A new theory suggests that successful long-term human habitation in deep space requires a self-restoring, Earth-like ecosystem to sustain technology, infrastructure, and society. Crucial elements include replicating Earth’s 1G of gravity and maintaining a dependable oxygen supply, water availability, waste management, and a functioning agriculture system, all of which necessitate substantial energy likely greater than our current capabilities.

Is it possible for humans to survive long-term in deep space?

  • bstix
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    1 year ago

    I like to see just one successful experiment with closed ecological systems on earth before even thinking of doing it in space with artificial gravity.

    • swope@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      I think all attempts to design a closed ecological system (on or off Earth) are likely to fail due to Gall’s Law.

      Instead, I think space habitats are going to gradually increase in autonomy from Earth over many iterations.

  • jimmigee@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    Another huge issue not mentioned here is radiation. There would have to be significant shielding (without some other future tech) that would just add to an already huge engineering undertaking.