To justify the colonization of space, supporters have given a variety of reasons, including survival of the human species (in case of nuclear warfare or other planetary catastrophe), protection of Earth's environment, access to additional natural resources, and the spreading of life in the universe. Orbits close to Earth can be reached in hours, whereas the Moon is days away and trips to Mars take months. It's not known what the minimum g-force is for ongoing health but 1g is known to ensure that children grow up with strong bones and muscles. Humans have time to explore and colonize space at the same time as we mend the effects of climate change on Earth. The benefits to humanity created by the resources and knowledge create a moral obligation to colonize space. [22], Sheri Wells-Jensen, PhD, Associate Professor of English at Bowling Green State University, argues that the moral imperative goes even further than simple preservation: [W]e have a moral obligation to improve: that is, to colonize yes, but to do it better: to actively unthink systems of oppression that we know exist. 25, 2022. Sooner or later, disasters such as an asteroid collision or nuclear war could wipe us all out. Compared to other locations, Earth orbit has substantial advantages and one major, but solvable, problem. [28] [29], Humans havent even attempted to live in Antarctica or under Earths seas, which have many fewer challenges for human bodies, so why would humans want to live on a planet or on the Moon thats likely to kill them fairly immediately? For some it is the opportunity to gain new . Below are the proper citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): the Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian). One pragmatic argument suggests that if even half the money of space exploration were spent for terrestrial betterment, there would be greater good for a greater number of people, at least in the short term. 2. SpaceX is a commercial space travel business owned by Elon Musk that has ignited commercial space travel enthusiasm and the idea of space tourism. Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos Blue Origin have generated similar excitement. Colonization of Titan. Above Earth's natural protection, radiation exposure increases cancer risk, damages the central nervous system, can alter cognitive function, reduce motor function and prompt behavioral changes. Promote Science Education - The Apollo missions inspired a whole generation of kids who wanted to grow up to be astronauts, rocket scientists, and engineers. Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon.com who traveled to space in 2021, asserted that exploring space would result in expanded human genius: The solar system can easily support a trillion humans. ISBN links support NWE through referral fees. 28, 2018, Robert Matthews, When Will Earth Become Uninhabitable?, sciencefocus.com (accessed July 27, 2021), Joe Mascaro, To Save Earth, Go to Mars, aeon.com, May 11, 2016, George Dvorsky, Humans Will Never Colonize Mars, gizmodo.com, July 30, 2019, Matt Williams, The Future of Space Colonization -- Terraforming or Space Habitats?, phys.org, Mar. Here are the proper bibliographic citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): [Editor's Note: The APA citation style requires double spacing within entries. The Moon's low surface gravity (about one-sixth g) is also a concern. ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. Since the population increase is projected to continue, living space is and will remain an important need for the foreseeable future. In between these close approaches to home, the asteroid may travel out to a furthest distance of some 350,000,000 kilometers from the Sun (its aphelion) and 500,000,000 kilometers from Earth. "Man has gone out to explore other worlds and other civilizations without having explored his own labyrinth of dark passages and secret chambers, and without finding what lies behind doorways that he himself has sealed.". So here I will count down "Houston style," my top 5 reasons why space exploration is important for the world. Wernher von Braun contributed his ideas in a 1952 Colliers article. Organisms and their habitat fully isolated from the environment (examples include artificial biosphere, Biosphere 2, Changing the environment to become a life-friendly habitat, a process called. In space settlements, a relatively small, closed ecological system must recycle or import all the nutrients without "crashing.". Colonization, or the desire to establish permanent settlements, soon followed. e Stanisaw Lem, Solaris. 