The Cosmic Rambler

Written by: Fatima Saleem and Amanullah Bashir

Department: Space Science 07 and Avionics 05

“Stars are mere spots in the journey of mankind’s progression.

Actual destination transgresses all physical norms”

By: Aman Ullah Bashir, Inspired by Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s poetry.

Since the first man went to space in 1961, there have been many advancements made in the field of space exploration. Namely, rocket propulsion and design, astronautics and astrophysics, robotics and medicine etc. These along with the long-term habitation of the International Space Station by rotating teams of astronauts, scientists and medical professionals, have provided us with a wealth of data to establish parameters for life sustainability on our very own Hydro-Sphere. These advancements have caused great commotion in the world of the curious. Some very smart people are having serious conversations about colonizing space and finding ourselves a new home; where Mankind could start anew.

The conversations about colonizing space are visionary on their own and have been going on for many decades. Now, the debate of space colonizing has been extended to a wide range of dynamic topics related to life in these space colonies i.e., What laws space colonies will follow?, Who will be the governing body?, How will they celebrate different occasions?, What kind of technology will be used?, What will be the education system, What will be the medical facilities required? and the questions just keep on coming.

From where did we get the idea of Space Colonization?

In 1976, physicist Gerard K O’Neill wrote a book called ‘The Higher Frontiers: Human Colonies in Space’ and was the first one to introduce the concept of space colonization. In his book, he gave a road map on how large space colonies could be built in the solar system. He was a visionary who not only predicted what space exploration will look like in coming years but also gave a step-by-step instruction manual for colonizing space. The theories he presented and inventions he made were of immense help to the visionaries who came after him. His book is a constant source of inspiration and has inspired generations.

The cylindrical space colony Physicist O’Neill presented in his book, was one made on a floating space settlement. And after all these years, Mankind is now finally on its way to set its footsteps on Mars and the Moon, and people like Elon Musk are working really hard to make this dream come true. Rovers like Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity and Perseverance are paving our way to Mars and beyond.  

In the past, the idea of space colonization might have seemed ridiculous to the general public but now, even private companies are getting into the business of space exploration and settlement. Different designs of space settlements are also under research and if the problem of long-distance space travel is solved, there are several hundred planets in the habitable zone of their star and the settlements on these planets will be made most suitable according to each planet’s environment. 

There is also a possibility that in our journey to these incredible new worlds we might come across natives of other planets. In such cases, interplanetary relations will either improve mutual lifestyle or become the reason for homo sapiens’ extinction.  

Even though space colonists will face many challenges, it is still an important step for the survival and development of Humankind in this universe. Also, discovery and settlement in new worlds will provide endless opportunities for people belonging to all kinds of fields and professions and will surely unlock many new horizons for the Mankind.