Space settlement: What's the Rush?

Abstract

In this paper I argue that obligations associated with the scientific exploration and study of the solar system are, over sub-millennial timescales, stronger than obligations associated with the preservation of humanity via space settlement. Thus my objection is not to space settlement as such, but rather, to those claiming an urgent need to instigate space settlement. I also argue that the “disposable planet mentality” objection to space settlement is ill-founded.