For the upcoming research paper, I have chosen a topic that is an intersection between science and technology. The question that will essentially guide me through my research is: “How does space exploration impact human development?” This question interests me because I feel that space is our civilization’s final frontier and there is so much knowledge that humanity can gain from it. I have personal connection to this research question through my academic focus. However, I would like to learn more and truly discover what further advancements in space exploration can provide for the average individual here on Earth. The exigence in this specific topic that I have chosen correlates to our planet’s changing climate. Our society is burning fossil fuels faster than our planet can regulate them. As a result, some of the effects of this issue include: rising sea levels, increased heat waves, and the spread of new diseases. In order to ensure the advancement and prosperity of humanity, I believe further research in space exploration as well as establishing interplanetary colonies is crucial.

In order to give my reader a sense of what space exploration can provide I will focus on how space missions of the past have shaped new, innovative technologies we use today. I will also focus on current missions being performed by both federal and commercial entities. Another question I can consider in my research is: “Why should space exploration still be funded?” I feel this is a good question to look into due to the fact my audience may not have any interest in space and would rather see their money go into something else. I would then have to provide evidence to support my claim, which would be highlighting all the positive influences that space exploration has provided to society through countless information and advancements in technology. As far as sources go, I plan to use mainly academic sources, mainly from people or organizations in the field. I may look into using a primary source from the archives here on campus to try and get a sense of how space exploration impacted the university. Overall, this is a topic that I am passionate about and will enjoy researching. Like Philip Gerard mentioned in his interview, writing should not be about what you as the author already know, but instead what you really want to find out. I agree with Gerard in this sense because research should be about making discoveries and learning something new.