While the origins of our planet date back some 4.6 billion years, the existence of modern humans can be correlated to a single minute in our entire geological calendar. Humanity has progressed from the primitive innovations of building fire and wielding Stone Age tools to the achievements of industrialization and globalization. In our growing world of interconnectivity, population explosion and technological and scientific discoveries, how can we manage the challenges that threaten our existence? In short, how to survive? Research suggests that space exploration and colonization are of vital importance to humanity, as our planet has a limited resource base to support its future population, we are at increased risk of mass extinction without dissemination and cosmic expeditions promote innovation to stimulate growth and technological progress. In our brief history, Homo sapiens has occupied our planet for almost 200,000 years. Since our origins, we have grouped together in small nomadic groups, as hunters and gatherers who scavenged the Earth to survive. The resources of our lands were abundant, providing sufficient livelihood for the development of the population. To date, our growth has reached more than seven billion people and no decline is in sight. At the current rate of growth, our global population is expected to double to thirteen billion people by 2067. (Rosenberg, 2009) This current population growth trend poses a significant threat to the non-renewable water and arable land that is essential. to human survival. As our numbers increase, the rate of resource consumption becomes disproportionate to the degree of availability and replenishment. Although human survival depends on it... middle of article ...... accessed April 4, 2012, from http://www.jayhanson.us/page174.htmRisks to civilization, humans and the planet Earth. (nd). On Wikipedia. Retrieved April 4, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risks_to_civilization_humans_and_planet_Earth#ReferencesTyson, ND (March 7, 2012). NASA's Past, Present, and Future: U.S. Senate Testimony. Retrieved April 4, 2012 from http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/read/2012/03/07/past-present-and-future-of-nasa-us-senate-testimony Wilson, JR and Ross, H. (August 27, 2008). Benefits of the space program: positive impact of NASA on society. Retrieved April 6, 2012, from http://www.nasa.gov/50th/50th_magazine/benefits.html Rosenberg, M. (October 16, 2009). Population growth rate and doubling time. Retrieved April 10, 2012 from About.Com Geography: http://geography.about.com/od/populationgeography/a/populationgrow.htm