2023 A-Level GP Paper 1 - Potential Pitfalls

QUESTION 1

Consider the view that spending money on space travel cannot be justified in today’s world.

Pitfall 1: 

Problem

“Space travel” and “Space” are different. This is a major pitfall for any discussion beyond “Space travel” would render the essay not answering the question. 

Solution

Define “Space travel” in the introduction to not just reveal to the examiner that you have understood the boundary of the question (space travel, and not space), but also remind yourself to remain within the limit of space travel. 

To aid you in differentiating the two areas, consider the following explanation:

●    Space: Space refers to the vast expanse beyond Earth’s atmosphere, where celestial bodies such as stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets exist. Space is essentially the vacuum that exists between celestial bodies.

●    Space Travel: Space travel, on the other hand, refers to the act of journeying into and through space using various spacecraft and technologies. It involves the exploration and utilisation of space for scientific research, communication, satellite deployment, human habitation (such as in space stations), and potentially interplanetary or interstellar travel.

Pitfall 2: 

Problem

“Spending money” is not that straightforward. Some students view “spending money” as government spending money. However, there can be a few ways of sourcing money to spend and a few ways to spend money. How the money is sourced and how the money is spent lead to different reasons for justifying spending money. 

Solution

There are two main sources of money – Government and Private. The latter is mainly from companies but can be from private individuals. 

Of the source of funding, concerning the governmental budget, the main concern lies with justification for budget allocation. Is it more justifiable to fund space travel by reducing the funds to meet the healthcare needs of the country?

Of the source of funding, concerning private companies, will space travel be profitable? The primary goal of private companies is to earn a profit. Failure to achieve this objective would render the spending not justifiable. 

For spending, money can be spent directly, but also indirectly. The following lists the differences. The main justification for spending money on “space travel” is the possible impact of “space travel” on other aspects of life. One such area is how the technology to materialise space travel can also be used on handphones, etc. For the following, consider how spending can lead to other impacts on life (economics, security, welfare, etc).  

● Direct Spending 

○    Government Budgets: This is a fund allocated by government agencies. NASA from the United States is the famous one. European Space Agency (ESA) is another one that is funded by the government of the EU. ESA is primarily funded by contributions from its member states. 

○    Private Investment: Funds can also be contributed by private companies, entrepreneurs, or investors towards space-related ventures. Commercial space tourism, satellite launches, and space exploration initiatives are some of the few ventures. Space Exploration Technologies Corp. commonly referred to as SpaceX, is one such private company. 

○    International Collaboration: Money is also contributed by multiple countries through collaborative space programs, such as the International Space Station (ISS). 

● Indirect Spending 

○    Research Grants: Financial support is provided to scientists, researchers, and academic institutions for conducting studies, experiments, and technological developments that may not be directed at space, but related. Some of these researches are:

■ Materials Science: Research into advanced materials with properties like lightweight, durability, and resistance to extreme conditions can benefit space exploration by improving spacecraft construction, spacesuit design, and the development of components for satellites and space habitats.

■ Robotics: Studies in robotics can lead to the development of autonomous systems for space exploration missions, including rovers for planetary exploration, robotic arms for satellite servicing, and drones for mapping and exploration.

○    Education and Outreach: Funds are allocated for public outreach, education, and awareness programs aimed at promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. STEM fields related to space.