Solar System Colonization in Science Fiction vs. Reality

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Mars
Mercury
Proxima b
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Colonization of other planets of the Solar system is a fundamental idea of most science fiction. Space colonization means making living possible for humans on other planets beyond the Earth. Numerous movies and books tell stories of courageous astronauts and not only, attempting to settle down and create a new life. Although it is only illustrated in media products, space colonization is not far from being realistic in our world. This topic is highly controversial in our society.

Proponents of this idea suggest that human civilization needs to expand to another planet due to the shortage of natural resources on earth, and other planets would provide shelter in case of a global disaster. Opponents, on the other hand, are rather skeptical about the possibility of creating necessary conditions and appropriate infrastructure for human existence on other planets, because building colonies on other planets would require access to energy, life support, materials and radiation protection, and more. This essay will analyze depictions of space colonization inside and outside our solar system in science fiction movies and books, and compare them to reality regarding their feasibility.

Mars

Mars, also known as the Red Planet, the fourth in the distance from the Sun and the seventh-largest planet in the Solar System, is a favorite destination for colonization of science fiction authors, and the reasons are obvious. Thanks to the discoveries of NASA a lot of knowledge about Mars is available to people today. Mars is relatively close to Earth, which implies simplification of transportation, and there is a suitable atmosphere for human survival.

It is much like the Earth in other aspects as well: Mars has seasons, volcanoes, and canyons, but it is rather rocky and cold (Dunford). Red Mars written by Kim Robinson is a famous classic of science fiction literature. The novel provides a very detailed description of Mars during its terraformation (Robinson 156). The colonization of Mars in this book is technologically and ideologically possible; however, it highly depends on the psychological state of protagonists and social conformity. In reality, Elon Musk, businessman and an inventor recently claimed to colonize Mars with his company.

SpaceX is the only private company that was able to return a spacecraft from the low-earth orbit and to deliver cargo to and from the International Space Station (“About SpaceX”). It develops and manufactures reusable rockets, thus reducing the cost of access to space and encouraging the colonization of Mars and “multi planetary” life in the nearest future. Thus, the depiction of colonization of Mars in science fiction and real-life matches, as technological advancements in Astronautics are close to making colonization of Mars possible.

Mercury

Mercury, the closest planet to the sun and the smallest planet in our solar system, is also often depicted as a target for space colonization in science fiction. For example, Ray Bradbury’s short story Frost & Fire describes extreme living conditions on Mercury. According to the plot, a spaceship with people suddenly arrived on an undiscovered planet closest to the sun. The atmosphere on it was suitable for breathing; there were water, animals, and plants that could be eaten. But, due to its location, Mercury got unbearably hot during the day, and in the evening it got bitter cold. Because of high radiation, all life processes in people’s organisms occurred much faster than if they lived on Earth (Bradbury 4).

In such conditions, a person could live only about eight days. Indeed, despite its high temperatures and rarefied atmosphere, colonization of Mercury is theoretically possible. Mercury has many minerals, water ice, and solar energy. However, some challenges for settlement might include the absence of atmosphere, extremely high or low temperatures, radiation, and long traveling distance (Williams). On the other hand, gravity in Mercury is relatively suitable for human survival. Despite the availability of energy and other minerals, the colonization of Mercury is still unfeasible due to meager living conditions and difficulties in terraforming.

Proxima b

The new sci-fi movie Passengers directed by Mortin Tyldum was released last year. According to its plot, a new planet was discovered to be habitable for people, and an enormous starship with thousands of people in hibernation capsules traveled 120 years to colonize a new world (Passengers). In reality, scientists extensively study planets outside our solar system and always look for new planets that would resemble the conditions of Earth.

Just recently discovered Proxima b is the nearest known planet outside of our solar system that has a habitable zone. Conditions there might be suitable for living due to the possible existence of water (Lee). Although the atmosphere is not discovered yet, Proxima b can become a target for interstellar explorations in the future as it is located only 4.2 light-years away from Earth. It may be feasible, but it would take tens of thousands of years to reach it. Therefore, reaching a planet in 120 years, as illustrated in the Passengers movie is very unlikely (Lee).

It would require technological advancements in light-speed traveling spaceships. Speaking of which, the Avalon spacecraft which is illustrated in the movie accommodated five thousand people. It was equipped with all the necessary conveniences, such as a gym, swimming pool, a large cafeteria with automated serving, and more. However, current technology lacks sufficient advancement to be able to fit such a significant amount of people at the same time (Lee).

For instance, Musk’s reusable spacecraft reportedly can accommodate between a hundred and two hundred people. Furthermore, while on a spaceship characters in Passengers continue to live a normal life, using standard facilities, and even doing leisure time activities. In reality, living in space changes lifestyle completely and everyday activities require more effort than on Earth.

Conclusion

Water, air, soil, and other natural resources of Earth are depleted; wildlife is threatened, and the environment is damaged by pollution. As the population of the Earth continuously increases, soon humanity will need to colonize other planets to ensure the survival of human civilization. Space colonization has been a leading trend in science fiction for years. While many books and movies are completely fantastic and unrealistic, few manage to match the possible future for space colonization closely. Many factors contribute to Mars being the main potential planet for human colonization. Mars is similar to Earth and has the capacity for creating habitable conditions.

Most importantly it is achievable – Elon Musk is already aiming to colonize Mars with his reusable rockets within the next decades. Mercury is also often mentioned in science fiction books. However, the lack of atmosphere and high radiation colonizing Mercury imposes difficult challenges that cannot be easily realized. A newly discovered exoplanet Proxima b might also become a new home for humans. Although, the presence of atmosphere there is still not verified.

Works Cited

“About SpaceX.” 2017. Web.

Bradbury, Ray. Guys Read Frost and Fire: A Short Story from Guys Read: Other Worlds. Harper Collins, 2013.

Dunford, Bill. “Mars – Overview: The Red Planet Solar System Exploration.” NASA Solar System Exploration. Web.

Lee, Elizabeth. “Scientists Decipher Fact From Fantasy In Movie ‘Passengers.‘” VOA. 2016. Web.

Passengers. Directed by Morten Tyldum, performances by Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Patt, Columbia Pictures, 2016.

Robinson, Kim S. Red Mars. HarperCollins, 1992.

Williams, Matt. “How Do We Colonize Mercury?” Universe Today. Web.

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