* Satellites for communication, weather forecasting, GPS, and television

* Human spaceflight, including missions to the Moon

* Space probes to explore other planets, moons, and asteroids

* The International Space Station, a joint project of multiple countries

Scientific discoveries

* The Earth's ozone layer is being depleted by human-made chemicals

* The universe is expanding and accelerating

* There may be water on Mars

* There are billions of stars in our galaxy, and many of them may have planets orbiting them

* The "Big Bang" theory of the universe's origin

Technological advances

* Microelectronics, used in everything from computers to cell phones

* Solar panels, used to generate electricity from sunlight

* Water filtration systems, used to clean water for drinking and irrigation

* Fire-resistant materials, used in construction and firefighting

* Artificial limbs and other medical devices

Economic benefits

* The space industry creates jobs and generates revenue

* Satellite communications enable global communication and commerce

* Space exploration has inspired new technologies and businesses

Cultural impact

* Space travel and exploration have captured the imagination of people around the world

* NASA's missions have inspired movies, TV shows, and books

* Space exploration has helped us to understand our place in the universe