Question: What technology is needed to sustain and prosper human life on other planets and do we have the capabilities (resources/materials) to do so.

Introduction

The mysterious abundance of space can make one inquire about the many wonders of astronomy. As people continue to explore, research, and discover, space exploration and technological discoveries continue to advance. Our universe remains one of the most obscure topics among our many scientific discoveries. As humans, it is only natural for us to inquire about complex topics and ask questions that induce passion for scientific exploration. On this note, I would like to properly introduce my question, which stands as the basis for this project: What technology is needed to sustain and prosper human life on other planets, and do we have the capabilities (resources/materials) to do so? This page will address my research and findings on this topic, including the several components of life, space technology, and current scientific capabilities.

Components of Life

Before we look at the numerous conclusions that this question raises, it is fundamentally necessary that we understand what it means to sustain human life. In other words, what does the basis of human life require? Humans are the most complex and elaborate forms of life currently known to man. Like all living species, humans have certain needs that need to be met in order to survive. These necessary requirements for life include air, nourishment, and water. Furthermore, it is important to mention that humans additionally require shelter, energy, and resources to ensure the greatest chance of survival. As space exploration revolutionized society and brought a new age to science, people began to explore the idea of inhabiting other planets. It is common knowledge that our planet Earth suffers environmentally from pollution and industrialist ideals. In regard to this, scientists have attempted to identify exoplanets that could possibly carry the basic components needed to sustain human life. However, the search produced conflicting results as the only known planets that fit the criteria are either too distant or only speculated to be inhabitable. This concluded that the idea of discovering a way to sustain life on another planet must remain within our solar system (at least until space travel technology advances). Yet, as doors close, new ones open, as there is another possibility. What if our objective could be changed to reach the same goal? Some planets have but lack a few basic components required to support human life. However, could these missing components be replaced by technology?

Technology

To sustain human life on other planets that lack some of the natural elements for survival, technology must be utilized as a replacement for these components. NASA has conducted extensive research and testing on technologies that will be used to send humans to Mars. Originally, NASA’s objective was to send people on a round-trip mission to Mars, but this could open the opportunity to extend beyond that in the future (inhabiting other planets). To protect human life on another planet, technology to shield the human body from ultraviolet radiation is essential. NASA has developed a spacesuit that is high-tech and suitable for space. The suit is built to prioritize safety and support life in hostile environments. The suit allows one to make more natural movements. However, with further research and testing, the suits could be better developed in the future. Furthermore, food and nourishment are needed to sustain life. Not all planets may have the original capabilities to grow food and crops or provide oxygen for humans. Technology is needed to support these areas and make human habitation possible. According to Inverse, scientists have developed a technology that utilizes plasma to make oxygen, fuel, and fertilizer. It uses artificial plasma to break apart carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to make oxygen and nitrous oxide for fertilizing crops. In another conducted research, scientists experimented with growing crops in the international space station. They developed a special soil that plants could grow on and survive in other planetary conditions. Additionally, shelter is needed to protect and house human life. For the space mission to Mars, Nasa is developing a pressurized rover that will have everything that one needs to live and work for weeks. This is just the beginning of a technology that can be developed into a better form, possibly being able to support human life in the long term. Not only this, but NASA is also developing a technology called nuclear fussion power. To live on another planet, humans will need a reliable power source to provide energy, fuel, and electricity. Fussion power was tested on Earth and is the current most efficient and reliable power source there is (regarding space exploration). Currently, scientists are developing, exploring, and testing technology that could be used to sustain life on other planets in the future. But this extensive research takes time and progress to achieve. However, we do have the materials and resources to accomplish such technological goals.

Nuclear Fusion Energy

Current Capabilities

As of now, most of the technology addressed above is still being researched and developed. However, as many of these technologies are being tested, this confirms that we do have the materials and resources to develop technology to support human life. Our technological capabilities have their limits now, but it is almost without doubt that they will continue to advance in the future. It is nearly impossible to say whether humanity will or will not attempt to colonize and sustain human life on another world. Perhaps our focus should remain on our planet Earth and doing everything possible to protect and nourish it. Maybe it isn’t a question of if we can do it, but if we should do it. In any case, that decision lies in the hands of the generations to come.

Sources

Hall, Loura. “6 Technologies NASA Is Advancing to Send Humans to Mars.” NASA, NASA, 16 July 2020,https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/6_Technologies_NASA_is_Advancing_to_Send_Humans_to_Mars.

Choi, Charles Q. “Superhabitable Planets: Alien Worlds That May Be More Habitable than Earth.” Space.com, Space, 24 Feb. 2022, https://www.space.com/superhabitable-planets.

Kiger, Patrick J. “How Will We Colonize Other Planets?” HowStuffWorks Science, HowStuffWorks, 8 Mar. 2023, https://science.howstuffworks.com/colonize-other-planets.htm.

Urrutia, Doris. “A New Plasma-Based Technology Could Be Crucial for Living on Mars.” Inverse, Inverse, 16 Aug. 2022, https://www.inverse.com/science/plasma-for-mars-habitats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fYiNVRmOA4.