Humans have always been curious about the nature of outer space. besides curiosity, what other societal demands have led to exploration of space?

Besides curiosity, the societal demands that have led to exploration of space is the countless improvements for life on Earth. For example, space based science offers an environment to foster new materials, better medicines, improved methods to provide clean water, and better ways to grow enough food to feed our increasing global population. Studying astronauts living and working in space also enhances our understanding of the human body, resulting in innovative ways to protect all humans from many different ailments.