4. As of Feb. 2020, Russian Valery Polyakov had spent the longest continuous time in space (437.7 days in 1994-1995 on space station Mir), followed by Russian Sergei Avdeyev (379.6 days in 1998-1999 on Mir), Russians Vladimir Titov and Musa Manarov (365 days in 1987-1988 on Mir), American Mark Vande Hei (355 days on ISS) Russian Mikhail Kornienko and American Scott Kelly (340.4 days in 2015-2016 on Mir and ISS respectively), and American Christina Koch (328 days in 2019-20 in ISS). One of the major arguments for Martian colonization is its contribution to our science and technological development. Looking beyond the solar system, there are billions of potential suns with possible colonization targets. And we can do this while also pursuing colonization. [23], Jeff Bezos suggested that we move all heavy industry off Earth and then zone Earth for residences and light industry only. Dreams of space settlement hit a zenith in the 1950s with Walt Disney productions such as Man and the Moon, and science fiction novels including Ray Bradburys The Martian Chronicles (1950). NASAs ongoing Artemis program, launched by President Trump in 2017, intends to return humans to the Moon, landing the first woman on the lunar surface, by 2024. . Scientists were to inhabit igloos and drill down into the Europan ice crust, exploring any sub-surface ocean. According to one proposed scenario, "self-replication" could be an "ultimate" goal, on the assumption that it would lead to a more rapid increase in colonies, while eliminating costs to and dependence on Earth. Dreams of space settlement hit a zenith in the 1950s with Walt Disney productions such as Man and the Moon, and science fiction novels including Ray Bradburys The Martian Chronicles (1950). This can be achieved cheaply with leftover material (slag) from processing lunar soil and asteroids into oxygen, metals, and other useful materials; however, it represents a significant obstacle to maneuvering vessels with such massive bulk. See full answer below. Humans will face overpopulation in the not too distant future which would cause lack of resources, starvation, poverty, and thirst. NSS Mission: "to promote social, economic, technological, and political change in order to expand civilization beyond Earth, to settle space and to use the resulting resources to build a hopeful and prosperous future for humanity." NSS Rationale - Why Our Mission is Important: Survival, Growth, Prosperity, and Curiosity Explain your answer(s). [18] [19] [40], In Jan. 2022, Space Entertainment Enterprise (SEE) announced plans for a film production studio and a sports arena in space. It would be like, Good news, the problems of poverty and disease have been solved, but the bad news is there arent any humans left. I think we have a duty to maintain the light of consciousness, to make sure it continues into the future. [1], According to some philosophies, humans are the only beings capable of morality, and, thus, preserving humanity is the highest moral imperative. Over the next six decades, NASA would launch space stations, land rovers on Mars, and orbit Pluto and Jupiter, among other accomplishments. Although they would generally also take a few days to reach with current technology, many of these points would have near-continuous solar power capability, since their distance from Earth would result in only brief and infrequent eclipses of light from the Sun. Famed British cosmologist Stephen Hawking sees only one way for humanity to survive the next millennium: colonize space. Other technologiessuch as tether propulsion, Variable specific impulse magnetoplasma rocket (VASIMR), ion drives, solar thermal rockets, solar sails, and nuclear thermal propulsioncan all potentially help solve the problems of high transport costs once in space. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? Due to its proximity and relative familiarity, Earth's Moon is frequently discussed as a target for colonization. However, NASA ended its space shuttle program in 2011 when the shuttle Atlantis landed at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 21. Managing Editor To travel to other planets, to mine the asteroids, creating an artificial biosphere, constructing a city on Mars' barren surface, exploring the life on the Moon, living in the darker skies, and observing stars in outer space. But so far poor mankind has only managed to send a few representatives to the moon, our nearest . Science journalist Shannon Stirone said that SpaceX founder Elon Musk "is absolutely out into space" when it comes to the "unrealistic" colonization of Mars and listed the myriad of ways . In 2014 Elon Musk stated, Its obvious that space is deeply ingrained in the American psyche SpaceX is only 12 years old now. There are many secrets lying in wait to be discovered in space. What was science fiction began to look more like possibility. The Space Frontier Foundation promotes strong free market, capitalist views about space development. Project Orion: A concept proposed by Freeman Dyson that could use nuclear bombs to propel a starship. NASA's Griffin: 'Humans Will Colonize the Solar System. [T]he first argument against human travel . The literature for space colonization began in 1869, when Edward Everett Hale[9] wrote about an inhabited artificial satellite. Explore and monitor how Space is affecting economies, industries and global issues. 3 reasons Mars colonization might be a bad idea. This understanding is incredibly important in moving towards a nation that holds a strong and respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. By. