Unit E Lesson 14: Issues Related to Space Exploration
Completion requirements
Unit E Lesson 14: Issues Related to Space Exploration
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Learning Targets |
Big Question: What are the issues related to space exploration?
The continued exploration of space is a controversial topic that we need to examine closely as we proceed into the future.
The continued exploration of space is a controversial topic that we need to examine closely as we proceed into the future.
At the end of this inquiry, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- What is the difference between an economic and an ethical viewpoint?
- What is the difference between a political and an environmental viewpoint?
- What is the purpose of a treaty?
Pages 464 and 465 in your textbook will help you answer these space exploration questions.
Introduction
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
In Douglas Adam’s book, an alien race, the Vogons, destroy Earth to make way for a "Hyperspace Express Route". In "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Destruction of Earth", the Vogons claim to have made their plans known to the people on Earth, but Earthlings seem surprised that their planet is about to be blown up.
Space Exploration Issues
Of course this is a silly example from a comedy book. But if it were true, what should the Vogons have done to ensure that all those affected by the decision were a part of the decision-making process? What perspectives should be considered when making major decisions that involve the use of space?
In Douglas Adam’s book, an alien race, the Vogons, destroy Earth to make way for a "Hyperspace Express Route". In "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Destruction of Earth", the Vogons claim to have made their plans known to the people on Earth, but Earthlings seem surprised that their planet is about to be blown up.
Space Exploration Issues
Of course this is a silly example from a comedy book. But if it were true, what should the Vogons have done to ensure that all those affected by the decision were a part of the decision-making process? What perspectives should be considered when making major decisions that involve the use of space?
Figure 1 – The Hitchhiker's Guide to Galaxy was originally a radio comedy, but then was adapted into novels, comic books, and many more formats.
Who Owns Space?
For the sake of argument, here is an imaginary headline for you. Oil has been discovered on the moon, and the United States plans to drill for the oil and transport it back to Earth for sale.
Note: Crude oil results from the concentration of organic matter under pressure for millions of years. Because likely no organic matter has ever been on the Moon, finding oil there is highly unlikely. However, oil is used in this lesson as an example of a resource that countries need to such an extent that they would be willing to consider undertaking a large, expensive project to acquire it. In fact, we already see countries undertaking these kinds of projects on Earth when oil is extracted from the oil sands, beneath the oceans, and in arctic regions.
In the days that follow, media reports from around the world show that not everyone agrees with the United States’ plan for various reasons. Each of these media sources looks at the issue from a different perspective.
For the sake of argument, here is an imaginary headline for you. Oil has been discovered on the moon, and the United States plans to drill for the oil and transport it back to Earth for sale.
Note: Crude oil results from the concentration of organic matter under pressure for millions of years. Because likely no organic matter has ever been on the Moon, finding oil there is highly unlikely. However, oil is used in this lesson as an example of a resource that countries need to such an extent that they would be willing to consider undertaking a large, expensive project to acquire it. In fact, we already see countries undertaking these kinds of projects on Earth when oil is extracted from the oil sands, beneath the oceans, and in arctic regions.
In the days that follow, media reports from around the world show that not everyone agrees with the United States’ plan for various reasons. Each of these media sources looks at the issue from a different perspective.
Political
Environmental
Ethical/Social
Economic
Identifying Viewpoints on an Issue
Perspective is a particular attitude or way of regarding something, a point of view. A perspective is the way a person looks at an issue. It relates to what the person values and what he or she considers as most important. Figure 2 identifies some of the viewpoints that can be expressed about an issue.
Read pages 464 and 465 in Science in Action 9 for more information on the various important viewpoints to consider when making decisions. As you read, consider these three questions:
Perspective is a particular attitude or way of regarding something, a point of view. A perspective is the way a person looks at an issue. It relates to what the person values and what he or she considers as most important. Figure 2 identifies some of the viewpoints that can be expressed about an issue.
Read pages 464 and 465 in Science in Action 9 for more information on the various important viewpoints to consider when making decisions. As you read, consider these three questions:
- What are the pros and cons of space exploration?
- What is the potential value of Space's resources?
- Other than the economic issues described on page 465, what are three issues that should be considered when we make decisions about space exploration and resource exploitation?
Figure 2 – Four viewpoints on an issue.
What Are Your Personal Values?
Everyone has a different perspective. Consider how you would place the following viewpoints in the order of what you consider to be most important to least important.
Everyone has a different perspective. Consider how you would place the following viewpoints in the order of what you consider to be most important to least important.
Finding Solutions
As humans explore space further, they may discover ways to exploit space resources. If this were to happen, how should the countries of the world decide ownership of space, space objects, and their resources? Most of the Earth’s landmass and portions of its oceans is claimed territory, both by national governments and by private citizens or corporations. However, in some areas of the world, ownership is disputed. Russia, Denmark, and Canada have submitted territorial claims of the North Pole to the United Nations. The United Nations will map the arctic territory to decide which portions are owned by neighbouring countries and who can claim the North Pole as part of its territory.
As humans explore space further, they may discover ways to exploit space resources. If this were to happen, how should the countries of the world decide ownership of space, space objects, and their resources? Most of the Earth’s landmass and portions of its oceans is claimed territory, both by national governments and by private citizens or corporations. However, in some areas of the world, ownership is disputed. Russia, Denmark, and Canada have submitted territorial claims of the North Pole to the United Nations. The United Nations will map the arctic territory to decide which portions are owned by neighbouring countries and who can claim the North Pole as part of its territory.
Watch
Who Owns It?
Watch the following videos – they provide an overview of Canada's interest in claiming arctic territory. How similar are these Arctic issues to the issues involved in claiming territory in space?
Watch the following videos – they provide an overview of Canada's interest in claiming arctic territory. How similar are these Arctic issues to the issues involved in claiming territory in space?
Antarctica: An Example of Sharing
Because Antarctica did not have a native population, its ownership was unclear. In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed in the United States by the 12 countries who had been active in the area in the previous decades, but the treaty has been signed by 50 countries. Although seven nearby countries had territorial claims, this Treaty was an agreement between the signatories (the countries that sign a treaty) to maintain Antarctica for peaceful purposes. They agreed that all resources will be shared.
Do you believe that the moon should be owned mutually, similar to Antarctica? Should it belong to only one nation? Or should it be divided among a number of nations as the Arctic is?
Read page 468 in the Science in Action 9 textbook for more information on the Antarctica Treaty System.
Because Antarctica did not have a native population, its ownership was unclear. In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed in the United States by the 12 countries who had been active in the area in the previous decades, but the treaty has been signed by 50 countries. Although seven nearby countries had territorial claims, this Treaty was an agreement between the signatories (the countries that sign a treaty) to maintain Antarctica for peaceful purposes. They agreed that all resources will be shared.
Do you believe that the moon should be owned mutually, similar to Antarctica? Should it belong to only one nation? Or should it be divided among a number of nations as the Arctic is?
Read page 468 in the Science in Action 9 textbook for more information on the Antarctica Treaty System.
Figure 3 – Several countries have existing claims to Antarctic territory, but treaties have been successful in getting all countries to share space and resources.
Congratulations!
You are near the end of the Science 9 online course. You should really contact your teacher and let them know you have reached this point. They can provide you with study materials that will help you prepare for your final exam.
You are near the end of the Science 9 online course. You should really contact your teacher and let them know you have reached this point. They can provide you with study materials that will help you prepare for your final exam.
