Manned vs.. Unmanned Space Exploration: Which is Better

Manned vs. Unmanned space flight has been one of the most debated topics today. There are new dimensions to the debate between the two. 

As we know, there are many aspects to space exploration. As we compare manned and unmanned space flight in all these aspects, we see the differences between the both and find which is more advantageous. 

The various aspects of space exploration includes costs, risks, time factors, training, uses, limitations etc. A comparison of all these aspects shows some very interesting observations. 

Costs

Manned space explorations costs much more. There is added expenditure due to the prolonged periods of research in order to ensure human comfort in space.  There is also considerable amount of money spent on training of astronauts and space scientists that adds up to the cost of the mission.

Unmanned space expeditions however have much lesser build up costs. It is said that you can build 2 unmanned space expeditions at the cost of 1 manned space expedition. There is no humans involved in unmanned space flight and that translates to huge savings on the space budget.

Risks

Manned space flight is extremely risky.  Scientists don’t fully understand the nature of space. Anything could go wrong there.  Mounting a rescue mission would be extremely difficult if not impossible. There are way too many risks the moment you involve humans.

On the other hand, unmanned space flight has absolutely minimal risks because of the absence of any human elements in the mission. There is no need to mount up on a rescue mission or take unreasonable risks for the same.

Time Frame

Manned space missions are time consuming. A lot of time goes on research, development and training. A lot of calculations and time is spent in order to avoid any errors.

Unmanned missions on the other hand consume much lesser time. The design of the spacecraft is much simpler. Robotics guide the spacecraft and the technology is easier to develop.

Uses

Manned space explorations have achieved almost nothing out of their missions.  Astronauts conduct the same experiments over and over again in space and discover absolutely nothing new.  So their achievements, at least major, stands at negligible. And this is in terms of results. 

Unmanned on the other hand has been more successful. These missions have collected sufficient data and explore new frontiers. Their limitations are very little and they are able to do much more.

In these comparisons, we clearly come to our conclusion that unmanned space flight is much more beneficial than manned space exploration.