What future for humans in the cosmos?

Part Eight in our London Dana Center science series focuses on space travel

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The future of space travel
Aug. 10: London's Dana Center recently hosted a night that explored the future of humans in space. How can we adapt to living off Earth? Will new methods allow us to travel farther than before? NBC's Chapman Bell reports.

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By Chapman Bell

NBC News

updated 10:07 a.m. ET Aug. 10, 2007

Chapman Bell
Contributor

LONDON — The revolution in human spaceflight in recent years has allowed ordinary people to consider the possibility that they, too, could join the ranks of astronauts, cosmonauts and others into exploring the final frontier.

Space tourism became a reality a few years ago — for those of us lucky enough to have deep enough pockets. Soon, companies like Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic hopes to offer more affordable trips for the rest of us.

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Meanwhile, a manned mission to Mars may soon be a reality. Some scientists, such as the eminent physicist Stephen Hawking, think we should consider colonizing other planets.

For now, scientists are looking into alternative ways of traveling through the cosmos as well as how to keep humans in space for longer periods of time than ever before.

Recently, London’s Dana Center hosted a night to hear from experts about space travel.

Science for the rest of us
The Dana Center, which is part of London’s Science Museum, offers an informal atmosphere where people can attend events and discuss science, technology and other hot cultural topics with the experts.

This unique and relaxed environment offers guests the chance to enjoy learning about topics of interest over food and drinks.

The Dana Center is a collaboration between the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the Science Museum.

Chapman Bell is a London-based associate producer for NBC News’ TODAY show.

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