Overcoming the challenges of working in space has led to many technological and scientific advances that have provided benefits to society on Earth in areas including health and medicine, transportation, public safety, consumer goods, energy and environment, information technology, and industrial productivity.

Why is space exploration important to humankind?

Space exploration allows us to prove or disprove scientific theories developed on Earth. Studying the solar system, for example, has brought us insights into such phenomena as gravity, the magnetosphere, the atmosphere, fluid dynamics and the geological evolution of other planets.

Is human space exploration worth it?

Manned space exploration is absolutely worth the investment. It's not just about what we learn out there in space, or about ourselves, or how to be a better steward of precious Earth. It's about how we live here on Earth together and what type of future we want for ourselves and children.