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Space Habitation | Human Habitation, Settlement, & Colonization

Home Habitation & Settlement

Space settlement

The Institute for Space Development looks forward to the day when humanity begins the process of permanent human settlement and habitation of the nearby space environment. Expediting the arrival of that day is a fundamental goal of our organization.

The nearby space environment provides numerous opportunities for human settlement and massive resources for development, utilization, and the establishment of a space economy. Further, expanding into the solar system is a great way to help alleviate many of the existing and emerging problems facing life on Earth. We believe the time for humanity to make its move into space is now and we are working to bring that day closer.

The Challenges of Human Habitation & Settlement in Space

Numerous challenges face us as we expand our civilization into the near-Earth system. A few key hurdles include:

Resources & Infrastructure

Space-faring people will need a large initial supply of resources and a steady supply following the establishment of any habitat or structure, whether it be for work or for permanent habitation. Where will we get them?

Energy

Just like on Earth, human operations in space will require plenty of energy. The space environment provides an excellent opportunity for the utilization of solar energy. How will we acquire and store energy and, perhaps even more challenging, how will we transmit it?

Life Systems / Habitation

Space habitats and structures will have to be efficient, maximally functional, and easy to maintain or repair using a minimum set of interchangeable parts.

Radiation & Safety

Very few places in the nearby solar system provide much safety from the intense radiation of the sun. We will have to find good ways to shield ourselves. It is likely that new advanced materials, perhaps spawned from nanotechnology, will be especially useful towards this issue.