Argumentative Essay Sample: Aquatic Exploration Is More Cost Effective than Space Exploration

Exploration is an integral part of scientific progress since it results in the acquisition of some critical issues which were previously unknown about nature. Based on such information, human beings develop new ways of solving their contemporary matters such as diseases and innovations (Board, Space Studies, and National Research Council 54). For instance, space exploration has led to the understanding of the habitable planets hence triggering the debate on whether some part of the world population may be successfully relocated to such plants that can support life. The discussion of the habitability of Mars, for example, resulted from space expeditions. If people are transferred from planet earth to Mars, then the world shall have managed to deal with the increasing challenge of high population and accompanying resources depletion and degradation. Despite the incredible contribution of exploration to research, it is essential to look at the relative cost implications of conducting an aquatic and space investigations. Life in the deep sea remains inadequately explores compared to the area yet the expenditure in performing it is comparatively lower than that of the space expeditions.

Space exploration requires multiple expeditions around the targeted area before eventually launching a specific trip. In essence, heavy and expensive equipment is needed to conduct a successfully pre-exploration and exploration activities (Board, Space Studies, and National Research Council 39). Without using such machines, astronauts risk being adversely affected by the adverse conditions in the space such as the lack of gravity which impedes movement difficult, freezing temperatures that prevent survival of life forms as well as possible unfavorable heat for human life. For instance, on 4th December 2012, the united states of America had to establish a comprehensive, multiyear Mars program before launching a final expedition into planet Mars (Board, Space Studies, and National Research Council 85). This robust plan for space exploration consists of sophisticated technologies such as robotic science rover. The actual cost of developing, installing and launching the equipment comprising of Curiosity and Opportunity rovers, spacecraft gathering information about the target area, a Mars Atmosphere and Volatile evolution orbiter to study the atmosphere, and seismic investigation machines (Dick, and Keith 41). Other activities for the space exploration as established by the United States included Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) mission. Looking at all these machines and accompanying pre-launch, launch and post-launch requirement for space exploration, it is evident that the implicit cost is high.

Multiple tests of space exploration equipment are needed before deployment of actual research. In each of these pre-deployment episodes, no substantial materials or information are gathered from the target destinations. Conceivably the more the number of pre-launch activities, the more costly the entire exploration becomes. Furthermore, sustaining the elaborate a multi-agency collaboration and extensive teamwork involved in space exploration requires high capital investment which may surpass the returns. The cost of transporting materials drawn from the outer space is also massive (Dick, and Keith 36). On the other hand, in marine exploration using the submersible does not require a broad-based multi-agency team. For instance, Visa Gold Explorations Inc. did not require extensive collaborations with various companies to conduct a sea exploration. It only got into a limited joint venture with Ocean Technologies Ltd. The simplicity of sea exploration activities imply cost savings but has a high likelihood of yielding more significant benefits than space exploration.

Contrary to the massive technology and machinery used in the space exploration, marine expeditions do not require extensive equipment. For instance, a 12-foot submersible with a design depth of 700 feet can be used to collect in-depth sea information. The submersible has unique features such as lightweight and gliding. The equipment can be successfully tended into the deep seas using small vessels rather than big ships which make it imperatively cheaper than space exploration (Ziarnick 89). While several prospection studies are required in space research, the submersible alone can conduct adequate prospection work in the sea. The information collected by the gadget can be used in assisting recovery operations in case of emergencies arising from the actual deep-sea activity.

From a pragmatic point of view, the discourse on whether space exploration is more costly than deep-sea research requires consideration of the equipment needed, potential risks, and the importance of gains from such an activity (Ziarnick 78). Over the many years of space exploration, explorers have managed to gain an understanding of the nature of life in space such as the action of gravity, and habitability of other planets. Despite this information, most of them have not translated into a broad improvement of human well-being. On the other hand, the few aquatic explorations have helped redefine the nature of deep sea fishing, exposed the life under the deep seas and contributed efficiently to material wealth and food security (Ziarnick 89). Furthermore, the available scientific information has revealed that the oceans provide vast mineral resources as well as well as oxygen for terrestrial life forms. The seas serve as "carbon sinks." This enormous potential of oceans in supporting human welfare implies that they have the potential to continue absorbing a significant share of carbon dioxide released into the ambient air from industrial processes. Despite the cost of venturing into sea exploration, the potential benefits are likely to be higher than that of the space.

Works Cited

Board, Space Studies, and National Research Council. Earth science and applications from space: national imperatives for the next decade and beyond. National Academies Press, 2007.

Dick, Steven J, and Keith L. Cowing. Risk and Exploration: Earth, Sea and the Stars: Nasa Administrator's Symposium, September 26-29, 2004, Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, California. NASA, 2005. Internet resource.

Ziarnick, B.D. "Risk and Exploration: Earth, Sea, and the Stars Steven J. Dick and Keith L. Cowing, Eds." Air and Space Power Journal. 24.3 (2010): 89. Print.