Final answer:
Kennedy's commitment to space exploration resulted in the development of satellites that improved weather forecasting, communications, and navigation, which enhanced public safety. Additionally, military technology investments indirectly supported economic growth, benefiting both national security and social welfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Kennedy's commitment to space exploration greatly enhanced safety by advancing technology. Kennedy argued that satellite technology, which was developed through the space race, has numerous applications that make people safer. Satellites are crucial for weather forecasting, global communications, and navigation. They allow for early warnings in case of severe weather conditions, thereby saving lives by giving people time to seek shelter or evacuate. Improved communications have enabled better coordination during disasters, and modern navigation systems have made travel by air and sea significantly safer.
Moreover, the space program invested in military technologies, enhancing long-range missile capabilities. While the primary purpose was national defense, this technology also fostered the growth of the satellite industry. These investments in space technologies were not only a symbol of American technological superiority but they also funded a growing middle class of government workers, engineers, and defense contractors, thereby boosting the economy in regions known as the Sun Belt. This evidence is relevant because it showcases the practical benefits of the space program and how it contributed to the wellbeing and safety of the general public.