Ep 3. Living in Space

Tomorrow's World is a groundbreaking television show that ventures into the world of science and technology. Hosted by Britain's top scientists, the show explores the latest advancements in scientific research, and how they are shaping our world.

In the third episode of season 1, viewers are invited to take a glimpse into the future of space exploration. The episode, titled "Living in Space," delves into the possibilities and challenges of long-term human habitation beyond Earth's atmosphere.

The episode opens with an exhilarating audiovisual that zooms out, showcasing planet Earth as it hangs suspended in an endless void. The voice-over fills us in on the groundbreaking expedition, where scientists, engineers, and astronauts are working on reaching the next frontier in space exploration. The goal- living beyond Earth and creating a permanent settlement on another celestial body.

Next, we are introduced to various experts from around the world who enlighten us on the challenges of living in space. The episode reveals that although humans have had a presence in space for over five decades, most of that time has been spent in low Earth orbit, where the atmosphere provides a buffer against the hostile environment beyond. In contrast, living on the Moon or Mars would involve exposure to radiation from the sun and space, lack of gravity, and extreme temperatures.

Viewers get a detailed insight into the latest developments in technology, which make human living in space a viable possibility. The power supply for such a settlement would most likely come from solar panels, which would provide an uninterrupted source of energy and negate the need for fuels, which would otherwise require constant resupply from Earth.

The show also explores the critical role of water in human survival in space and ventures into cost-effective ways of producing the same. Experts explain that in the black expanse, conservation of water becomes paramount, with every droplet being recycled and reused.

The episode then progresses into existing technologies that have come into existence around the issue of waste management. It's intriguing to see the idea of human excreta becoming fertilizer to grow crops on a self-sustaining space station.

While the technical difficulties of living in space pose a daunting challenge, the psychological impact on extended isolation from Earth's ecosystem is significant for the well-being of the space occupants. Humans, as social beings, require social interactions and sense of community. That's where psychology comes into the picture. The show attempts to explain the elaborate experiments and studies conducted in this arena to make living in space more comfortable.

Finally, we visit a laboratory where scientists are working on creating an ecosystem that requires minimal input from Earth, such as the ability to produce an air and water supply. These ecosystems would enable long-term habitation and help create a life-sustaining home on a harsh alien planet.

The episode concludes by stating rather poignantly that it's only a matter of time before humanity permanently settles on another celestial body, and all these spectacles would become a norm. The show explores the implications of human sustenance and survival that are dependent on how we develop technological, ecological, and psychological solutions, signalling a hopeful future.

In conclusion, Tomorrow's World season 1 episode 3, Living in Space, takes us beyond fantasies to the realities of space exploration and human occupation beyond Earth. With beautiful visual effects, captivating storytelling, and expert insights, the episode showcases how technology, psychology, and ecology are at the center of future human exploration of our universe, paving the way for a brighter and hopeful future.