| The Controversies page is designed to present both sides on controversial
issues regarding NASA, and then let you make your own decision based on the information. If you wish to learn more about controversies sorrounding NASA, a clear and detailed book called Space Exploration Opposing Viewpoints can be obtained from most any library. Its most significant problems are that it is somewhat dated and is often a little juvenile. MANNED OR UNMANNED SPACE EXPLORATION? Over the past 50
years in which NASA has been in existence, a major focus has been put on manned space exploration, yet most of the missions executed have been unmanned. A question NASA is now facing is which is more important, manned or unmanned space exploration. MANNED EXPLORATION Over the
years much has been learned through manned space exploration. For many it seems much more effective than unmanned exploration. First off, if there is a problem, a human can remedy it effectively given simple instructions. If there is a problem on an unmanned mission it will often result in disaster (Mars ‘98 is a perfect example of this.) Humans will also respond immediately as they see fit, with no need of instruction, which is a problem with computers, because if the disaster is not
preprogrammed then they will not know which course of action to pursue. Secondly, humans tend to be more efficient with physical working. The Pathfinder rover moved at a snail pace of a few centimeters per second and robot arms tend to be cumbersome and lift things very slowly, to give a few examples. When on the moon the astronauts performed their jobs nearly perfectly, moving much faster than robots or mechanical devices. Thirdly, manned exploration often brings about more knowledge about
whatever task the crew is performing, because, unlike computers, humans can observe their surroundings while working. Besides being more effective manned exploration is a step towards permanent settlement in space. Permanent settlement of space would be useful for many reasons: it would provide more area for humans to live and would prevent any one natural disaster from destroying the race, it would increase human knowledge, and it could provide important assets that would provide money (such
as mining asteroids.) To many, manned space exploration seems like a very promising idea. UNMANNED EXPLORATION The area through which the most has been learned about our solar system has been unmanned space exploration. Before any men have attempted to endeavor into space a
series of probes have gone before him. One reason many support unmanned exploration is that it is much cheaper. The space program Apollo cost the nation $25 billion ($80 billion with the current inflation rates.) The shuttle, which was supposed to cost $33 million a flight, now costs $1.5 billion a flight. The space station has been estimated to cost up to $132 billion by the end of its building. These staggering figures are enormous compared to the relatively small prices of unmanned
exploration. The Viking missions cost about the same as one space shuttle flight, with $500 million left over. Some unmanned missions cost no more than $50 million. Some of the greatest advances in space exploration have come from unmanned spacecraft. The Voyager probes took pictures of some of the farthest planets from us in our solar system, satellite communication systems have revolutionized communication, and missions to Mars in the last few years have tripled our knowledge about the
planet, with no humans aboard the spacecraft. Unmanned missions require only the bare essentials for travel, no spacious capsules, heating systems, atmospheric controls, and all the other essentials for human spaceflight.
SHOULD NASA CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE SHUTTLE PROGRAM? NASA has always been avid about supporting the shuttle since its beginnings, yet many question if it has been worth all the effort put into it. Ever since its conception it has faced fierce
opposition and complete support. SHOULD CONTINUE SHUTTLE PROGRAM The view that the shuttle program should continue to be pursued is shared by many, though that number has dwindled or risen depending on NASA’s current status. It has proved to be effective in reaching its goals,
and has provided an adequate way to get people into space. It has only had one failure in its history, that being the Challenger disaster. Considering that the shuttle has made well over 55% of all manned space flights ever, this one failure is a small fraction, much better than the success rate of Apollo or most unmanned programs. Over the years that the shuttle has been in operation, it has accomplished many scientific goals and has discovered many things. It is still the most advanced
spacecraft around right now, and its reusability makes it worth keeping around. Even though it is aging, it is continually being upgraded to further its ability in this increasingly technological world. It also has served as an excellent transportation device for many satellites and probes. SHOULD NOT CONTINUE SHUTTLE PROGRAM A large number of people that oppose the continued existence of the Space Shuttle has grown over the years it has been around. The main issue is that it costs and has cost far more than it originally should have. It was originally supposed to cost $133 million a flight, but that number has skyrocketed to the current $1.5 billion a flight. That is a cost overrun of %5000. The shuttle was planned to carry payloads at about $350 a pound, but
it now costs about $32,000 a pound. Besides the originally planned cheap cost, the shuttle was supposed to be a quick way to get into space, with a turnaround time of merely two weeks. That now seems like a very optimistic number, considering the same space shuttle has never made it up twice in one month. Another problem with the Space Shuttle is that it is the United States only space transportation system, and many feel more types are needed. At one time the proposed replacement for the
shuttle was the widely acclaimed X-30 idea, but that has recently been canceled. Still, there are many cheaper, faster, and more efficient space transportation device ideas, but NASA has not yet pursued any one of them to much of any extent. Note: more controversial issues articles are on the way. |
