HSCI-320: Matter of Life: Earth Outbound

Within astronomical margins and current prospects, we are at a point in history roughly between the first human on the Moon and that on Mars. Meanwhile, the United Nations' 2030 agenda targets 17 interlinked global goals to be achieved "for a better and more sustainable future for all". How do these two missions interact? What are the environmental costs and rewards of a multi-planetary future to Earth? Can we really sustain life on another planet? We will tackle these questions within a materials science context in a broad spectrum of topics ranging from transportation to architecture, from clothes to everyday objects, from energy sources to space debris, etc. We will ideate on those in relation to art and design, review relevant works of thinkers and makers of the world, remembering to look back at Earth whilst moving ahead.