International Space Station

International Space Station 
Even before man first walked on the moon in 1969, people have long been fascinated with the idea of living in space.  Some might argue that we have finally achieved that dream.  The International Space Station has been orbiting Earth for more than a decade and has had over two hundred visitors.  This orbiting laboratory conducts ongoing experiments and observations.  It also serves as a spaceport for space shuttle launches.  Astronauts conduct spacewalks from the station as well. As an international laboratory, the space station helps foster goodwill and facilitates the sharing of information between countries.  Since its launch in 1998, many countries have participated in the space station’s mission.  The United States, Russia, Canada, and Japan have all participated.  Other countries from the European Space Agency have also been involved. There have been several expeditions to the space station, with crew members staying in space for various lengths of time.  Experiments and observations lead to the development of new technology and applications.  For example, cell-phone cameras, water filtration and purification, and medical imaging are all related to space exploration.  Crew members have had the opportunity to research principles of gravity that lead to advancements in the medical field, as well as making future space travel easier. The current expedition is gathering data related to how long-term space missions affect the human body.  They are undergoing vision, cardiac testing, and exercise in the gym.  Experiments are also being conducted to help develop methods to use radiation in Earth’s atmosphere to supplement the space station’s power supply.  Crew members inventory and investigate gear from the station and incoming shuttles. 

Do you think the benefits of space exploration outweigh the risks and costs?  Explain your answer and provide at least 2 to 3 pieces of  evidence to support  your answer.