While billions of dollars have been allocated to the pursuit of discovering habitable extraterrestrial life, yielding little progress or tangible findings on nearby planets, only a fraction of this investment has been directed towards the concept of reverse engineering and adapting to the existing conditions of potentially inhabitable extraterrestrial environments. These ideas fundamentally rely on adapting to extraterrestrial conditions rather than the pursuit of habitable extraterrestrial life itself. This core concept manifests as enclosed habitability spaces, supported by the fields of bioengineering and synthetic biology.
Enclosed habitability space
The core strategy involves establishing a sustainable community capable of living and adapting within confined environments designed to endure for hundreds of years. A prime example entails researching urban communities resilient to the harsh conditions of extraterrestrial environments. These communities generate their own energy and agriculture within these enclosed spaces. However, a significant challenge lies in how these communities can adapt to the extreme weather conditions of such extraterrestrial locales, serving as a strong motivation to avoid the uninhabitable situations that humans have created on Earth. Achieving sustainability necessitates extracting energy from renewable sources and implementing meticulously monitored systems to maintain a balance between CO2, O2, and other essential atmospheric components, as well as temperature regulation.
Bioengineering and Synthetic Biology
Although the previous solution may seem like science fiction, bioengineering and synthetic biology offer the most sustainable path forward. While human experimentation is legally prohibited and ethically contentious, recent research has explored alternative avenues, particularly focusing on animals. This research aims to determine the feasibility of genetically modifying entire organs to withstand conditions on other planets. For instance, scientists are investigating engineering lungs capable of functioning in thin atmospheres and introducing microbes into the gut to aid in digesting alien flora. Additionally, advancements in neural links could facilitate improved communication between species or even connect individuals to an interplanetary internet, streamlining problem-solving and accelerating the adaptation of life forms to extraterrestrial environments. Investing in such research endeavors would enhance our understanding of how to adapt to other planets, providing a feasible research plan that optimizes resources instead of allocating unlimited funds to the search for habitable environments.