Group Disscussion Flashcards
Intro
Space tourism. An significant controversy concerning the ethics of sending humans into space simply for amusement and leisure. Today we’re going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the impacts on the environment, economy as well as the availability and if all of this is worth satisfying our human curiosity.
Rose continues. I have to agree with the takeoff alone leaving the area covered in soot and carbon dioxide…
Himanshi- While I disagree with your thoughts that we should completely reject space tourism but I have to agree that it has a damaging impact towards the environment. However, Jeff Bezos has suggested “We need to take all heavy industry, all polluting industry and move it into space, and keep Earth as this beautiful gem of a planet that it is,” which could provide space tourism with a dual purpose and, perhaps, neutralise environmental footprint it creates.
Hannah- so while all our opinions on space tourism generally may differ, it is clear that space tourism is bad for the environment.
Himanshi- Space tourism is very clearly negative in that aspect, but it’s very efficient for the economy. While some may argue it’s a waste of money, it’s not like they’re putting cash into a rocket and sending into space. It just recirculates on earth. According to spacefuture.com, the space tourism industry is projected to be worth 900 billion USD by 2030, which in turn provides jobs, grants and business opportunities for millions of people.
Rose- I see what you’re saying but while it might be a waste now, it ultimately projects 900 billion USD as Himanshi said.
But to move to the next point, I agree that only the rich can afford space tourism, for a long time at least. Jeffery Bezos went to space recently just for the sake of it without benefiting science or medicine.
Himanshi- I can see where you’re coming from but he actually went to space ‘to prove his vehicle was safe’ which attributes to science as well as letting us explore the different aspects of space tourism better.
Hannah- It was predicted that space travel would be available this year- 2022- obviously, it’s not as accessible as we were told it would be and even if it were accessible at all, it would only be available to the ultra-wealthy or celebrities. Is there anything you want to add here Himanshi?
Himanshi- Although your point makes sense, it’s already possible for people to take an hour long flight that gives the sensation of no gravity, which is quantified as a form of space tourism and on top of that comparatively it is affordable.
Hannah- While you claim it’s affordable, according to gozerog.com the average anti-gravity experience costs up to $8400 not including tax, so it’s anything but affordable for most. Also, Rose said it was in high demand however there are some people who do not wish to go to space.
Himanshi- Hypothetically, if you were wealthy to go to space, would you really decline that sort of opportunity?
Rose- So Hannah, even given the funding you wouldn’t take the opportunity. Himanshi, what would you choose to do?
Himanshi- I would opt to take the opportunity in order to truly appreciate and experience how far science and engineering has come. I think it’s intriguing that all of this technology has evolved from our primal urge to explore and discover. However, as you mentioned currently space tourism is only available to the ultra wealthy which is likely to eventually change in the foreseeable future.
Hannah- For our final point, I want to discuss the beauty of space and how leaving the planet supposedly encourages people to want to help save it.
Himanshi- For example, satellite imaging, space exploration and new technologies have provided us with a new sense of duty to our planet.
Rose- So overall, Hannah it seems you’re still opposed to space travel due to its damaging effects on the environment and the fact it’s only accessible to the rich. And Himanshi, you’re saying you still agree that space travel is beneficial despite the clear downsides.
Himanshi- So, what is your opinion of space tourism on the whole?
Hannah- Have you ever considered more risks about going to space though? For example, there could be alien lifeforms out there, which could cause humans harm.
Himanshi: While there is a slim possibility of that. Scientists suggest that aliens are far more likely to be bacteria or some microbial life as opposed to the green creatures the media leads us to imagine. Although, these micro organisms can be dangerous in their own right some lifeforms we could find might be beneficial from a medical or scientific standpoint.
