2025 – Austin, Texas

1. Tissue Engineering for Long Duration Space Flight

Dr. Robert E. Hampson

Popular discussions of space exploration typically emphasize propulsion, spacecraft engineering, radiation hazards, and psychological challenges such as isolation or confinement. However, successfully venturing into deep space and truly becoming Homo stellaris—the People of the Stars—requires addressing a broader spectrum of biological challenges.

At the 2013 Interstellar Symposium, Dr. Robert E. Hampson highlighted a stark reality: prolonged space missions pose significant risks of cognitive decline, including dementia, upon arrival at distant destinations. Beyond well-known dangers such as radiation exposure, altered gravity, and vacuum, astronauts will inevitably face common health issues associated with aging, injury, and disease. Conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, arthritis, dental problems, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases cannot be fully prevented through crew selection alone. Additionally, the interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental factors—many poorly understood on Earth and virtually unknown in space—further complicates efforts to maintain crew health.

This seminar addresses anticipated medical issues on space missions lasting months to decades. It evaluates genetic screening for crew selection, explores the effects of aging and the space environment, and showcases promising advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine—such as stem cell therapies, engineered organs, accelerated healing techniques, and neurodegenerative treatments.

2. The Dark Forest Problem: Implications for Interstellar Missions

Kenneth Roy

The Dark Forest Theory, inspired by Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem, posits that advanced civilizations conceal their existence to avoid annihilation by hostile extraterrestrials. Though dramatic, this theory is supported by earlier works like The Killing Star, which portrayed credible, science-based planet-killing technologies that require no faster-than-light travel.

Once a civilization can build relativistic starships, it effectively gains the ability to destroy others. The ethical dilemma becomes whether to adopt a defensive posture or preemptively strike—a conundrum summarized by the twisted version of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others before they do unto you.” This session evaluates the theory through the lens of game theory and considers its implications for the Fermi Paradox.

It also explores whether divergent human colonies—socially, biologically, and culturally—could one day create a human-only Dark Forest scenario. Solutions to avert this grim future are discussed in a seminar designed to provoke thoughtful discussion on interstellar destiny and its risks.

3. A Survey of Slower-Than-Light Interstellar Propulsion

Jeff Greason

This 3-hour seminar offers a detailed overview of realistic slower-than-light interstellar propulsion systems, adapted from courses taught at Kepler Space University and NASA MSFC. It begins with a physics foundation and a classification of propulsion concepts—the “Zwicky Box”—including fission, fusion, and antimatter rockets; sails and drag devices; propellers, jets, and other non-rocket approaches.

The seminar explores advanced and hybrid systems such as beamed energy (via lasers, microwaves, or particle beams), momentum transfer, and harvesting concepts. It offers a holistic look at feasible propulsion technologies, emphasizing near-future engineering. Time permitting, a brief discussion will address the “wait problem”—whether it’s better to launch now or wait for better tech.

4. Space War – Not Just Science Fiction Anymore

Ken Wisian, University of Texas at Austin

Space is already a battleground. As humanity expands into space, conflict may follow—as an extension of politics and power dynamics. While war in space isn’t guaranteed, it remains a strong possibility, demanding attention and understanding. Moreover, there is no evidence that any encountered extraterrestrial civilizations would be benign; prudence calls for preparation.

This seminar addresses both the history and evolving reality of space warfare. While science fiction often dramatizes interstellar battles, current developments are more grounded but advancing rapidly. The session explores the principles, strategies, tactics, and technologies of space war, with a particular focus on conflict scenarios beyond Low Earth Orbit—whether between human factions or with alien intelligence.

By understanding the potential for conflict, humanity may better prepare for and ideally avoid it. As Sun Tzu wrote, “The art of war is of vital importance to the State.” In the cosmic arena, that art may prove vital to our survival.