What are some advantages and disadvantages of exploratory research?

This Is Only A Couple Of Things Of The Top Of My Head.
Advantages:
-New Discoveries Can Be Made
-There Can Be Advances In Medicine/Science
-It Can Benefit A Lot Of PeoplE
Disadvantages:
-It Usually Costs A Lot
-It May Be Unsuccesful (Failed Experiments Etc.)
-The Results Come Out Negative (Nothing Found)