Modified humans: the most cost-efficient way to colonize space

By Dick Pelletier

    Of course, no one can accurately predict how the future will unfold, but if we examine technology advances forecast for the next 40 years, we can create a plausible scenario of how the human species could transform into a society ready and eager to develop the high frontier.

    Why do humans need to alter their bodies before venturing into space? Moon and Mars have low gravity levels, killer solar rays, and weather extremes ranging from Siberian-like frigid nights, to boiling daytime heat. Unprotected bodies risk cancer, tissue and bone loss, brain damage, and instant death.

    While many of these risks could be reduced with bulky space suits and underground or domed huts, the high cost of these protective measures, just to cater to human frailties, makes most space trips difficult to finance. Instead of trying to adapt the planets to humans, it costs far less to adapt humans to the planets.

    Granted, technologies to 'space-proof' our bodies enabling us to be safe and comfortable in harsh environments do not exist today; but positive futurists predict they could be developed by the 2040s.

    So far, space colonization efforts have gained little public support; but many see a changing world ahead. We begin our journey into this world with focus on healthcare research. Scientists believe that by 2030, medical technologies will make more diseases manageable, extending health and lives worldwide.

    In addition, molecular nanotech advances over the next four decades could enable building products inexpensively by mimicking the ways that nature creates plants, animals, and us. Experts predict goods produced in this manner, labor-free with low cost materials, will improve wealth in every nation state.

    With concerns over health and failing economies removed from the spotlight, by 2050, space is expected to take center stage. A growing number of future watchers believe that a new era of world peace and prosperity will be achieved as countries begin collaborative efforts to explore the cosmos.

   However, there are issues to resolve. Where will space colonists on a distant world get air, food, and water? Or will their genetically-modified or biologically-altered bodies even require these life essentials?

    Nanotech expert Robert Freitas believes we may one day eliminate the need for lungs, making breathable air unnecessary. Others theorize it may be possible to enhance human skin with radiation-shielding nano-materials. And in Fantastic Voyage, author Ray Kurzweil cites a time when humans may not need food; nanobots would energize our cells more efficiently than today's system of eating food.

    So, what can we expect as the future unfolds? Let's take a glimpse at what life might be like in this fictional example of an Earth family joining a work-free and commerce-free Mars colony:

    "The Smith family, Randolph, 50; his wife, Alicia, 45; son Mike, 11; daughter Sandy, 15; and Bradley, the life-like family robot, just arrived via Virgin Galactic's faster-than-light-speed hyper-drive, making the trip from New Mexico's Spaceport America to Mars' Ratan Colony, Clarke Field in just 3 hours.

    As incentive to move to the Red Planet, newcomers are offered five-acres of land; an estate-like house built to their dreams, and guaranteed affluence for life. The colony boasts amazing facilities, including a Star Trek-type Holodeck, which allows participants to be part of any historical or future scene imagined.

    The Smiths recently underwent biological transformation to protect their bodies from the harsh Mars climate, and were pleased that their 'human looks' were preserved. Computer-controlled nanobots keep everyone's bodies in top condition, and simulate aging in the children as they grow into adulthood.

    Alicia, a dabbling artist, wants to create art to share with friends back on Earth. Randolph can't wait to compete in inter-planetary golf tournaments on the Holodeck. The kids just want to meet other kids and continue raising intelligence levels with their new Martian style mind-control avatars."

     Physicist Stephen Hawking recently warned; "It's important for humans to spread out into space for survival of the species. All Earth life could be wiped out by a nuclear war, runaway virus, or some other danger." Mr. Hawking, we hear you. By 2050, migrations to the high frontier could be well underway.

    This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.