Do we need the other planets?

I am uncertain about what you mean by "need" in this case. At present, we do not make any use of the other planets, or even the Moon, except as places to explore and to better understand how the solar system formed and the physics and geology of different types of planets. read more

At present, we do not make any use of the other planets, or even the Moon, except as places to explore and to better understand how the solar system formed and the physics and geology of different types of planets. read more

"If NASA terraforms Mars, that'll take about 120 years, and that's only one planet," he said. "We'd need more shortly." It's not the first time someone has floated the need for humans to colonize other planets, but usually such ideas are proposed as a way for the human race to survive in the event of a cataclysmic asteroid collision or nuclear war. read more

If we find life on Mars, our closest planet, and the only one we can currently look for life, this would be an amazing thing. It would raise the odds of life in other solar systems from "probable" to "extremely likely". And finally we do it because we can, and because it is an activity worthy of humanity. One day we may colonise these planets - but for now there are many other good reasons to do it. read more