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Technological advancement into space can exist alongside conservation efforts on Earth. Titan has been suggested as a target for colonization,[3] because it is the only moon in the solar system to have a dense atmosphere and is rich in carbon-bearing compounds.[4]. Colonizing space is one method of doing so. Earth is in trouble, but space is deeply inhospitable to humans. You might as well be exposed to the vacuum of space, resulting in a severe form of the bendsincluding ruptured lungs, dangerously swollen skin and body tissue, and ultimately death. In highly electrified nations on Earth, per-capita electrical consumption can average 1 kilowatt/person (or roughly 10 megawatt-hours per person per year.[2]). The clouds could be a possible source for the extraction of water. Other people believe that by colonizing other planets, we will only bring . The Space Studies Institute was founded by Gerard K. O'Neill to fund the study of space habitats. This would also help preserve the rest of terrestrial life presumably something the critics would approve of. There are some who object to the idea of colonizing space as being "too expensive and a waste of time." Some assert that leaving Earth in shambles proves we are not ready to colonize space in terms of cultural, social, or moral infrastructure, regardless of technological advancements. A space habitat would also serve as a proving ground for how well a generation ship could function as a long-term home for hundreds or thousands of people. The argument of need: The population of Earth continues to increase, while its carrying capacity and available resources do not. Become a member. There are plenty of creatives who . But 58% said they were definitely or probably not interested in going to space. Its overall surface area is similar to the dry land surface of Earth, it may have large water reserves, and has carbon (locked as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere). [9] [10] [11] [12] [13], Richard Branson launched himself, two pilots, and three mission specialists into space from New Mexico for a 90-minute flight on the Virgin Galactic Unity 22 mission on July 11, 2021. Finally, the level of (pseudo-) gravity is controlled at any desired level by rotating an orbital colony. ", The Planetary Society is the largest space interest group, but has an emphasis on robotic exploration and the. Very little can be achieved on Mars that isn't already possible on Earth. Its gravity is only around a third that of Earth; it is unknown whether this is sufficient to support human life for long periods. 32% believed long-term habitable space colonies will be built by 2068. Musk argues that in order for humans to survive, it's necessary for the species to become "spacefaring" and "multiplanetary." But colonizing is no innocent practice: Humans have been reckoning with. A major drawback of the Moon is its low abundance of volatiles necessary for life, such as hydrogen and oxygen. However, nuclear submarines run "open loop" and typically dump carbon dioxide overboard, although they recycle oxygen. 3. The starting point here is the assumption that regardless of the difficulty of the space environment, as well as the motivation for space colonization, a space habitat should offer a minimum quality of life. It's far from clear that human values will shape an Earth-based space-colonization wave, but even if they do, it seems more likely that space colonization will increase total suffering rather than decrease it. We should clean it up instead of destroying a moon or another planet. 500 Such a space habitat could be isolated from the rest of humanity for a century, but near enough to Earth for help. If the resources of space are opened to use and viable life-supporting habitats can be built, the Earth will no longer define the limits of growth. The inhabitation and territorial use of extraterrestrial space has been proposed to be realized by for example building space . Some anti-space arguments have gone so far as to suggest that space colonization is a remnant of historical colonization, and the desire to conquer territory. Another seminal book on the subject was the book, The High Frontier: Human Colonies in Space, by Gerard K. O'Neill[11] in 1977, which was followed the same year by Colonies in Space by T. A. Somewhere around 5-10 tons of material per square meter of surface area is required. November 3, 2020 2522 views 1. ], ProCon.org, "Space Colonization Top 3 Pros and Cons,", ProCon.org, "Space Colonization Top 3 Pros and Cons. The group returned to Earth on Apr. New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article And even the worst catastrophes are unlikely to leave this world as hostile to humanity as a planet with no life, no atmosphere,. Cosmic rays and solar flares create a lethal radiation environment in space. Spread life and beauty throughout the universe. 