Since visionaries aim to harbor a trillion humans, there is hope in the vision of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin. One such vision incorporates simply monstrous orbital structures that could quite mimic terrestrial conditions as far as we understand them – the goal could revolutionize the extension of human civilization within the solar system.
The billionaire revealed the vision in an interaction with podcaster Lex Fridman; specifically, Bezos envisions a sustainable way for humans to live in space without exhausting the Earth’s resources. He paints them in the picture adapted from astronaut physicist Gerard K. O’Neill’s early space colonies concepts of the 1970s. These O’Neill cylinders would be gigantic, rotating habitats creating their own gravity and resorting the living of millions of people with natural fauna and flora, seas, and even climate controls.
According to Bezos, which this vision would bring should actually create a civilization with thousands of Mozarts and Einsteins enhancing the quality of life. Bezos highlighted the benefits of having a trillion people in the solar system saying that if people were one trillion, there would always be 1000 Mozarts and 1000 Einsteins at any given time. He also notes that even if one counts the planets such as Mars as viable areas to support the large population the surfaces are too small to support such numbers hence there is need for space stations.
In order to achieve the desired picture, Bezos outlines the need for relevant infrastructural build-up. Jeff Bezos’ spaceflight company Blue Origin is advancing rapidly through ventures such as Blue Moon, a lunar lander that is to enable people to explore the moon and other worlds. Hence directing a so much attention to the creation of a “road to space” is perceived as interim activity that is leading to the objective of space colonization .
Experts have weighed in on Bezos' vision, highlighting both its potential and challenges. Architect Anthony Longman, who has designed concepts for space habitats, acknowledges the inspiration but notes the immense scale and complexity of such projects. Astrobiologist Rebeca Gonçalves underscores the need for advanced agricultural systems and healthcare solutions to support life in space .
Despite the hurdles, Bezos remains optimistic about humanity's future in space. "We've sent robotic probes to all the planets. We know that this is the good one," he stated, emphasizing the need to preserve Earth while expanding human civilization into the cosmos .