Humans must colonise planets in other solar systems, travelling there using Star Trek-style propulsion or face extinction. This is the opinion of renowned cosmologist Stephen Hawking, the wheel-chair bound Cambridge University physicist, who last week was awarded the world's oldest prize for scientific achievement, the Copley medal. Previous winners include Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin. Referring to complex theories and the speed of light, Hawking told BBC radio that theoretical advances could revolutionise the velocity of space travel and make such colonies possible. "Sooner or later disasters such as an asteroid collision or a nuclear war could wipe us all out. But once we spread out into space and establish independent colonies, our future should be safe," Hawking said. Humanity would have to venture off to other hospitable planets orbiting another star in order to survive, but conventional chemical fuel rockets that took man to the moon on the Apollo mission would take 50,000 years to travel there, he continued. Hawking suggested that propulsion, similar to that used by the fictional starship Enterprise "to boldly go where no man has gone before", could help solve the problem. "Science fiction has developed the idea of warp drive, which takes you instantly to your destination," he said. "Unfortunately, this would violate the scientific law which says that nothing can travel faster than light." However, by using "matter/antimatter annihilation", velocities just below the speed of light could be reached, making it possible to reach the next star in about six years. "It wouldn't seem so long for those on board," he said. Mr Hawking also said he wanted to try out space travel himself, albeit by more conventional means. "I am not afraid of death but I'm in no hurry to die. My next goal is to go into space," he said. Referring to the Virgin tycoon who has set up a travel agency to take private individuals on space flights from 2008, Hawking said: "Maybe Richard Branson will help me." (Source: Scotsman)