Should human beings continue to pursue the exploration of outer space, or is it an exercise in futility?

Yes, I think human beings should continue to pursue the exploration of outer space. What we have now learned and are doing is the culmination of many years of work by the best and the brightest, not to mention the loss of lives by dedicated astronauts in their missions. It also seems to be one area of life in which all countries work together in relative harmony for a common purpose. People feel pride, and a common connection with the unknown when they watch a launch or shuttle landing. Pictures from the space station are awe-inspiring and help us identify with not just our planet but the universe. It also helps us to put into proper perspective all the conflict and craziness that divides people on Earth. I'll leave all the research studies, discoveries, etc up to the scientists to answer. I don't think it is an exercise in futility, but I will say that I hope with all the brilliance that goes into space exploration, we do not get too ahead of ourselves in terms of the management of space debris. We should be applying the lessons we have learned on earth about junking up the environment.