I've heard that we have all the technology to be able to do it and that it's just a matter of logistics at this point.
2006-10-06 02:08:46 · 12 answers · asked by dardekkis 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I disagree that we are close to being able to colonize another planet. Mars is the best candidate in our solar system, and it is so hostile that we would still be better off on Earth even after an all out nuclear war. The atmosphere contains almost no oxygen and is so thin that you can't survive without a space suit. It isn't enough to have an oxygen mask, you need a full pressure suit like you do on th Moon. There is no ozone layer so the surface is bathed in ultraviolet light. There is no planet wide magnetic field, so radiation from the solar wind constantly bombards the surface. The chemistry of the soil is caustic and would kill any plants we planted there, even in a pressurized dome. People who say we could move there if Earth becomes polluted have no idea how difficult that would be. No amount of pollution, not even 1,000 Chernobyl accidents, could ever make Earth as bad a place to live as Mars is now. So we need a planet more Earth like. It will not be found in this solar system, so we need interstellar travel. That will not happen for a very long time, if it ever happens at all.
2006-10-06 02:29:47 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 144⤊ 13⤋
So far the only planet we could technologically accessibly "try" to make life on is Mars. However the living conditions beyond Earth at this time and therefore will not sustain us. We would need the most basic things that we take for granted here. The technology is not here yet to artificially induce those needs. (Sure we can fly to Mars "and that is probably all with our current molasses speed and tolerance of fairness from sun). It may take 50 or 100 years assuming Science advances as a priority quicker then heath care / pharmaceutical industry (business industry). A budget is needed to be able to focus on building the project. It may not even work on the first try. Plenty of cash for it.
2006-10-06 02:21:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 15⤊ 12⤋
We could do it now, but it won't happen until it gets a whole lot cheaper to boost things to space. And, as the Biosphere2 experiment showed, we still have plenty to learn about running a closed ecology.
2006-10-06 02:16:46 · answer #3 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 13⤊ 9⤋
From what I know, it willl probably take another 50 to 75 years; in terms of technology. But there is another factor: Will congress spend the money, that can't be predicted. The U.S. Still has two wars to fight; who knows how long that wil go on.
2006-10-06 02:18:36 · answer #4 · answered by robert2020 6 · 9⤊ 16⤋
Centuries.
2006-10-06 02:12:10 · answer #5 · answered by gg 7 · 35⤊ 10⤋
good question
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3161695.stm
http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/001886.html
not long now, maybe 20 years to complete it
2006-10-06 04:36:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 20⤋
Instead of doing that....how about if we clean up the one we're already inhabiting and learn how to play nice on Earth??
2006-10-06 02:16:41 · answer #7 · answered by auntcookie84 6 · 84⤊ 18⤋
100 years before an actual colony is established
2006-10-06 02:15:59 · answer #8 · answered by latitude58_8 2 · 8⤊ 19⤋
at least a millenium
2006-10-06 02:15:50 · answer #9 · answered by FLOYD 6 · 9⤊ 25⤋
By my crystal ball I say 23 1/2 years.
2006-10-06 02:11:20 · answer #10 · answered by Chloe 6 · 11⤊ 41⤋