Space Colonization

The topic of space colonization is one that is heavily debated. Those who favor it say it will help save humans from extinction; those who oppose are concerned with commodification. If humans were to colonize space in order to save the human population there would be many obstacles they would have to overcome. With concerns about technology, resources, and the human lifestyle there are many reasons this does not seem plausible.

Humans, as of now do not possess the proper technology needed in order to set up long term colonies in space. If the technology were to become available it would be extremely costly and not plausible for multiple people to travel and live on another planet for an extended amount of time. Humans would also have to worry about the health risks associated with living in space. Due to the lack of gravity bones become weak and fluid shifts to the head cause vision impairment. Circadian rhythm could be affected due to space life and cause many sleep disorders. Isolation would worsen both of these issues and also reduce productivity. A solution to this is to bring medical equipment that would still be effective in space and also specialists who are able to use and repair these machines and also doctors in order to help those in need. This however is also very expensive and only one obstacle humans would face.

Humans will also need access to resources such as drinkable water, food, heat, construction and communication material, currency and much more. Delivering these materials from Earth to wherever the colonies are located is difficult and again very expensive to do. Even establishing a mid point on the moon or another planet would still require materials being launched from Earth. Space colonizers would need to find a way to grow and harvest enough food and sustain enough animals for every one in the colony. Doing this would take lots of time and error due to the lack of research and experiment on this topic.

Humans would have to adapt heavily in order to stay alive in these colonies and give up many luxuries they may have had on Earth. This takes time and it is impossible for humans to know exactly how these colonies will act once they get to space and live there for an extended period of time. Again the lack of research is something that makes space colonization seem far fetched at this time. It would take hundreds of years for humans to fully understand all aspects needed in order to begin colonizing space.

Although this is a great way for humans to save themselves from extinction it will take hundreds of years to have the proper equipment and knowledge in order to successfully and safely allow humans to colonize space. Only after scientists are able to come up with reasonable solutions to the obstacles mentioned above, in addition to every other aspect of space colonization will humans have the necessary information to successfully colonize space and save themselves from extinction.