Space Colonization Pros And Cons

With the advances in technology and humanity’s ever growing need, the concept of space colonization is being discussed more and more as a possible solution to many of the problems that the planet Earth is facing. W. H. Siegfried, in his article “Space Colonization—Benefits for the World,” adopts the viewpoint that space colonization would be beneficial to the human race. Lynda Williams, on the other hand, chooses to view the idea of colonial space as unreasonable at this time in her article, “Irrational Dreams of Space Colonization.” Both of these authors make reasonable arguments, however, Williams provides a much more effective, well organized, and logical point of view.

Siegfried focuses mainly on listing the benefits of space colonization and how, in its pursuit,

Early on, she notes that there is not a pressing need for colonizing space (Williams 4). Her main support for this claim is that, although asteroids and meteorites are dangerous, they are not a serious enough matter to colonize space (Williams 4). There is also the idea that Earth, as well as human civilization, will be around for millions of years to come if humans can find solutions to their earthly problems on Earth (Williams 4). Another concept she explores is that technology is not nearly advanced enough for space colonization (Williams 5). With radiation and other hazards, current technology would not be able to sustain colonies on extraterrestrial bodies (Williams 5). This is a very compelling argument, especially when she adds that, because of the harsh conditions in space and the lack of required technologies, many attempts to colonize space would lead to “the death of any member who attempts the journey” (Williams