Space Colonization: [possibilities of extraterrestrial settlement]

It is no longer news that mankind has almost fully conquered this earth, but is there a possibility of an off-earth colonization? This area of extraterrestrial settlement has raised some reservations in the past, as there are opponents to this ideology. But with the trend of insane technological advancements, there could be more possibilities than futilities in space colonization.

It will be very myopic to think that the power of colonization of mankind is only limited to this planet earth.

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Even though no space colony has been established thus far, I won’t have you ignorant of the fact that mankind has bridged the divide in space travel. Another fact is this: Space colonization goes beyond just space travel, to forming a perfectly habitable extraterrestrial settlement. Don’t be too quick to say it’s impossible.

I know someone could be thinking of the possibilities of humans surviving in this proposed colony. Well, you cannot underestimate the survival instinct of mankind.

But before I continue on this, I’d love to point out some of the limitless possibilities and advantages embedded in space colonization.

I’d be buttressing on Asteroid mining. Do you know that some of these asteroids contain some rare minerals which are worth over billions of dollars? Here’s just a little summary of these minerals.

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Another advantage is the fact that this will ease up overpopulation and increase in resource demand that could hit the earth.

That being noted, there are points to seriously consider before achieving this feat:

• Gravitational variations: We all know that other stellar bodies could have varying gravities in comparison to the earth. It will be needful to establish some infrastructures to induce and simulate an earth-like gravity on these proposed colonies.
• The actual space travel: Has mankind ever been to another planet? Not yet. Even the proposed Mars trip is still in its beta prep. This is another factor that should be considered. What easiest way can humans possibly travel to space with?
• Human sustenance: This is the final point I’d love to buttress. Plan should be made to sustain human life in these proposed colonies, and should not just rely on the natural survival instincts of humans.

Step in the right direction?

I think a major trail has been blazed towards the actualization of extraterrestrial settlement with the launching of ISS and Heavenly Palace (Tiangog space station).

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These stations are fully manned. Another fascinating aspect is the fact that it can support human lives for years. It also orbits the earth like miniature planets.

Affordability of space colonization

This is where the major issue lies. Sending just 1kg of anything to the space could cost millions. But another breakthrough in this could be the harnessing of renewable energy to power the space shuttle and the space colonies too.

My conclusion on this is; Science and Technology can only get better. Welcome to the future.

Thanks for reading

References for further reading: Ref1, Ref2, Ref3