Finally, the political norms of control by the Ottoman Empire and the reputation of the Ming Dynasty as exploring the world can be overcome with this quest and the establishment of new trade routes.

Current technological barriers make exploration unattractive. However, important navigational tools including the magnetic compass and the cross-staff can help provide guidance on the seas. The caravel will help bring seamen home safely. This journey will test these technological advances and their utility on a long discovery mission. If they are proven to be useful, people will be more willing to go out to sea and funding for these missions is more likely.

Finally, this mission will provide important economic benefits, primarily through trading. Alternate routes to the Indian Ocean without going through Constantinople and into Africa without crossing the Sahara may be discovered. These, subsequent trading posts, and increases in import and export merchandise will be...
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