Experts Discuss Renewed Space Race and Challenges of Space Colonization at Harvard Radcliffe Institute Symposium
A symposium titled 'Living Beyond Earth' at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute gathered experts to discuss the opportunities and hazards of space colonization, highlighting a renewed 'Space Race.' Michelle L.D. Hanlon, executive director of the University of Mississippi’s Center for Air and Space Law, emphasized the limited scope of current space law, noting that the Outer Space Treaty, a mere 17 articles long, primarily grants freedom of exploration and use. Dava J. Newman, former NASA deputy administrator, identified radiation impact as a 'showstopper' for long-duration space travel, particularly to Mars. Ariel Ekblaw, who runs Aurelia Institute, pointed out the dramatic decrease in space flight costs, now around $1,500 per kilogram, fueling the current push into space. The symposium also addressed the growing problem of 'space junk,' with SpaceX performing over 350,000 maneuvers last year to avoid debris, and the mental and physical health challenges of long-term space residency.
