There is no question that studying space and planets costs money. Politicians and scientists frequently have to balance costs and possible research advantages. Whether the advantages of manned space flight are meritorious is a key consideration. The solution is obvious, according to Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Weinberg. In his 2007 talk at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, he made this observation. “There is no constructive role for humans in space.” Anything involving people is exceedingly expensive because they emit heat, are costly to maintain, and, unlike robotic missions, have a natural desire to return. Compared to manned flights, unmanned operations are far less expensive because they don't require watertight containers, food, or systems that sustain life. Additionally, because they are lighter, they require less launch equipment and fuel. The 1992 manned spaceflight project, according to NASA, cost $1.7 billion to build and needs about $450 million for each launch. In contrast, only $865 million was spent on the unmanned Traveler mission from 1972 until 1989 when it visited Neptune. Unmanned projects typically produce far more data than manned operations, in addition to being more cost-effective. Unmanned missions have almost completely explored our solar system and have recently detected an Earth-like globe in a neighbouring solar system, whereas manned aircraft have not yet traveled beyond the orbit of the Earth's moon. Manned missions would not be able to cover such a large distance, remain in orbit for as long, or gather as much data while simultaneously ensuring the astronauts' safe return. While some might disagree, it is undeniable that only manned space flight has the power to excite and enthrall the public, providing the much-needed incentive for sustained government funding and academic aspirations in sciences and mathematics. But recent initiatives like the Mars Rover, Titan moon lander, and images of extrasolar planets taken by the Hubble observatory show that robotic missions can draw in and keep the public's interest.
Consequently, accounting for the reduced cost, more data, and widespread support from the public. Unmanned space missions surely produce the highest worth in terms of state expenditure, at least for the moment being, in my opinion.