The focused study of other planets and celestial bodies as places to understand and eventually inhabit. It goes beyond pure astronomy to include planetary geology (are there stable lava tubes for habitats?), comparative climatology, extraterrestrial soil chemistry (for agriculture), and the search for native life that could complicate settlement. It's applied planetary science with a direct goal: to assess resources, evaluate risks, and provide the knowledge needed to build a home off-Earth.
Example: "Her team in interplanetary sciences isn't just looking for water on Mars; they're modeling the perchlorate distribution in the soil to find the best sites for a bioremediation plant that can detoxify the dirt for future farms. It's environmental science for a world that doesn't have an environment yet."
by Abzugal January 30, 2026
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