Space Exploration

by Michael Ruth (Editor)

Overview

This book addresses controversies related to space exploration. Across four chapters, readers will evaluate the role of space exploration in the modern world, where in space humans should explore, the politics of space exploration, and the science behind it. The essays are arranged in a pro versus con format so that readers get two sides to every controversy. This will allow them to use their critical thinking skills. Essay sources include Agence France-Presse, Jaganath Sankaran, Adam Rogers, Nelson Bridwell, and Louisa Preston.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780737775631
Publisher:	Greenhaven Publishing LLC
Publication date:	02/18/2016
Series:	Opposing Viewpoints Series
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	16 - 18 Years

Table of Contents

Why Consider Opposing Viewpoints? 11

Introduction 14

Chapter 1 What Is the Role of Space Exploration in the Modern World?

Chapter Preface 18

1 Humanity Should Begin Planning for Interstellar Space Travel Nelson Bridwell 20

2 NASA Should Continue to Receive Funding CJ Miozzi 26

3 NASA and the Federal Government Waste Taxpayer Money Douglas Cobb 32

4 Space Tourism Needs an 'Orbital Megabus' to Truly Lift Off Mark Johnson 36

5 Space Tourism Is Not Worth the Human Risk Adam Rogers 41

Periodical and Internet Sources Bibliography 46

Chapter 2 Where in Space Should Humans Explore?

Chapter Preface 48

1 Humans Should Colonize Mars Louisa Preston 50

2 Should We Colonize the Moon? And How Much Would It Cost? Noah Davis 55

3 Humans Should Resume Exploring the Moon and Outer Space Joseph Mascaro 62

4 Humans Should Begin Efforts to Colonize Venus Evan Ackerman 67

Periodical and Internet Sources Bibliography 74

Chapter 3 What Are the Politics of Space Exploration?

Chapter Preface 76

1 Private Industry Is the Future of Space Exploration Andrew L. Peek 79

2 Privatized Space Exploration Has Disadvantages and Benefits Agence France-Presse 85

3 The United States Should Reignite the Space Race Erin Wallace 89

4 The United States Should Invest in Oceans Before Space Michael Conathan 94

5 China's Space Program Threatens the United States Yasmin Tadjdeh 101

6 China's Space Program Does Not Threaten the United States Jaganath Sankaran 110

Periodical and Internet Sources Bibliography 118

Chapter 4 What Is the Science Behind Space Exploration?

Chapter Preface 120

1 Nuclear Power Is the Spacecraft Fuel of the Future Rob Eubank 123

2 Nuclear Power in Space Is Dangerous Karl Grossman 130

3 Life Could Exist Elsewhere in the Universe Stephen Morgan 138

4 Human Hibernation Could Benefit Space Travel Matt Williams 143

5 Human Hibernation Can Benefit Space Travel but Presents Numerous Challenges Mary Beth Griggs 148

6 3-D Printing Could Revolutionize Space Exploration Mark Williamson 154

7 3-D Printing Will Not Revolutionize Space Exploration in the Near Future Dan Leone 163

Periodical and Internet Sources Bibliography 167

For Further Discussion 168

Organizations to Contact 171

Bibliography of Books 177

Index 181

Editorial Reviews

Review: Space Exploration "Each volume in the Opposing Viewpoints series could serve as a model...not only providing access to a wide diversity of opinions, but also stimulating readers to do further research for group discussion and individual interest. Both shrill and moderate, the selections—by experts, policy makers, and concerned citizens—include complete articles and speeches, long book excerpts, and occasional cartoons and boxed quotations...all up to date and fully documented. The editing is intelligent and unobtrusive, organizing the material around substantive issues within the general debate. Brief introductions to each section and to each reading focus the questions raised and offer no slick answers."—Booklist

From the Publisher