The Importance of Exploration
adapted from NASA
Is space exploration really desirable at a time when so much
needs to be done on Earth? It is a serious question that requires
a serious answer. One could present many answers as to why
undertaking a robust space program is necessary, including
everything related to jobs, education, technology development,
and national security. In an ideal world, however, one answer is
sufficient we should undertake it for the most basic of reasons-
for our self-preservation as a creative, as opposed to a
stagnating, society. The concept of space exploration is deeply
rooted in our historical context.
Exploration has always been part of the American character.
The intangible desire to explore and challenge the boundaries of
what we know and where we have been has provided benefits to
American society for centuries. For example, the exploration of
the American West during the 19th century is a prime example of
American exploration that led to the advancement of society.
More land was found on the western frontier for settlement and
new resources were discovered for use, leading to the nation's
growth. Some have argued that many of the distinctive
characteristics that make up American society, including
inventiveness, inquisitiveness, and individualism, derived from the
existence of a frontier. Although the western frontier closed
around 1890, Americans later found a new frontier where that
same curiosity translated to space exploration. Space as a new
frontier has always been a driver of the U.S. space programs.
As H. G. Wells said many years ago, "Human history becomes
more and more a race between education and catastrophe." We
are still in that race today, and surely an international cooperative
venture into space strikes a blow against catastrophe and leads
to a victory for civilization Great things were achieved in the past
the
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Select ALL the correct answers
Which two sentences from the passage are details and evidence used to support the author's claim?
Specifically, after the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik 1, the world's first
artificial satellite, America responded by developing and launching a satellite known as
Explorer I
Some have argued that many of the distinctive characteristics that make up American
society, including inventiveness, inquisitiveness, and individualism, derived from the
existence of a frontier
We are still in that race today, and surely an international cooperative venture into
space strikes a blow against catastrophe and leads to a victory for civilization
Space as a new frontier has always been a driver of the U.S. space programs.
More land was found on the western frontier for settlement and new resources were
discovered for use, leading to the nation's growth.
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