Terraform literally means “earthlike,” and it conjures up visions of planet colonization from the space age. Terraformed settlements, on the other hand, are far more than something out of a science fiction film. The creation of terraformed settlements has progressed dramatically over the last few decades. While the idea of humans living on other planets in an Earth-like environment still raises eyebrows, scientists are closer than ever to making it a reality.
To exist, terraformed settlements must have a minimum of livable conditions. Planets that are too close to the sun, and thus too hot, are therefore worthless. This is the case, for example, with Venus. The planet has an average temperature of 900° Fahrenheit (482° Celsius), which is close enough to allow for space travel. Other planets or moons, such as Jupiter’s moon Europa, have temperatures so low that animal life is impossible to sustain. Mars and the Moon, on the other hand, are good candidates for terraforming settlements because they have more manageable temperatures and seasons. Mars, in particular, appears to share some characteristics with Earth, such as the presence of oxygen in the air and ice, both of which are required for life to exist.
Scientists believe that the idea of terraforming settlements in space, particularly on Mars, should be pursued long before humans arrive. NASA believes that by generating a massive greenhouse effect on the surface, it will be possible to transform Mars’ atmosphere enough to support human life in just a few centuries. If humans agree to wear breathing gear at all times, terraformed settlements could be established much sooner.
For decades, space stations have used a type of terraformed settlement. The International Space Station (ISS), which is currently being built by 15 countries in collaboration, will allow astronauts and scientists to get a closer look at space. While life on the ISS will not be exactly like life on Earth, its residents will be able to recycle water, effectively dispose of waste, prepare their own food in the station’s kitchen, and generate their own oxygen.