What do you think about NASA's Kepler Mission in 2008, to seek evidence of Earth-size planets?

Question

We are destroying planet earth with the pride, stubbornness and economic interest of our governments. Do you think is wise for NASA to look for other livable planets with the support of the government instead of doing something about the planet we already have?

Answer 1

I think the Kepler mission is, in the words of Al Gore, "Awesomely cool". (That was Al Gore's description of an Earth observing satellite that he proposed but that was never built.)

It is not and never will be NASA's job to "do something about the planet".

It is NASA's job to do space exploration. I see no problem with doing space exploration AND saving the planet. The EPA saves the planet, NASA explores space, and the NFL plays football. (I have seen at least one post in THIS forum claiming we should give up sports (specifically Cricket) and use the money saved to stop pollution.) The idea that we have to give up space to save Earth is small minded.

Answer 2

It is my contention that we, as Earthlings, should do everything in our power to find other "livable" planets in the event that some unavoidable world-wide catastrophe befalls the Earth (i.e. meteor impact, polar ice melting, etc.) so that humanity can hopefully continue on.