This article is about the “can we versus should we” philosophy as it applies to space exploration. With advancements in technology and knowledge, we can do many things that were once thought impossible today. From curing diseases to exploring outer space, the possibilities seem endless. However, just because we can do something, does that mean we should? This question becomes especially pertinent in a world where individuals and organizations have the resources and expertise to complete virtually any task.
The idea that “just because we can, doesn’t mean we should” is a cautionary philosophy deeply rooted in ethics, responsibility, and foresight. It calls for reflection on the potential consequences of our actions, particularly when we push the boundaries of innovation, technology, or decision-making.
“Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should” is often attributed to William C. Taylor, an American writer and entrepreneur. He discussed this idea in his book Practically Radical, emphasizing the importance of considering our actions’ ethical and practical implications. However, the sentiment behind the phrase has existed throughout history, reflecting a universal principle of moral decision-making. This principle challenges us to consider what is possible and what is morally, socially, or environmentally acceptable.
My Extraterrestrial Communication Group (ECG) has published numerous posts about some of the great philosophers throughout history. Their insights are remarkable, and at this stage of my life, I often reflect upon their words and how they apply to the modern world after hundreds of years. It fascinates me. The ECG has grown substantially over the past few years. It is my hobby, and I enjoy sharing what I discover through my research on ECG articles. This is the ECG published Mission Statement:
The Extraterrestrial Communication Group (ECG) is dedicated to exploring the profound mysteries of the cosmos, delving into realms that encompass extraterrestrial communication, extraterrestrial contact, the creation of the universe, the divine concept of God, and the intricate tapestry of religious implications woven into the fabric of our existence. Our mission is to foster a community of open-minded thinkers, scientists, theologians, and enthusiasts who share a passion for unraveling the enigmas that transcend our earthly boundaries. – Stephen J. Silva, Founder
The key aspects of the “can versus should” philosophy include:
- Ethical Responsibility:
It emphasizes the importance of weighing the moral implications of an action. For instance, while we may be able to clone animals, should we do so without fully understanding the potential ethical and ecological consequences?
- Long-term Thinking:
It reminds us to evaluate our decisions’ broader and longer-term impacts. Short-term success might lead to unforeseen harm in the future.
- Power vs. Restraint:
This philosophy celebrates the idea that true wisdom lies in exercising restraint when needed rather than unthinkingly pursuing what is possible.
The concept applies across many areas, from advancements in science and technology (like artificial intelligence and genetic engineering) to decisions in governance, business, and personal life. I can think of many examples of how this idea impacted or should have impacted my personal decision-making over the years, and I’m sure most of us can.
There are many examples of how this concept should be better applied today.
This article is about one application of the “can versus should” concept:
In 2024, SpaceX alone executed 138 rocket launches. This included 132 Falcon 9 launches, 2 Falcon Heavy launches, and 4 Starship launches. Their launch cadence averaged about one launch every 2.5 days. Globally, in 2024, there were 271 total space launches, with 264 successful launches and 7 failures. That equates to a launch attempt every 1.4 days. The United States led with 169 launches, followed by China with 68 and Russia with 17. 5 years ago, there were only 114. This global count is published by Rocket.org for space launches from the earth surface.
The data trend is shocking to me. When I began researching this, I expected a more consistent and steady increase over time, which was untrue. I certainly did not expect to find that there is a launch every 1.4 days on average. That seems like a lot to me.
A dramatic jump happened in 2016 – 2017. In my way of thinking, when data takes a sudden leap like that, it is a giant red flag. It is time to figure out and understand what is happening here, and the consequences we will face if the situation continues unchecked.
The dramatic increase in space launches over the last decade can be attributed to several factors:
- Rise of Private Companies:
Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have revolutionized the space industry with reusable rockets, reducing costs and increasing launch frequency.
- Satellite Demand:
The need for communication, navigation, and Earth observation satellites has surged, driven by telecommunications and climate monitoring industries.
- Global Participation:
More countries, including emerging space nations like India and the United Arab Emirates, have entered the space race, contributing to the overall number of launches.
