Ep 2. Galactic Colonization

In Sci-Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible season 2 episode 2 titled "Galactic Colonization," host Dr. Michio Kaku explores the future of interstellar travel and the possibility of colonizing other planets in our galaxy.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Kaku interviews leading scientists and engineers, including a member of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to understand the technical challenges we would face in colonizing other planets. To begin, Dr. Kaku explains the concept of a "generation ship," which would be a self-sustaining spacecraft designed to travel for hundreds or thousands of years to reach a distant planet.

To build a generation ship, we would need to develop technology to create a closed ecosystem that can support human life for an extended period of time. Dr. Kaku discusses the challenges of producing food and oxygen in space, and how we might do so using advanced hydroponics systems and genetic engineering to create hardier crops.

The episode also delves into the challenges of space radiation, which can cause mutations and cancer in humans. Dr. Kaku explains that we could potentially use high-energy magnetic fields to protect our ships and colonies from radiation.

Dr. Kaku also explores the concept of terraforming, which involves altering the environment of another planet to make it more habitable for humans. To terraform another planet, we would need to increase its temperature, create a breathable atmosphere, and introduce water and bacteria to begin the process of creating a biosphere.

The episode also considers the ethical implications of colonizing other planets. Dr. Kaku discusses the potential impact on other life forms and ecosystems, and the need to develop a responsible approach to interstellar exploration and colonization.

Overall, "Galactic Colonization" provides a thought-provoking exploration of the technical and ethical challenges we would face in colonizing other planets. Through interviews with leading scientists and engineers, Dr. Kaku provides a detailed look at the cutting-edge research and technology that could enable us to become an interstellar species.