Band 5+: Write about the following topic: Money spent on space exploration is a complete waste. Governments could better spend this money on other things to benefit the nation. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. Write at least 250 words.

Financial aid that are being deployed on outer space journeys is money that could have been used by governments that has a direct impact on the citizens. Space adventures are using a lot of materials and fuels that is very costly and has no direct impact on the lives of people. I agree that governing bodies of countries can spent this money on poor people and improve law enforcement.

Nations that are sending people to enter space and exploring the unknown has no direct impact on the civilization. It could be beneficial to people living in the next century but will not directly impact the current citizens of a country. Furthermore, a lot of money are spent on the materials and fuel for space explorations. The money that are being deployed for space missions are being paid by taxpayers and materials and fuel needed are rare and expensive. For example, in Russia a survey was taking from people about their knowledge about a space journey conducted by their government and the majority said that they saw it but did not know why they attempted this space expedition.

On the other hand, the large amount of money that governments spent on space travel could be used in ways to reduce poverty among poor citizens. The allocated money could rather be invested into poor communities to ensure that they have food to eat and a safe harbour to life a normal lifestyle. Another reason is, to ensure that law enforcements have the necessary equipment to fully operate. These people are protecting the country’s citizens against criminals, and they need to be financially supported by the government. For instance, in 2005 Germany planned a budget for research to space travel but citizens protest against it and the government used that money to support people that lived under the poverty line.

In conclusion, space travel explorations have no positive impact on ordinary people’s lives, and the expenses are very high and so are the risks to succeed. Therefore, I believe that money that is spent on space travel could be used to support poor people and invest in government officials that serves the countries citizens.