Space exploration should be funded at even greater levels than it is today. It has provided scientific, technological and economic benefits to all humanity. It will also continue to provide these benefits as long as we continue to explore. America's space program and the U.S. economy face many challenges right now, but we must consider what the long-term costs of not continuing a robust space program will be. will be manned and unmanned space program. The solar system holds many mysteries and an incalculable amount of untapped resources that, if not explored and used by the United States, will be used by other nations. With limited resources on Earth, any nation that can tap into new resources will have a huge advantage both economically and politically. Space exploration also has positive benefits internationally and inspires young people to pursue careers in science. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations at the time, stated: "...space exploration can help bring cultures together. Space is also helping us address some of today's most pressing problems. Space technology has produced tools that are transforming weather forecasting, environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, education, medicine, agriculture and a wide range of other activities. And, of course, the fascination with space leads many young people to pursue careers in science and of technology, particularly helping developing countries to develop their human resources, improve their technological base and enhance their development prospects" (Driscoll, 2003, 68) Beyond the economic and political aspects, l Space exploration is a great catalyst for technological development and, of course, for scientific discovery. If neg...... half of the paper......hq.nasa.gov/office/hqlibrary/pathfinders/spinoff.htmCozic, CP (1992). Space exploration: opposing points of view. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press.Driscoll, C. (2003). Outer space for the benefit of all humanity. New Jersey: United Nations Center for Reform Education. Hardersen, P. S. (1997). The case for space: who benefits from exploration of the final frontier. Shrewsbury, MA: ATL Press.Mari, C. (2008). The next space age. New York: H.W. Wilson Co..NASAsolutions: Benefits of the Space Program. (n.d.). NASA Solutions: NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center Technology Transfer Program. Retrieved July 6, 2011, from http://techtran.msfc.nasa.gov/at_home.htmlShipman, H.L. (1989). Humans in space: 21st century frontiers. New York: Plenum Press. Wagner, R., & Cook, H. (2000). Projects about space projects for 21st century space exploration. New York: Simon & Schuster.