Before I watched “Sex in Space” I had the pre-disposition
that this space program was a ridiculous idea.
However, after watching this episode it seems now that it could be quite
beneficial. If more of the population
saw the obstacles with sex in space then I believe they would become more
intrigued by the thought of this experiment.
The effect that gravity alone has on the sexual experience, how male
testosterone levels drop in space, or even how conception in space can lead to
mental abnormalities seems very interesting.
The rats from the episode were evidence that mental retardation and
muscular problems due to no gravity is very likely to happen. I
believe this information warrants further research into this area of
exploration, and I believe that whether public opinion on the topic is good or
bad, NASA should conduct the research anyways.
I feel like eventually it may come to sexual reproduction in space, due
to Earth’s rising population, so why not get a better understanding of it
now? I’m sure that colonization of the
moon or something of the sort has been discussed already, so not doing this
research could hinder that goal. I’m
sure that public opinion could be swayed from thinking taxpayer’s money is just
being used for a “good time” if the facts are presented the right way. It seems like in the long run, it doesn’t matter
what the public thinks. If the
government wants to use taxpayer’s money bad enough then they will. To me, it all boils down to how important
this research would appear to the people pulling the strings.
Vinny,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the information is interesting but is all this money that is going into this program really worth it? This is just my opinion, and I respect yours too, but I just feel as if this is something that is completely ridiculous. I think its amazing that we could obtain knowledge of living in space and being able to reproduce, but there was so many complications that come along with both. In the documentary, the speakers stated things like "life on Mars is very stressful, foreign, and claustrophobic", or life would be a "constant struggle, and a "relentless battle". Not to mention all the issues that came along when the rats reproduced. I just feel as if the money is being wasted and could go somewhere beneficial like to cancer research and things along those lines.
I agree with what you are saying. I think that we should just go on and conduct the experiment and there is much more experimenting to be done before they can actually have a birthing in space. The rats are a very good example of this. If it can happen to animals, it can certainly happen to humans and cold be even more catastrophic. Also if the government really wanted to go on and perform these tests they could have the scientists do so. It all depends on the possible back fire from everyone
ReplyDeleteYour line Vinny, "so why not get a better understanding of it now?" hit it right on the nose. I was on the fence of curious before the sex episode started. I was un-interested or excited to know, but by the middle of the event I was quite taken, more so by what you mentioned, the developmental issues and thoughts of how to compensate for this is we really had to. We'd actually look pretty foolish if something unique as a space birth came up and the baby died because no one took the time to research these questions. Nice post.
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