Space will change us. It is the inevitable consequence of our species adapting to new environments across the cosmos. It will blur the definition of what it means to be human - and a transformation will occur when being human begins to be something more. We're joined by transhumanist pioneer Natasha Vita-More to take the first steps towards understanding the future of humanity in the stars...

"The impulse behind transhumanism is to improve the human condition.  The condition being a short lifespan ridden with disease.  Survival is one element of this impulse which affords a means to overcome the human condition.  Survival is based on transforming the current situation into one that is more opportune for our well being.  If humans or transhumans are to survive in the environment of space, we need to design that environment to be friendly.  We also need to transform ourselves to meet the challenge.  In other words, we can design an environment with artificial gravity and reduces the affects of radiation, but we also need to build our bodies to be more adaptable, flexible and sustainable.  This would require both medical, scientific, technological and industrial design components. An example of a future body that could exist in a space environment is my design 'Primo Posthuman.'"

"I think that entities living in different planetary, space and synthetic environments will need different attributes, and this certainly would differentiate their designs.   I don't think this necessarily concludes that there will be all sorts of species, but perhaps numerable variations on the human or transhuman theme.  One thing to keep in mind is that our future selves may want to be transplanetary and multigalatic. Why would a newly engineered person want to be confined to a singular locale?  I think that most of the changes will be across the territorial lines and that people will want to co-habitat in multiple locations, and even simultaneously." - Natasha Vita-More