Space is still the final frontier. Most little kids dream of being an astronaut and exploring the cosmos. Thanks to groups like NASA and SpaceX, growing up no longer means giving up the dream of traveling to faraway worlds.

Recently, SpaceX’s Starship rocket exploded mere minutes after launching. The rocket showed signs of veering off its course and, shortly after, terminated its launch.

Despite this unfortunate setback, I still believe humans should support the efforts of space exploration organizations. Space exploration provides these companies with useful knowledge and inventions. 

Now I know that space operations cost a pretty penny. According to an audit by the Office of Inspector General, NASA’s latest Artemis mission has a gigantic price tag of $93 billion leading up to the year 2025. The mission aims to place the first woman and first person of color on the moon.

Despite failed launches cost these organizations money, people should continue backing space agencies. Looking at failures as giant examples of what not to do helps us not make the same mistake twice. As NASA states on its historical website, “There were important lessons to learn, and experience proved to be a stern teacher.”

After each failed test launch or malfunction, many are wondering if space exploration will influence life here on Earth. 

Hundreds of products have emerged due to space exploration. NASA dedicates an entire section of its website to demonstrating all the modern comforts brought forth by space exploration. 

Memory foam found use in protecting test pilots and now finds its way into all sorts of cushioning. Advanced water filtration systems that began as methods of purifying water in space now help remote communities have clean drinking water. Researchers found ways to use the incredibly sensitive optics of the distant supernova-detecting Chandra High-Resolution Camera to perform tumor screenings.

While NASA does have its sights on the stars, the organization also creates beneficial technology, which holds true to its mission statement to “innovate for the benefit of humanity and inspire the world through discovery.” 

Perhaps the Artemis mission will lead to a breakthrough in several scientific fields. Besides once again placing a man on the moon, missions of NASA and SpaceX will continue to benefit those of us stuck on our small blue planet.