| Name | Skyla |
| Star type | Sun-like |
| Discovered | 2031 |
| Planet type | Terrestrial |
| Significance | Primary focus of international effort to send first crewed mission to another planet |
| Climate and geology | Similar to Earth |
| Distance from Earth | Approximately 12 light-years |
Skyla is the name given to an exoplanet discovered in 2031 orbiting the star Epsilon Indi A, approximately 12 light-years from Earth. Observations made by a global network of observatories and space telescopes have revealed that Skyla is a terrestrial planet with a diameter and mass similar to that of Earth, situated within the habitable zone of its parent star.
Skyla was first detected by the Kepler Space Telescope in 2028 as a candidate exoplanet, showing regular, periodic dimming of its star's light indicative of a transiting planet. Follow-up observations with more powerful instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope and Very Large Telescope were able to capture direct images of the planet and analyze its atmospheric composition and surface features.
Initial data suggested Skyla possessed an oxygen-rich atmosphere, substantial bodies of water, and likely some form of life. These tantalizing clues made Skyla an immediate priority for further study and exploration, touching off an unprecedented international scientific and technological race.
With a radius of 1.05 R⊕ and a mass of 1.15 M⊕, Skyla is a super-Earth planet with a rocky, terrestrial composition. Its surface temperature ranges from -10°C at the poles to 25°C at the equator, and it has a hydrosphere covering roughly 70% of its surface in liquid water. Skyla's thin but breathable atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen.
The similarities between Skyla and Earth have led many scientists to classify it as a potentially habitable planet. Numerous studies have posited that Skyla's environment could potentially support human and other Earth-based life forms, provided certain technological challenges are overcome. This has fueled immense excitement and speculation about the possibility of human colonization.
In 2034, the United Nations Space Agency (UNSA) unveiled plans for the "Skyla Mission" - an ambitious, multinational crewed expedition to land astronauts on the surface of Skyla and conduct in-depth scientific investigations. The mission would represent humanity's first attempt to send people to another planet.
The Skyla Mission has become a global collaborative effort, drawing on the resources and expertise of space agencies from over 50 countries. An international crew of 6 astronauts has been selected and is undergoing intensive training. A mammoth spacecraft is being constructed in low Earth orbit to transport the crew on the 12-year journey to Skyla.
Key technological innovations being developed for the mission include:
The project has captured the public imagination worldwide, with extensive media coverage and a surge of interest in space exploration and STEM education. However, it has also provoked debate over the feasibility, ethics, and ultimate goals of such an endeavor.
After over a decade of preparation, the Skyla Mission spacecraft is expected to arrive in the Epsilon Indi system in the early 2040s. The crew will first maneuver the ship into orbit around Skyla, then use a specialized landing module to descend to the planet's surface.
The primary mission goals are to conduct comprehensive scientific studies of Skyla's geology, climate, and potential for habitability. The astronauts will collect rock, soil and atmospheric samples, deploy scientific instruments, and potentially attempt the first extraterrestrial plant growth experiments. Extensive data and imagery will be transmitted back to Earth.
If the initial mission is successful, it will pave the way for more ambitious plans to establish a permanent human presence on Skyla through robotic precursor missions and, eventually, the first interplanetary colonization effort. However, significant technological, economic and philosophical challenges remain before this becomes a reality.
The prospect of establishing a human colony on Skyla has ignited intense global discussions and debates. Supporters view it as an opportunity to ensure humanity's long-term survival by establishing a "second Earth" that can be exploited for its natural resources. Critics argue the costs and risks are too high, and that resources would be better spent addressing problems on our own planet.
Ethical concerns have also been raised, including the potential environmental impact of colonization, the rights and treatment of any indigenous extraterrestrial life, and the philosophical implications of humanity becoming an interplanetary species. The geopolitical ramifications of nations competing to control Skyla's future have also been hotly debated.
Regardless of the ultimate outcome, the Skyla Mission has already had a profound impact, reigniting global enthusiasm for space exploration and inspiring new generations of scientists, engineers and explorers. It remains to be seen whether Skyla will become humanity's greatest achievement or biggest challenge in the coming century.
