In 1961, Apollo of the United States first landed on the moon, which is a great and impressive event to all of humanity's history and achievements in space travel. Until now, it has already been nearly 60 years. Human’s technology has developed rapidly to a higher level. Our curiosity about outer space didn’t decrease, but became stronger. However, aside from scientific development, we are still facing domestic or international challenges in different areas. In this extremely advanced era, one question never left—— should we still shoot for the moon now? Although there are a variety of dissenting opinions, I believe going to the moon is the right and the best choice for us.
Firstly, we can obtain a great number of resources that the earth can’t provide for us, or things we lack. Over the centuries, the use of natural metal materials, soil, petrol has already created an unbalanced resource situation on earth. With its severity getting worse and worse, our life has been badly influenced. According to the science alert website [1], with the rapid change, for example, the warming of climates, the threat of nuclear, and dangerously acidic… Some resources that we are familiar with, such as phosphorus, will run out in 50 years with the current consumption.[2] However, the moon has created a great chance for us to prevent this threat. On the moon, substances are abundant. Including silicon, rare earth elements[3], even water.[4]. It’s necessary for us to attend the moon to recover from the lack of resources on earth, which is also an urgent project.
Meanwhile, shooting for the moon can also help humans to have a deeper understanding of the universe. For now, the only outer planet humans can land on with manned spacecraft is the moon. It’s a huge step for us to discover more about the solar system, and even bigger spaces, which is a great opportunity for humans. The situation of the universe is constantly changing, the earlier we are able to observe and discover it, the better understanding we have, will help us to make actions on earth. Research has shown that “ the Moon has informed our understanding of Earth” [5]
Shooting for the moon will bring people around the world closer, and even create benefits on marketing, policy, and social. There’s no doubt that landing on the moon is a great and challenging progress for humans. The effect of this event is not merely domestic, but globally. In this era full of politics, distance between people from different places, shooting for the moon can bring us more confidence, and bring all humans together, which is something we need right now. Take Apollo as an example. There were at least 650 million people watching the launch—— even though it was a time when technology of messaging wasn't greatly developed yet. [6] Shooting for another planet can help people realize that we are a community that shares a future for mankind. Which means that it’s not simply a scientific success, but also helping the whole globe to a higher level.
Above all, shooting for the moon now is a great choice. Although we admit that there are large costs and huge challenges, the advantages in the long-term can prove that it is worth trying. Landing on the moon can help humans to have resources that we lack, but vital for us for the current; better understanding of the universe, and also bring people together, making benefits in different areas.
[1]world science alert ®
[4] NASA’s official information
[5]Nasa’s official information
paragraph 3: “ An estimated 650 million people watched Armstrong's televised image and heard his voice describe the event as he took "...one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" on July 20, 1969.”
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