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By C. Jake Williams. May 3, 2010
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We should continue a space program, but not as currently conceived.
We must clearly define what we are looking for when we leave Earth's orbit.
We shouldn't look for water because it's far too common. Earth has plenty and eventually we'll find plenty other places too.
We shouldn't look for life. There is no reason why other carbon-based self-propagating organisms shouldn't exist, and less reason to believe they'll help or harm humans.
We should focus on finding the things that cause wars on this planet, namely resources.
Oil is unlikely to be found because it requires vast amounts of life decomposing for millions of years. We may find it in the future, but only if we figure out how to use other energy resources to scientifically survive after all Earth's oil is burned or spilled.
Other resources, however, are important if found off Earth in concentrated reserves.
Lithium, gold, coal, and uranium/plutonium are much more valuable if discovered on another world and mined for use on Earth. Lithium is used as a high-potential anode for batteries. Gold is a fantastic conductor of electricity found in all computers. Coal is our old faithful power source should we run out of oil very soon. Uranium/plutonium are another energy solution should we fail to find an economically viable green solution soon.
I don't see why collecting solar power above our atmosphere wouldn't work. Maybe it would.
Speaking of space, check out this picture!
You were there.