Spring Break
Human perspective of space exploration not to be overlooked
Scott Conover
Issue date: 4/20/09 Section: Forum
Space exploration is among the most complex of topics. There are a variety of considerations. Technological advancement, logistical challenges and human nuances are just a few of these topics.
One of the least considered topics in mainstream thought is the human nuances and activities that may be involved in long-term space travel. Not only may technology change and impact society, but also the explorers themselves may return changed after years of space exploration, or they may never return at all.
People who go to space to explore, mine and settle will return changed from their experiences.
There are three likely impacts from these experiences: explorers are likely to become less planet-centric in their viewpoints, more culturally aberrant and far more driven to return or remain among the stars.
We as human beings tend to be particularly attached to our planet. We enjoy the sun, the shade, the colors, the zest and the life.
How much different would that attachment be if you could see asteroids from a few yards away, or if you walked on comets, or if you beheld the solar system behind a film of gold? How much different would you see the world if you explored even a tiny bit of space for a few years? How might that change your view of the scope of Earth and its role in your life?
Very likely, the viewpoints of future explorers will be greatly influenced by living beyond the boundaries of Earth. In sum, explorers may come to view the Earth as a central capital of humanity, but not the center of all humanity.
If explorers tend to follow the formerly-mentioned viewpoint, among other new and unexpected viewpoints, it is very likely that they will be culturally aberrant from their fellow humans. The chances are that explorers will have unique solutions to the problems of their home country and for the world at large. These viewpoints will be from the perspective of a person who has lived in space, and so such solutions may appear implausible to some who still dwell on Earth.
One of the least considered topics in mainstream thought is the human nuances and activities that may be involved in long-term space travel. Not only may technology change and impact society, but also the explorers themselves may return changed after years of space exploration, or they may never return at all.
People who go to space to explore, mine and settle will return changed from their experiences.
There are three likely impacts from these experiences: explorers are likely to become less planet-centric in their viewpoints, more culturally aberrant and far more driven to return or remain among the stars.
We as human beings tend to be particularly attached to our planet. We enjoy the sun, the shade, the colors, the zest and the life.
How much different would that attachment be if you could see asteroids from a few yards away, or if you walked on comets, or if you beheld the solar system behind a film of gold? How much different would you see the world if you explored even a tiny bit of space for a few years? How might that change your view of the scope of Earth and its role in your life?
Very likely, the viewpoints of future explorers will be greatly influenced by living beyond the boundaries of Earth. In sum, explorers may come to view the Earth as a central capital of humanity, but not the center of all humanity.
If explorers tend to follow the formerly-mentioned viewpoint, among other new and unexpected viewpoints, it is very likely that they will be culturally aberrant from their fellow humans. The chances are that explorers will have unique solutions to the problems of their home country and for the world at large. These viewpoints will be from the perspective of a person who has lived in space, and so such solutions may appear implausible to some who still dwell on Earth.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.