Being in space exploration you’re never far from the question, “but is it worth it?” A typical answer normally references that technological spin offs from space exploration improve life on Earth, that NASA is only a very small portion of federal government spending, that space exploration supports many well-paying jobs across the country (although I hate to think that the space industry exists largely as a jobs program), that by exploring space we learn more about Earth, that we are an innately curious species so turning our backs on exploration would be counter ourselves, or even that we need to establish our presence in space as a backup plan for Earth. All of these are valid reasons.

But I’ve recently become motivated by a different argument. Perhaps we collectively choose to pursue space exploration because we want it as part of our culture. As individuals we choose the person we want to be, and as a society we chose the culture we want to have and collectively value. I want to be part of a culture that values and provides funding for education, the arts, concert halls, cathedrals, and parks. I want a culture that protects and preserves the land, and studies it thoroughly. I want a culture that fights against systematic racism and indeed against other forms of discrimination. And indeed, I want a culture that explores the land, the sea, and space as well.