- Question
Do we need manned space flights?
Seeing a man on the moon was one of the coolest things of the 1960's. Since then, shuttle have been sending many, many people up to complete missions. These are costly and incredibly dangerous. Are manned missions economically viable or is it more effective to focus on less expensive drone missions?
Yes, manned space flights are worth it
This position holds that manned space flights are worth their cost. It argues that, expensive as they are, having humans physically 'be there' carries an important psychological impact for society — and that crewed missions are essential to the long-term goal of colonising other planets.
No the complexity of space flights is too high
This position holds that manned space flight is not worth pursuing because its complexity and cost are too high. It argues that crewed expeditions are not economically viable, and that too many technical and practical obstacles remain unresolved to justify sending humans into space.
No, space flights are too dangerous
This position holds that we do not need manned space flights because they are too dangerous. It argues that the probability of a crewed expedition failing is unacceptably high, and that long-term radiation exposure and the psychological toll of space travel pose lasting risks to astronauts.