One of the most obvious reasons the United States should not fund the exploration of Mars is the cost required. Individuals who have been on previous space explorations can attest that it is expensive. For example, known astronaut Buzz Aldrin states, "It [going to Mars] will cost the world, and the U.S., billions and billions of dollars to put these people there..." (qtd. in Phillip par. 3). In order for the United States, let alone the entire world, to send a population to Mars, billions of dollars will have to be spent. However, common sense seems to dictate that the United States should not fund further exploration of space due to trillions of dollars of national debt. In addition to the previous thought, the United States has struggled with debt issues for several decades; therefore, the United States should not invest money in space exploration and should use the money to relieve national debt. On the same note, if humans make it to Mars, the cost to get back will be unaffordable. According to author Jules Crittenden, billion dollar fuel stations must be installed on Mars in order for humans to get back (Crittenden par. 7). Fuel stations on Mars are required in order for humans to get back to Earth; however, the cost is unaffordable for the United States government. The government of the United States should not fund further space exploration to Mars because the money spent exploring Mars could be used to payback other countries the debt the United States owes for trade and war. If the United States were to pay back all debts owed, then more possibilities would open up for exploration.
In opposition to the previous argument, a possible route for further space exploration is private funding. In many cases, individuals that strive to be pioneers for exploration are willing to pay their own way instead of the government funding their quest. For instance, news reporter Abby Phillip claims that in years past, individuals who can afford space exploration have displayed interest in the subject and even set up websites promoting their exploration opportunity (Phillip par. 12). Although the government should not fund space exploration, certain individuals have set up committees and organizations in order to be pioneers of Mars. Many individuals who are in favor of exploration of Mars do not believe that the debts owed by the United States are a priority. Instead, private organizations are more concerned with how and when the next satellite will be launched on their dime. According to the article “SpaceX” from Gale Student Resources in Context, in 2010, private organizations launched their first satellite into space (“SpaceX” par. 4). Launching a privately owned satellite was a major checkpoint for private funding campaigns. Launching a satellite not funded by the government provides hope for individuals that wish to be pioneers of Mars. Private funding is a possibility for further space exploration; however, the money used for exploring Mars could be used for national debt relief. If the national debt did decrease, then more possibilities would open up for government funded space exploration even if the missions are dangerous.
In opposition to the previous argument, a possible route for further space exploration is private funding. In many cases, individuals that strive to be pioneers for exploration are willing to pay their own way instead of the government funding their quest. For instance, news reporter Abby Phillip claims that in years past, individuals who can afford space exploration have displayed interest in the subject and even set up websites promoting their exploration opportunity (Phillip par. 12). Although the government should not fund space exploration, certain individuals have set up committees and organizations in order to be pioneers of Mars. Many individuals who are in favor of exploration of Mars do not believe that the debts owed by the United States are a priority. Instead, private organizations are more concerned with how and when the next satellite will be launched on their dime. According to the article “SpaceX” from Gale Student Resources in Context, in 2010, private organizations launched their first satellite into space (“SpaceX” par. 4). Launching a privately owned satellite was a major checkpoint for private funding campaigns. Launching a satellite not funded by the government provides hope for individuals that wish to be pioneers of Mars. Private funding is a possibility for further space exploration; however, the money used for exploring Mars could be used for national debt relief. If the national debt did decrease, then more possibilities would open up for government funded space exploration even if the missions are dangerous.