The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was ecstatic when the images of the first Pluto fly-by were being relayed back to Earth. Now that the monumental feat has been achieved, the agency is facing one of the biggest question yet; is it possible to send humans to Pluto?

The main hypothesis is whether it is possible to create an Antarctic-style research station on Pluto, which has a water-rich icy surface and an atmosphere is dominated by nitrogen. For many scientists, Pluto's composition is more hospitable compared to many other planetary bodies.

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Experts say building a research station on Pluto could be humankind's first step to discover the outer reaches of the Milky Way galaxy.

Lowell Observatory research astronomer Gerard van Belle told Forbes, "The notion of a Pluto base figures prominently in the anime "Star Blazers' from my childhood, so it'd be wonderful if there were a good reason for it."

On the other hand, Lowell Observatory planetary scientist Will Grundy told Forbes that the biggest hurdle will be the distance of Pluto from the Sun. Not that it is very hard and will take a long time to reach, but since Pluto as far away from the galaxy's main source of power, it will be very cold.

Some scientist support the notion of building a station on Pluto. NASA principle investigator on the Lunar Prospector mission Alan Binder said that Pluto is rich in volatile compound such as water, methane and nitrogen ices that are essential for establishing a base.

Setting up a base in Pluto will also allow scientists to get ahold of primordial components that will help them understand how the galaxy or the universe came into being.

According to New Scientist, NASA has no real mandate to head back to Pluto. The report added that this means that experts as well as ordinary people will have to help redefine the model of space exploration in order for humankind to extend its reach far beyond what is currently at hand.

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