As incentive to move to the Red Planet, newcomers are offered five-acres of land; an estate-like house built to their dreams, and guaranteed affluence for life. The colony boasts amazing facilities, including a Star Trek-type Holodeck, which allows participants to be part of any historical or future scene imagined.

    The Smiths recently underwent biological transformation to protect their bodies from the harsh Mars climate, and were pleased that their 'human looks' were preserved. Computer-controlled nanobots keep everyone's bodies in top condition, and simulate aging in the children as they grow into adulthood.

    Alicia, a dabbling artist, wants to create art to share with friends back on Earth. Randolph can't wait to compete in inter-planetary golf tournaments on the Holodeck. The kids just want to meet other kids and continue raising their intelligence levels as they enjoy what many consider an incredible Martian lifestyle.

    Of course, the above scenario is fiction, but it is not too far off from what many future watchers believe will become reality as we trek through the coming 21st century decades.

    Why do humans need to alter their bodies before venturing into space? Moon and Mars have low gravity levels, killer solar rays, and weather extremes ranging from Siberian-like frigid nights, to boiling daytime heat. Unprotected bodies risk cancer, tissue and bone loss, brain damage, and instant death.

    While many of these risks could be reduced with bulky space suits and underground or domed huts, the high cost of these protective measures, just to cater to human frailties, makes most space trips difficult to finance. Instead of trying to adapt the planets to humans, it costs far less to adapt humans to the planets.

    Granted, technologies to 'space-proof' our bodies enabling us to be safe and comfortable in harsh environments do not exist today; but positive futurists predict they could be developed by the 2040s.

    So far, space colonization efforts have gained little public support; but many scientists believe that by 2030, medical technologies will make more diseases manageable, extending health and lives worldwide.

    In addition, molecular nanotech advances over the next four decades could enable building products inexpensively by mimicking the ways that nature creates plants, animals, and us. Experts predict goods produced in this manner, labor-free with low cost materials, will improve wealth in every nation state.

    With concerns over health and failing economies removed from the spotlight, by 2050, space is expected to take center stage. A growing number of future watchers believe that a new era of world peace and prosperity will be achieved as countries begin collaborative efforts to explore the cosmos.

    If we are to become a space faring society, we must learn to survive in hostile places. Mars could be a key stepping stone along that path, an alien world, yet one that is not too difficult to reach from Earth.

    Throughout history, great nations have been at the forefront of the frontiers of their time. Britain became great in the 17th century through its exploration and mastery of the seas. America's greatness in the 20th century stemmed from its domination of the air. For future generations, the frontier will be space.

    However, there are issues to resolve. Where will space colonists on a distant world get air, food, and water? Or will their genetically-modified or biologically-altered bodies even require these life essentials?

    Nanotech expert Robert Freitas believes we may one day eliminate the need for lungs, making breathable air unnecessary. Others theorize it may be possible to enhance human skin with radiation-shielding nano-materials. And in Fantastic Voyage, author Ray Kurzweil cites a time when humans may not need food; nanobots would energize our cells more efficiently than today's system of eating food.

    Physicist Stephen Hawking recently warned; "It's important for humans to spread out into space for survival of the species. All Earth life could be wiped out by a nuclear war, runaway virus, or some other danger." Mr. Hawking, we hear you. By 2050, migrations to the high frontier could be well underway.

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Images:

http://www.deviantart.com/art/Colony-WIP-449552723

http://www.deviantart.com/art/Cyborg-450714624

http://www.deviantart.com/art/nanotech-171281206