- Mega-Constellations:
Projects like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper aim to deploy thousands of satellites for global internet coverage.
- Technological Advancements:
Innovations in rocket technology and miniaturization of satellites have made launches more efficient and accessible. The rapid advancement of space technology brings incredible opportunities but also significant risks if progress outpaces careful planning and consideration.
Regarding space exploration, the idea that “just because we can, doesn’t mean we should” raises many complex questions. It challenges us to carefully weigh potential benefits like scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and long-term survival against the ethical, environmental, and resource-driven implications. The point was most famously made in the original Jurassic Park movie. Just because they could make a dinosaur does not mean they should have made dinosaurs.
Here are just some of the potential dangers we need to consider and address:
- Ethical Oversights:
Developments, such as the impact of mining celestial bodies and the potential contamination of extraterrestrial ecosystems.
- Weaponization:
The militarization of space could escalate geopolitical tensions, potentially leading to an arms race beyond Earth.
- Space Debris:
Increased launches and satellite deployments could worsen the space debris problem, making Earth’s orbit increasingly hazardous. I recently published an article entitled “The Reality of Space Junk Proliferation” on this specific subject.
- Inequality:
Rapid advancements may widen the gap between countries or corporations with access to space and those without.
- Resource Exploitation:
Overzealous pursuit of extraterrestrial resources could prioritize profit over sustainability.
- Unregulated Growth:
Without updated international laws, such advancements risk creating conflicts over resource ownership, orbital slots, and space governance.
- Economic Pressure:
High costs and competition could result in shortcuts or unsafe practices, endangering missions and astronauts.
- Unintended Consequences:
Rushed implementation of new technologies could lead to unforeseen problems, much like other rapidly adopted technologies in history.
Managing these risks requires global collaboration, responsible governance, and balancing innovation and reflection.
Exploring space has long been a dream of humankind, and I am passionate about the subject. My passion is evident if you have spent time on my Extraterrestrial Communication Group website and read any of my published books and articles. I love the history of humanity, looking up at the sky and wanting to understand what the cosmos is all about. I want to know what and who is out there.
The vastness of the universe has captivated human imagination and curiosity for centuries. It is the driving force behind many incredible advancements in technology and scientific understanding. With the development of space exploration technology, we have been able to send probes to distant planets, land humans on the moon, and even establish a continuous presence in low Earth orbit. It is an amazing achievement.
However, as our capabilities to explore space continue to expand, my question still stands: just because we can explore space, does that mean we should? Where is it all going? What is the end game, or is there an end game?
For instance, should we mine asteroids for resources when we haven’t yet solved sustainable resource management on Earth? Should we colonize other planets if it risks harming ecosystems we don’t fully understand? We did and continue to do it to Earth, so why would space be different for us in that regard? These questions speak to responsibility, stewardship, and the broader impact of our actions.
There are numerous arguments on both sides of this debate, each with valid points and considerations. On the one hand, proponents of space exploration argue that it is essential for advancing science and technology. By studying celestial bodies and phenomena, we can better understand the universe and our place within it. This knowledge can lead to countless technological innovations that benefit society, such as developing new materials, medical treatments, and renewable energy sources. Additionally, the curiosity and drive to explore new frontiers are fundamental aspects of human nature. Humans have been pushing boundaries and expanding our horizons since our existence on Earth began. Humans are hard-wired to explore. Now, we shall press on into outer space.
On the other hand, critics of space exploration raise concerns about the cost and risks of sending humans and equipment into space. Space missions are costly, with the price of a single mission running into millions of dollars. In 2024, global spending on space exploration reached approximately $135 billion. The United States led the way, contributing around $79.7 billion, followed by China with over $19 billion. This includes investments in government programs, private sector initiatives, and international collaborations.
This raises questions about whether these resources, or at least a portion of them, could be better spent addressing pressing Earth issues like poverty, healthcare, and the environment in general. Furthermore, the dangers of space travel cannot be ignored, as space travelers (future space tourists included) face potential risks to their health and safety from radiation exposure, microgravity effects, and the possibility of catastrophic accidents.
