Criticism of space exploration

High school (ages 12+)
Space & Astronomy

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/criticism-of-space-exploration

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the global space economy value?Estimated to be worth over $400 billion annually
2. What is the atmospheric layers affected?Rocket emissions can impact the stratosphere and mesosphere
3. Why do some people think spending money on rockets is a bad idea?Rockets cost billions of dollars each year, and some say that money could help solve problems like hunger, disease, and climate change right here on Earth.
4. What is space junk and why is it dangerous?Space junk is old satellites, rocket parts, and broken pieces that float in orbit. They can hit other satellites or the International Space Station, causing big problems.

Opportunity Cost: The potential benefit missed when choosing one alternative over another.
Kessler Syndrome: A theoretical scenario where orbital debris density leads to self-sustaining collisions.
Planetary Protection: Policies to prevent biological contamination of celestial bodies and Earth.
Technological Spin-offs: Inventions and technologies developed for space that find applications on Earth.