Radio telescopes scan the skies, and computers crunch the results looking for the patterns that might indicate an artificial signal coming from deep space. Alien hunters stand watch out in the desert, looking for lights in the sky flying over military bases. Both are looking for answers to the same question: Is our little civilization on our little blue planet alone in the galaxy; or are there others, like us, who want to meet us as much as we want to meet them? |
| typical spiral galaxy |
For as long as humanity has known that those twinkling lights in the night sky are other suns, there has been a yearning to reach the stars. This motivation is both visceral and rational. The allure of the unknown is reflected in the science fiction of our time, which itself is instrumental in inspiring students to become pioneers. It also touches on the deepest meaning of what we are as a species and our place in the Universe. On the rational side, the enormous benefits of practical interstellar flight should be obvious. Not only would it free humanity from having just one safe haven, but it would also generate profound technological spin-offs. Imagine it. From achieving practical interstellar flight, breakthroughs in energy conversion, transportation, and sustainable habitats would become available both for use on Earth and to expand the human presence beyond. And in the near-term, it is hoped that the very pursuit of such ambitions will give hope for the future, reminding us of our shared humanity and affirming that there is a future worth working toward.
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| Types of galaxies according to the Hubble classification scheme. An E indicates a type of elliptical galaxy; an S is a spiral; and SB is a barred-spiral galaxy. |
Imagine the historic moment when the first Earth-like planet is detected deep across interstellar space. Like an inaccessible jewel it will beckon us. Is this a future home for humanity? What forms of life are already there? How do we get there? What happens when we arrive?
Based on today's technology, traveling to the stars is a long-term proposition. While existing space agencies grapple with sending astronauts beyond Earth orbit, and entrepreneurial firms bring the thrill of spaceflight to the people, no one has taken on the challenge of reaching other habitable worlds; until now.
Our entire future is presently tied to this one, small planet Earth. If a global catastrophe ever befell Earth, whether by natural causes or our own actions, humanity would end. Mars and the Moon are conceivably within our reach, but they are not intrinsically habitable by our standards. Even after getting there, residents of these worlds would be living inside boxes with precarious supplies of air, water and food, and without simple Earth-like amenities like gentle breezes, flowing rivers and the vast array of plants and animals we routinely enjoy.
Imagine what it would be like to have another Earth-like planet within our reach. Imagine the new natural wonders to explore, and to live in. It would be an opportunity to start over. It would be a place where humanity could continue if a global catastrophe ever befell Earth. The prospects of encountering new life, perhaps even intelligent life, are mind-boggling. Take a moment to ponder what it would mean if we had a whole new Earthlike planet within our reach.
As much as it might be appealing to think that some benevolent alien race will save us someday, that's not the best way to get things done.
Our survival as a species depends on learning how live beyond our -one- and only home, Earth. And it's up to us to make it happen.
