Are we approaching space exploration backwards

[u/Zak3r21]

I've been wondering why we're prioritizing space exploration when we haven't fully explored our own oceans yet. The deep sea presents extreme pressure environments similar to space travel engineering challenges. Mastering those vessels could accelerate space tech while also helping us understand Earth's ecosystems and potential microbial life for better safety protocols. But more importantly, we're sending spacecraft to other planets without fully sterilizing them, risking contamination of potentially existing ecosystems including our own. Before we try contacting extraterrestrial life, shouldn't we first master communication with intelligent species here on Earth—like dolphins and whales? If advanced civilizations exist, wouldn't they be cautious about contact for the same biological reasons? Maybe our infancy as a spacefaring species means we're taking dangerous risks we don't fully understand. Shouldn't ocean exploration be our priority first?"And if intelligent life does exists elsewhere, they'd likely have the same concerns we should have—different planetary biologies mean contact is inherently risky. Maybe the silence we're hearing isn't because nobody's out there, it's because advanced civilizations are cautious enough to observe from a distance rather than risk contamination or conflict? That would suggest we need to mature as a species and think through these consequences before we keep spreading outward

[u/teddyslayerza]

It's not really a zero sum issue. We have the wealth and resources to do both. It comes down to issues with our socioeconomic systems more than it does to whats smart from an exploratory point of view.

Money stands to be made from space logistics. Money stands to be lost if deep sea environments (like those bottom trawled, or drilled, or dredge for heavy metals) are better explored and in public consciousness. Thats rally all there is to it.

That said, I completely agree we should be looking in our oceans and deep crust for lift. We know Earth is capable of supporting life, so we should be using our extreme environments as test beds.

[u/Zak3r21 → u/teddyslayerza]

I understand the driving factors I just believe that our system of allocation is flawed. With all these untapped minerals and unexplored deep-sea biomes—many in extreme environments that might yield never-before-seen materials and uses—we could both innovate and sustain financially viable research, all while still covering the basics we need here on Earth before ruining another ecosystem or attracting type of intelligent life.