In addition to the practical considerations of cost and risk, there are also ethical considerations to include when discussing the merits of space exploration. As we venture further into space, we will inevitably encounter the usual moral dilemmas and questions about our responsibilities to other forms of life we may encounter. The historic record of human behavior in this regard is not exactly stellar to say the least.
For example, if we discover microbial life on another planet, how should we interact with it? What rights should we afford it, and how should we ensure that our actions do not harm or disrupt its ecosystem? Now think about that concept if you replace the words microbial life with intelligent extraterrestrial life. Just look at what happened to native North and South Americans concerning deadly diseases when Europeans came to their world.
The question of whether we should explore space is a complex and multifaceted one. While there are undeniable benefits to expanding our knowledge of the universe and pushing the boundaries of human achievement, we must also consider these endeavors’ costs, risks, and ethical implications. As we continue to advance our capabilities in space exploration, we must approach these challenges with thoughtfulness and consideration for their impact on our society and the more expansive universe.
Individuals or organizations with advanced knowledge and resources may be tempted to push the boundaries of what is ethically or legally permissible, as has often been the case historically. Unfortunately, that is also a part of human nature. This can lead to unethical behavior, such as using technology for surveillance or control, exploiting vulnerable populations for personal gain, or engaging in harmful practices to pursue profit. For example, in artificial intelligence, companies may be tempted to use advanced algorithms to manipulate consumer behavior or invade privacy rather than using their capabilities to improve society.
It is already in play, in fact. Individuals’ cell phones and computer search patterns are already monitored to generate marketing ads for those individuals. There are many other examples. I see it, as we all do, every day. Who knows what we don’t know. Without ethical guidelines and accountability, AI power can easily be turned to nefarious purposes. That has been our history.
The unbridled exploration and utilization of space will lead to a lack of consideration for the long-term consequences of our actions. In our ravenous quest for progress and innovation, we may prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. The consequences of our actions may not be immediately apparent, but they can have far-reaching and irreversible effects on the environment, society, and the economy. Without careful planning and foresight, we risk leaving a legacy of destruction and depletion for future generations.
Let’s look at fuel consumption to put some numbers to the environmental impact into perspective.
The amount of fossil fuel consumed by space launch varies depending on the rocket and its mission. For example, rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 use rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1) as fuel, which releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and black carbon during combustion. A single Falcon 9 launch will emit approximately 27 tons of carbon dioxide per ton of payload.
Other rockets, such as SpaceX’s Starship, use liquid methane and liquid oxygen, which are less harmful but clearly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental impact of these launches is relatively small compared to industries like aviation. Still, the emissions released into the upper atmosphere amplify global warming and ozone depletion.
In addition to fuel consumption, the rockets themselves poking so many holes in the ozone layer every year is probably not a good thing either. How many can we withstand?
The risks of unchecked space launches are significant, from unintended consequences to misuse of power to shortsighted decision-making. Those with advanced knowledge and resources must exercise caution, ethical responsibility, and thoughtful consideration. As stewards of progress and innovation, we must use our capabilities wisely and for the betterment of all. That sounds nice, but historically, human behavior has not always been considerate or friendly to their neighbors. I touch upon some of this in my article entitled “The Extraterrestrial Universe and our Wilderness Paradigm”
If sound checks and balances are in place, I favor space exploration. However, I fear that space exploration may be moving too quickly and perhaps spinning out of control. I would love to hear your feedback on this issue.
All that being said, the SpaceX rescue mission was an amazing thing to see. Congratulations to all involved.
Sources:
- unoosa.org. Annual number of objects launched into space. UNOOSA
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). “Benefits of Space Exploration.”
- com. “The Costs of Space Missions and Their Benefits to Society.”
- Smith, J. (2019). The Power and Peril of Artificial Intelligence. Technology Review, 22(4), 73-86.
- Brown, L. (2021). The Long-Term Consequences of Short-Term Thinking. Journal of Sustainable Development, 27(3), 112-125.