When we talk about colonizing other planets and becoming an interplanetary species, we often talk about rocket technologies, ways we can produce oxygen and water on other planets like Mars, the type of habitats we would build there, and stuff like that.

However, we almost never consider that, to stay on other planets permanently, especially where gravity is weaker than Earth's, we might need to alter our DNA.

You see, technology may not have any limits, and it will continue to get better and better, providing us with great ways to travel to and stay on other planets. However, our biological bodies come with a ton of limitations.

There are so many innovative ways that we can use to minimize the adverse impacts of living on other planets. But, most are temporary solutions at best. To truly establish independent colonies, we would need something permanent.

Genetic Engineering To The Rescue

Space is a hostile place. We never think about it in our daily lives because we are comfortable in this cocoon of our atmosphere. The minute you cross it though, any mistake can cost you your life.

There is intense radiation in space, no oxygen or water, no gravity, and many other hazards. Our frail bodies simply aren't able to handle all of that. So, genetically engineering our DNA to be more resilient may be the only way to make our dream of being a multi-planetary civilization a reality.

Scientists have already been doing a lot of research in this area. For instance, they have already inserted genes from tardigrades into human cells in the lab. If you didn't already know, tardigrades are insanely tough microbial creatures that can even survive in space!

If we are able to insert their traits into humans, we would be much more resilient in space as well. We wouldn't need heavy bulky spacesuits to walk around on Mars or anywhere else. This might sound like a huge step for humanity as a whole and in a way it is.

But something of this sort wouldn't be necessary for those who would never go to Mars or would only go there for a limited amount of time. The body readjusts after coming back to Earth. It is only for permanent settlers that this type of genetic engineering would be required.

But, in the long run, this might end up splitting the human race into two. Will we be ready to pay this price for the sake of expanding into the cosmos?