Before you read this article it is important for you to read part one of this two part series on the negatives and positives of going to space and settling in space. In this article we will talk about the negatives of space travel.

The danger involved in space travel at the moment is astronomical. To put this into perspective, the Apollo 11 astronauts had to sign autographs to give to their families and sell in case they died because they could not afford life insurance. Two out of the six space shuttles were lost in accidents during missions. There is an incredible amount of risk involved in space travel. If we are to explore and colonize the solar system and beyond there will likely be some fatalities, thankfully many scientists and engineers spend their lives finding ways to make space travel safer every day.

There is a lot of money involved in researching and producing space craft and all the equipment needed for space travel. To launch a pound of good into space costs over 10000 dollars, although if you SpaceX it only costs $4000. NASA's budget has slowly been falling since the Apollo era. During the Apollo era, NASA's budget was almost 4.5% of the United state's federal budget. In 2012 it was just over 0.5% of the federal budget. If we want to explore space and get to Mars, let alone settle it and resupply it, we are going to need a big budget.

Space travel may cause international tension between countries. For example if one country develops the capabilities to get into space and beyond more efficiently and cheaper, they could potentially spy on another country. Nations could also use space travel in a negative or hostile way, they may equip spacecraft with weaponry, long range missiles or ICBMs.

I would love to hear back from you and tell me what you believe, is space good or bad.