Colonizing Space, Issue 5: Colonizing the Moon, Mars, or The Other Planets Is Impossible

Artist’s impression of a moon base being supplied by a SpaceX-style rocket. It’s got a nice view of Earth and sky, but just imagine growing up in such a place, where that monochromatic landscape will be your only view for all your life. (Inverse)

The Chinese are gearing up to establish a long-term inhabited research station near the south pole of the Moon. Elon Musk claims he’s going to lead the way to colonize Mars and “make humanity a multi-planetary species”.

These are pipe dreams, exercises in futile hubris for several reasons. Sure, China’s plans for a…