Chapter 10 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 10 - Von Däniken argues for the merits of space research. While many may consider costly outer space research a waste of money that would be better spent here on Earth, Von Däniken states several reasons why space research is not only valuable but crucial to mankind's future. First, Earth's population will soon outstrip its capacity to feed its inhabitants, forcing us to look skyward for both alternative food supplies and more room to live. Second, energy sources will, sooner rather than later, be exhausted on Earth, and we must look to Mars or elsewhere for additional fuel. Third there is the benefit of technological by-products of space research, such as Teflon, photoelectric cells, advances in medicine, advances in aircraft construction, etc. Lastly, it is simply our responsibility to the future of mankind to explore space because Earth will...