There has been considerable debate about the value of space exploration, in view of the high costs involved. Supporters such as Donnet-Kammel (2005) claim that this is a vital method of collecting data about the structure of the universe, and additionally
point out that there have been many practical benefits arising from the space programme, such as satellite communication. The example of the space station is also given as an instance of the value of the research programme in encouraging international co-operation.
In contrast, critics (e.g. Soroka, 2000) point to the huge costs involved in launching space probes, claiming that these resources would be better devoted to solving the serious earthly problems of hunger and disease. Furthermore, they argue that much of the space programme is effectively a testing ground for new weapons, such as missiles, and brings little benefit to ordinary people. In the context of the current economic crisis, a more critical approach is clearly needed in deciding which of those projects have real value.