Space Colonization - Someday, but not today

Space colonization (also called space settlement or extraterrestrial colonization) is the hypothetical permanent habitation of natural resources from outside planet Earth. As such, it is a form of human presence in space beyond human spaceflight or operating space outposts. The idea of moving humanity in the future seems amazing yet scary, and clear to see why some may find this idea so interesting. It is known that our time on Earth will not last forever, or even scarier, that the Earth is most likely doomed. As a result, the idea of space colonization comes into question, as an escape from the Earth’s potential ending as well as a way to save humanity as a whole. However, to explore any life or new purpose for humanity to thrive outside of Earth would be pointless, due to the years of unnecessary research and economic stability it would require. Space settlements should focus on providing material and technology on improving on other detrimental issues on Earth including global warming instead. In the time that it would take to even make a dent in the idea of space colonization and moving humans to a new life, the current human population would be nearing the end of life anyway.

Some may argue that this issue is really about saving the future, but it’s more important to solve the issues of today before planning the lives of those that will be born thousands of years from now. Another aspect of this issue is the economic stress that it would put on the world, and more specifically, the better ways that this money could be spent in regards to space study. The technologically that it would require to even make a plan for this idea is unattainable. The fact that planetary catastrophes as well as nuclear warfare could in any way be avoided as a result of space colonization may sound tempting, but dismissing the necessary research in order to save the humanity of today is just an uneducated decision.

Upon arrival to one’s new planet that would now be called home, where would the economic support come from, or who would be in charge of controlling such a vast group of humans? It has taken centuries for our singular nation to run smoothly, and failing to realize that leadership of the “future humanity” is such a major aspect of this plan is just another reason why it’s unattainable. Many nations just get by as it is, and to think that creating a government for specific colonizations would be easy is just bizarre.

Although some may argue that we are in dire need of saving the future of humanity, it is just easier to believe that it is impossible and useless to even ponder about it right now. Someday in generations to come, maybe it would be safe to say that our future family members may have a shot. But as for now, prioritizing the obstacles faced in the present day are superior than planning a new path for humanity.