All three individuals have come to the conclusion that they can charge other millionaires a hefty sum for a joyride in Earth's orbit. There is a benefit though, because NASA no longer has to build their own spacecraft. NASA only has to pay $58 million to send one person to space as opposed to the $450 million that they would have spent if working by themselves. But what do we, the non-billionaire general public, actually get out of it?
According to the International Space Exploration Coordination , the benefits include "innovation, cultural and inspirational purpose, and solutions to global challenges." They explicitly state that space exploration helps humanity understand our destiny within the universe. The word "destiny" should raise a red flag for anyone familiar with history. It is a word steeped in imperialism and expansionism at the expense of humanity and compassion. Currently we have our sights set on Mars, with Elon Musk spearheading the project to land humans on Mars by the year .
At this point in time, focusing our attention away from the needs of our own world is irresponsible and ruinous. We have not thoroughly explored our own world, yet we insist on moving out of it. The reason for moving is obvious though. We have laid waste to the planet's environment and now we can potentially abandon it and pollute the stars instead. Of course, not everyone could leave; some people who live among us wonder daily what their next meal will be, and those people cannot afford to concern themselves with leaving the planet. According to the World Health , one in every nine people go to bed hungry every night. There are places that do not have clean, fresh water to drink. Almost 15% of the human population are still . Yet, in the face of these problems, what are we doing to rectify them?
The power to improve the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves is within our grasp. Yet so many of us squander that opportunity and throw our lot in with the rich who do not seem to be truly interested in lessening the suffering in the world today. We need to take a step back and ask ourselves what really has more value than the life of another person. Invest in the people around you, invest in the earth, and watch the desire to escape grow as distant as the stars.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.