Space Colonization

Space Colonization (also called space settlement, space humanization or space habitation) is the concept of permanent autonomous (self sufficient) human habitation of locations outside of Earth.

Once the exclusive province of science fiction stories and films, the subject of space Colonization has rapidly moved several steps closer to becoming a reality. Thanks to major advances in rocket propulsion and design, astronautics and astrophysics, robotics and medicine. Due to the advancement, by 20th century expectations we are way behind schedule on colonizing solar system. After the Apollo moon ladings, some scientists and NASA officials envisioned launching astronautics to Mars in the 1980s and building cities in space to be habitable by the 2000s. But the only humans in space today are a few astronauts in a lone space station orbitting Earth.

But the question arises that how long it is going to take? When we would be able living in space?

Such were the questions dealt with by two papers presented at NASA's " planetary Science Vision 2050 workshop" last year ( Mon.Feb-27_ Wed.Mar-1st). The first titled "The Terraforming Timeline" presents an abstract plan for turning the Red planet into something green and habitable. The second titled "Mars Terraforming the wrong way" rejects the idea of Terraforming altogether and presents an alternative. For those who do not know about the Terraforming, it basically " the process of modifying surface, temperature and atmosphere of any planet or body".

That may soon change, says science writer Christopher wanjek. China is preparing to send crewed missions to the moon by the 2030s. Space X founder Elon Musk hopes to take people to the Red planet , while Bigelow Aerospace is drawing up plans for Earth orbitting hotels increasing competition for the geopolitical power and profits promised by space travel.