Future of space travel: Could robots really replace human astronauts?

As robots advance in space exploration, the debate over the necessity of human astronauts continues. Advocates like Lord Martin Rees suggest that robots are becoming more efficient and cost-effective compared to human space travel. While robotic probes have successfully reached various destinations in space, some argue that humans provide unique capabilities, such as versatility and inspiring the public. The future of space travel may involve a combination of robots and humans, with technology like AI assistants and humanoid robots enhancing missions while human explorers serve different functions.