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.

Is space exploration expensive and why?

Space missions are that expensive because the technology being used is cutting edge, never before seen, completely new. ... This involves putting money into the project and it is also the major reason why the International Space Station (ISS) budget spiralled out of control.

Is space exploration a waste of time and money?

From an economic standpoint, space exploration in general has so many benefits. Starting off, NASA doesn't occupy a large portion of the federal budget at all, clocking in at a 0.4% of the 2018 budget. Even then, it's not like the money that goes into NASA is being wasted.