Unit E Section 4.3 Flashcards
What does the Volcanic material on the
Moon contain?
trapped oxygen
Some scientists believe that heating this material would allow the oxygen to be released and captured
What are the disadvantages for space exploration?
Some people argue that scientists should not spend all their time and money on space exploration and should look at the problems that are on Earth such as poverty, pollution, and disease
What are the advantages of space exploration?
Other people argue that space is the “last great frontier,” and that what we learn by exploring it could help us find ways of improving life on Earth
- Some forecasters suggest that the population of Earth will continue to increase for the next 50 years before stabilizing.
- This increase, combined with continued growth in our standard of living, means that the demand for natural resources (such as minerals and fossil fuels) will rise. -
- Instead of looking to Earth to find more of those resources, technology is allowing scientists to look to space for them.
Why do we need resources from space?
The reasons are economic:
-Resources from space is what our energy needs on Earth could be satisfied for a long time(ways of capturing solar energy in space and beaming it to Earth)
-space is a boundless source of mineral resources
(Asteroids have been found to contain iron, as well as gold and platinum)
-the cost of space travel could be cut substantially (costs a lot to transport materials and fuel from Earth to space, if these materials are found in space, travel will cost less)
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What useful resources are already on the moon?
Both hydrogen and oxygen can be easily processed
from Moon rock.
The hydrogen could be used as fuel for lunar bases and space travel.
The oxygen could be used for life support.
Combine the two and you have a readily available supply of water.
What are political issues about space development?
- Who owns space?
- Who has the right to use the resources in space?
- Who will determine how space will be used?
What are ethical issues about space development?
• Is it right to spend money on space exploration
rather than on solving problems on Earth?
• Do we have a right to alter materials in space to
meet our needs?
• How can we ensure that space resources will be used for the good of humans and not to further the interests of only one nation or group?
What are environmental issues about space development?
• Who is responsible for protecting space environments from alteration?
• Who is responsible for cleaning up space junk,
and who should pay for doing it?
Antarctica Treaty System
“Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord.”
The concept requires that all nations work collaboratively to resolve differences. A space treaty could have the same requirements.
