Should humans colonize other planets?

Opinion
By published

As space travel advances, colonization of other planets edges closer to reality. But should we spread to other parts of the galaxy?

Following Shot of Brave Astronaut in Space Suit Confidently Walking on Mars Towards Earth Planet. Earth Planet as viewed from Mars surface. The surface of Mars, strewn with small rocks and red sand.
Should humans colonize other planets? (Image credit: Nzoka John/Getty Images)

The idea of humans living beyond Earth was once only possible in science fiction, but now space agencies are making plans to bring space colonization closer to reality. NASA and SpaceX are exploring long-term missions to the moon and Mars, while astronomers continue to discover potentially habitable exoplanets orbiting distant stars beyond our solar system.

Supporters of planetary colonization argue that becoming a multi-planet species could safeguard us from potentially Earth-ending events. However, it will require an enormous effort to colonize another planet or moon. And if we look beyond Mars, potentially habitable planets may take thousands of years to reach.

But as technology advances and space agencies consider long-term human settlements on other planets, a more fundamental issue now beckons — not whether we can expand to other worlds, but whether we should.

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Elise Poore
Elise Poore
Editorial assistant

Elise studied marine biology at the University of Portsmouth in the U.K. She has worked as a freelance journalist focusing on the aquatic realm.

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