Expanding Earths Biosphere Into Space

connor · #1 (**permalink**) 25-01-2009, 11:33 AM

I thought I'd try a poll, something I've never done before. The question I'd like to put before you all: Do you think expanding earths biosphere into space should be an important goal for our space programs, and are you happy with the progress being made in that direction?

My two penny'orth is that it should be an important goal, but more could be done: everything we've ever put up there is heavily dependant on earth. I'd like to see work done into self contained ecosystems in space, things that could survive for a good long time without mother earth.

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 25-01-2009, 11:46 AM

The obvious way is to spread to the stars, we have messed up good old Earth

wyevilla · #3 (**permalink**) 25-01-2009, 07:18 PM

When I first read this, my initial reaction was No. We've made such a pig's ear of our own planet perhaps it would be better to keep ourselves to ourselves and just enjoy the beauty of the rest of the universe at a distance.

However, if we assume that by moving away from the home planet we can allow life here to flourish: giving it the space it needs then fine. The problem is that for the foreseeable future, all the raw materials and energy required for moving into space is going to come from earth.

We are, though, an infinitely curious animal and that will always drive us to explore new boundaries. So yes. Let's get out there and see if we can colonize other worlds.

connor · #4 (**permalink**) 25-01-2009, 07:42 PM

Thanks for your posts guys and yes wy thats the same thing I was thinking.

Jez · #5 (**permalink**) 25-01-2009, 10:36 PM

I think our soul lies within, so we should be looking towards sounder technologies to prolong life on Earth, once that is achieved then possibly we would be better with wisdom to expand our Biosphere in space.

nakedgardener · #6 (**permalink**) 26-01-2009, 08:21 AM

NO, no, no, no, no!

We, humans, should definately not be spreading life on to other planets.

We need to look after what we've got here.... we have only one planet!

sunnydale · #7 (**permalink**) 26-01-2009, 09:34 AM

I agree with NG

There's so much to put right down here, without wasting vast amounts of money and time trying to expand in Space.

One severely damaged planet is enough, don't you think? Makes you wonder how much of what's allowed to go on 'up there' is responsible for what goes on 'down here'.