Science: Colonizing Space

When Princeton Physicist Gerard K. O'Neill made the proposal that space colonies be established to relieve the earth's overcrowding, increasing pollution and energy shortages, many of his more skeptical colleagues dismissed the scheme as one more exercise in scientific fantasy. But, unlike many other far-out proposals, the idea has not faded into oblivion.

For almost a year, O'Neill has continued to expand his vision with imaginative new details. He has become so convincing an advocate that this month, at a three-day conference in Princeton, 100 scientists, engineers, international lawyers and social scientists agreed...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!