What Is Space Exploration For?

In an era of unprecedented climate challenges, should we still be trying to explore space or should all our scientific attention be focused here on Earth? If space is becoming a playground for billionaires, will that enflame tensions between superpowers with potentially disastrous results?

What is Space Exploration For? argues that it offers indispensable benefits to scientific understanding, not least in addressing climate change. And, while space exploration’s immediate benefits are likely to be scientific and economic, the authors emphasise that expansion beyond Earth may have other, long-term advantages for civilisation in broadening our understanding of who we are.