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Logan Williams

Professor Malcolm Campbell

UWRT 1104

2/17/17

Topic Proposal: Space Exploration, Is It Worth It?

Introduction/Overview

In this project I will be researching the pros and cons of space exploration and whether or

not it is worth the large cost that it requires. Ever since the 1950s the United Sates and other

countries have been spending billions on space exploration missions. These mission range from

putting satellites in orbit to putting a man on the moon. NASA has put over 300 astronauts into

space including the 12 men that walked on the moon (NASA 2017). They have also launched

thousands of unmanned missions, these range from earth science satellites to interplanetary

probes and rovers. These missions have led to amazing things, like the discovery of liquid water

on mars, to the international collaboration on the International Space Station. These

achievements come at cost. Since it was founded in 1958 it has spent over a trillion dollars (The

Guardian n.d.). NASA budget for fiscal year 2016 is $19.3 billion (National Aeronautics and

Space Administration 2016), which is low compared to the 1966 budget of $43.5 billion dollars

(adjusted for inflation) (The Guardian n.d.). Some may argue that this money could be put to

better use, while others argue that it is worth the investment. Those against argue that the

industry should become privatized, or seek to defund certain parts, like the earth sciences.

I will continue to research this topic. I will focus on how NASA uses their funds and the

advantages and disadvantages. The US government releases annual budgets; this is where I will
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get information on what NASA spends their money on. Some of the advantages that I will look

at will be spinoff technologies from research conducted by NASA.

Initial Inquiry Question(s)

How much money does the government give NASA? What does NASA spend their

money on? What advantages comes from investments in space exploration? Is space

exploration worth the cost?

My Interest in this Topic

I am interested in this topic because I am currently studying mechanical engineering and

hope to go into the aerospace industry after college. Space exploration is large player in the

aerospace industry. I am also interested in how we benefit directly and indirectly from space

exploration and the research that comes with it.

Next Steps
I will continue to research this topic. I will focus on how NASA uses their funds and the

advantages and disadvantages. The US government releases annual budgets; this is where I will

get information on what NASA spends their money on. Some of the advantages that I will look

at will be spinoff technologies from research conducted by NASA. I will look at examples from

that past, and up and coming research.

Reviewed by: Sheanna Allen

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I like that you added statistics and facts to your introduction.

I think that you should establish which side of the agrue you are on and what you feel about
the subject of space exploration.

I believe you should get more sources besides NASA for information.

I believe you should explain why you care about space exploration. From what is written you
do not sound interested in your topic.