In a recent interview with computer scientist Lex Fridman, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, shared his vision of a future civilization with millions, or even a trillion, humans spread across the solar system. Bezos believes that the vast resources within our solar system are sufficient to sustain such an expansive civilization.
Jeff Bezos expressed his ambitious dream, stating that he would “love to see a trillion humans living in the solar system.” He envisions a future where the solar system is teeming with life, intelligence, and energy, boasting the presence of “1,000 Mozarts and 1,000 Einsteins” at any given time.
According to Forbes, Bezos emphasized that the resources within the solar system can “easily support” such a massive population. However, he pointed out that the key to realizing this vision lies in constructing “giant space stations,” as planetary surfaces are deemed too small for the scale of his vision.
“The only way to get to that vision is with giant space stations. The planetary surfaces are just way too small unless you turn them into giant space stations,” Bezos explained.
Bezos highlighted the advantages of living in space stations, often referred to as O’Neill cylinders or colonies, named after physicist Gerard K. O’Neill, who proposed the concept. These stations can be designed to spin, creating artificial gravity similar to Earth’s. Additionally, they offer flexibility in terms of location, allowing placement where needed.
While Bezos’ vision may seem ambitious, it aligns with his passion for space exploration and the long-term human presence beyond Earth. Blue Origin, Bezos’ aerospace company, is actively working on developing space technologies that could contribute to making such ambitious ideas a reality. The concept of giant space stations could potentially redefine the future of human civilization in the solar system.
