Colonizing the Cosmos: Dreams and Dilemmas

This chapter explores humanity's quest to become a multi-planet species and the motivations driving the search for off-world habitats. It examines the economic implications, regulatory challenges, and the ethical considerations surrounding space colonization, while questioning whether these efforts might detract from addressing pressing issues on Earth. Additionally, the chapter highlights how wealthy individuals are investing in space exploration as a means to envision a grander future for humanity, revealing both ambitions and psychological motivations.