Even before Neil Armstrong made his first steps, people have dreamed about traveling amongst the stars. The Greeks used to tell stories of how the gods lived in the heavens above and described great treks of these deities. The Mayans used a calendar system based off of the stars and large murals that could only be seen from the skies above. This longing to explore has carried mankind to the moon and allowed us to view distant planets. Space exploration is good for mankind but some people see the cost and exclaim that funding could be better used else where. This is far from true. The possibilities of learning about our solar system, the new technologies available, and the differences in cost are all factors that promote space exploration.
             Planetary probes have already visited various planets and moons in our solar system allow people to learn more about the solar system in which we live. Nothing else has given the people the close-up view of the planets or their moons. No telescope can see the intricate details of the various surfaces these machines can record. Nothing else could provide mankind with the insight that there was life, even though minute, on Jupiter's moons.
             With these probes the government has put into place, people are updating their view of the solar system. People are learning more about the many asteroids and comets and understanding how orbits affect those objects. We have a better understanding of what may occur if one of these asteroids collides with the earth and how it could be the end of mankind. By studying our solar system and devising a means to recognize what could cause a disaster, space exploration could mean the survival of the human race.
             The technologies provided by the space program have also contributed to the advancement to live here on earth. The kidney dialysis machine that helps so many people stay alive was created through the Apollo program. New insulin pumps can eliminate the need ...