On Space Project

　　给《**周刊》宇航专栏的编辑写一封信，说明你对太空探索项目的态度(支持或反对)，并简单陈述你的理由。

　　Dear Editor，

　　Thank you for your starting a specia1 co1umn for the discussion on space projects. Frankly, it seems to me that our space projects so far have been a waste of money, time, energy, human lives and resources.

　　The richer countries are pouring large sums of money into space research programs which are of no benefit to human beings while in underdeveloped countries thousands of people are dying of hunger. Besides, many scientists’ time and energy are wasted, which could have been devoted to improving our living condition. What’s more, many astronauts have died complete1y uselessly in space vehicles which have been faulty. They were young people who hadn’t enjoyed the fruit of life yet.

　　Apart from human wastage, there is the wastage of resources which are limited and essential if man is to survive. I think it’s high time we stopped these meaningless programs.

　　Almost everyday we may see something in the newspaper or on TV about the latest exciting developments in space exploration. There is an immense pride in our science and technology and a sense of its importance for the welfare of mankind.

　　Not everyone , however, shares this feeling. Ever since space research began, it has been criticized as a huge waste of money and other resources, which might be used to help to relieve the suffering of the earth’s starving millions. It has also been felt that the space program might lead to the total destruction of the earth. Despite these disadvantages and potential dangers, the advantages are far greater. We have already succeeded in using satellites for communications, weather forecast and oil exploration and with further space research, more problems we are having now can be solved. For instance, with the success of space shuttles and the feasibility of living in other planets, we may solve the population problem on the earth. Space projects will also enable us to find a few chemical elements to cure presently incurable diseases.

　　Space exploration contributes not only to the improvement of the quality of human life, but also to our understanding of the interdependence of all beings; and therefore, of the need to take better care of each other.