Space Technology “Spin-off” Benefits to Mankind

Extract

With the continuing advances in aerospace technology, the “spin-off” benefits increase, too. Although man has now set foot upon the moon, sent unmanned probes to Mars and Venus and placed a series of satellites into earth orbit, we have only touched upon the fringe of celestial and interplanetary venture. Yet from these early and what will one day seem to be clumsy attempts, we have, as individuals, gained many assets which affect our daily lives.

It is indeed regrettable that the enumerable persons who denounce the space-programmes as “a waste of money” “an absolute waste of time”, “unfortunate in that the money could be used to improve the living standards of so many people”, etc., do not give a little more thought to the space programme as a whole, including the “spin-off” benefits.