Why We’ll Never Live in Space
Whether tax dollars should support space travel is an ethical question, says Brian Patrick Green, director, technology ethics, and author of "Space Ethics." Green is interested in the social impacts of technology and what technology does to people and societies.
In space travel, “Why?” is perhaps the most important ethical question. “What's the purpose here? What are we accomplishing?” Green asks. His own answer goes something like this: “It serves the value of knowing that we can do things—if we try really hard, we can actually accomplish our goals. It brings people together.” But those somewhat philosophical benefits must be weighed against much more concrete costs, such as which other projects—Earth science research, robotic missions to other planets or, you know, outfitting this planet with affordable housing—aren't happening because money is going to the moon or Mars or Alpha Centauri."
Brian Green, director, technology ethics, quoted by Scientific American.