23, 2021, NASA, July 20, 1969: One Giant Leap for Mankind, nasa.gov, July 20, 2019, NASA, 60 Moments in NASA History, nasa.gov (accessed July 26, 2021), NASA, The Birth of NASA, nasa.gov, Mar. And the majority (63%) stated NASAs top priority should be monitoring Earths climate, while only 18% said sending astronauts to Mars should be the highest priority and only 13% would prioritize sending astronauts to the Moon. Their answers included the following points:[7], Louis J. Halle, formerly of the United States Department of State, wrote in Foreign Affairs (Summer 1980) that the colonization of space will protect humanity in the event of global nuclear warfare.[8]. The other three Earth-Sun points would require months to reach. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. Indias planned human space flights have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they may launch in 2023. The movies have visualized trips to those worlds in many different ways. This part of the atmosphere is probably within dense clouds that contain some sulfuric acid. Make money from solar power satellites, asteroid mining, and. This article was published on January 21, 2022, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Space Exploration Quotes. The thin atmosphere also means that heat cannot be retained at the surface. a famous hoax from history . According to this view, there is nothing in space that is really needed, adding that moving beyond the solar system is totally impractical in any "reasonable" time scale. Colonizing space is really important. The module will be named SEE-1 and will dock on Axiom Station, which is the commercial wing of the International Space Station. The National Space Society is an organization with the vision of "people living and working in thriving communities beyond the Earth. https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-space-colonization. Researchers in conservation biology have tended to adopt the "50/500" rule of thumb initially advanced by Franklin and Soule. [31] [32], But, a person has yet to set foot on Mars, and no space station has been built on another planet or natural satellite. These colonies would be positioned to construct massive solar power satellites to provide clean power to the Earth, as well as set up industries that on Earth create much environmental damage. If man were to colonize a celestial body, the most important thing is to find one that is as similar to the earth as possible, because the purpose of space colonization is that man should be able to live on other celestial bodies, and our conditions for living on another celestial body are greater. Pro/Con Arguments | Discussion Questions | Take Action | Sources | More Debates, While humans have long thought of gods living in the sky, the idea of space travel or humans living in space dates to at least 1610 after the invention of the telescope when German astronomer Johannes Kepler wrote to Italian astronomer Galileo: Let us create vessels and sails adjusted to the heavenly ether, and there will be plenty of people unafraid of the empty wastes. Schmidt, Stanley and Robert Zubrin, eds. Billionaire Elon Musk explained that the SpaceX Mars colonization project would need one million people to pay $200,000 each just to move to and colonize Mars, which doesnt include the costs incurred before humans left Earth. Mankind has been dealing with challenges since the first days of its existence. 1. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here: The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia: Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed. Remain a Global Leader in Space, pewresearch.org, June 6, 2018, Brian Patrick Green, Self-Preservation Should Be Humankinds First Ethical Priority and Therefore Rapid Space Settlement Is Necessary, sciencedirect.com, June 2019, Gonzalo Munevar, An Obligation to Colonize Outer Space, sciencedirect.com, June 2019, Kelly C. Smith and Keith Abney, The Great Colonization Debate, researchgate.net, Apr. The most common ideas for space colonization include: settling Earth's Moon, building on Mars, and constructing free-floating space stations. Compared to the other requirements, communication systems are relatively easy to set up for Earth orbits and settlements on the Moon. 2. Saturn 's largest moon Titan is one of several candidates for possible future colonization of the outer Solar System, though protection against extreme cold is a major consideration. However, if such a goal were to imply human self-replication, it would treat people as machines, requiring genetic experimentation on humans and expecting that human nature and the human desire for a spouse and family life can be by-passed in some cavalier fashion. The Colonize the Cosmos site advocates orbital colonies. prescription corresponds to an inbreeding rate of 1 percent per generation, approximately half the maximum rate tolerated by domestic animal breeders. SEE plans to host film and sports events, as well as content creation by Dec. 2024. Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking both suggested the need for a "hedge" population of humans on Mars to allow human civilization to reboot itself in the event of a catastrophe on Earth - an. [28]. procon@eb.com, 2022 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. We're in the infancy of it I'm talking about that one day, I don't know when that day is, but there will be more human beings who live off the Earth than on it. They would be literal "cities" in space, where people would live and work and raise families. Space colonization is a controversial topic for some people, though definitely not for me, and for a number of reasons. There are also proposed projects such as building a space elevator or a mass driver. In a lecture Tuesday in Los Angles, the 71-year . Now, today the technology is such that this is barely conceivable. One common phrase used to describe the necessity of space colonization is that it is unwise to put "all of your eggs in one basket." Should a catastrophe occur on Earth, and all humans on Earth die out, humans in space colonies would still be alivemeaning that humanity would not be extinct. RSS. And the radiation on the Moon is about 200 times higher than on Earth, in addition to other problems colonizing the Moon would cause humans. However, the fact that Lagrange points L4 and L5 tend to collect dust and debris, while L1-L3 require active station-keeping measures to maintain a stable position, make them somewhat less suitable places for habitation than was originally believed. Remote research stations in inhospitable climates, such as the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station or Devon Island Mars Arctic Research Station, can also provide some practice for off-world outpost construction and operation. Proponents say artificial intelligence can improve workplace safety. List two to three ways. Also, the climate of Mars is colder than Earth's. For example, the star Tau Ceti, about eleven light years away, has an abundance of cometary and asteroidal material in orbit around it. Now as to why depends on ones point of view. [12], Paul Eckart wrote Lunar Base Handbook in 1999;[13] M. Dyson wrote Home on the Moon; Living on a Space Frontier in 2003;[14] and Harrison Schmitt published Return to the Moon, written in 2007.[15]. Harvard Univ., $29.95 By 20th century expectations, we are way behind schedule on colonizing the solar system. As a species, we are approaching an important turning point in our history, and if we make the wrong decisions we might be facing a future of deprivation, over population, hunger, and. Space fantasies flourished after Jules Vernes From Earth to the Moon was published in 1865, and again when RKO Pictures released a film adaptation, A Trip to the Moon, in 1902. Over the next six decades, NASA would launch space stations, land rovers on Mars, fly past Pluto, and orbit Jupiter, among other accomplishments. Water ice deposits that may exist in some polar craters could serve as a source for these elements. And the majority (63%) stated NASAs top priority should be monitoring Earths climate, while only 18% said sending astronauts to Mars should be the highest priority and only 13% would prioritize sending astronauts to the Moon. A large asteroid, the star going nova, or even a shift in the planetary climate could devastate humanity. [35], Humans would have a host of illnesses to deal with due to climate differences on Mars or the Moon: cancer, radiation illnesses, reproductive problems (or sterility), muscle degeneration, bone loss, skin burns, cardiovascular disease, depression, boredom, an inability to concentrate, high blood pressure, immune disorders, metabolic disorders, visual disorders, balance and sensorimotor problems, structural changes in the brain, nausea, dizziness, weakness, cognitive decline, and altered gene function, among others. The pros and cons of the alternative and renewable energies debate include arguments for and against solar, wind, and nuclear powers. What was science fiction began to look more like possibility. This plan also discusses the possible use of "air pockets" for human habitation. Con Humans living in space is pure science fiction. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The Space Settlement Institute is searching for ways to make space colonization happen in our lifetimes. Some of these European countries fought one another for control over trade and the riches of the New World. Propellant launched from the Earth is likely to be prohibitively expensive for space colonization, even with improved space access costs. Mars is a desolate wasteland with very little atmosphere, less gravity and no radiation protection. Distinct cultural important (hard to define) is probably good reason. Provide entertainment value, to distract from immediate surroundings. Another reason used to justify space colonization is the effort to increase human knowledge and technological abilities. Can Alternative Energy Effectively Replace Fossil Fuels? N Wrtie a essay based on your outline from lesson 2. your essay will be about the same topic. A space colony can be the answer to philosophical challenges and economic expectations facing us here on Earth. Why would the left hate colonization of space, because it becomes harder to . Why colonize space We may well have people living on the moon. Importance of Space Colonization: First of all, it's human nature to go beyond. Tsiolkowsky had his space travelers building greenhouses and raising crops in space.[10].