I too remember O’Neill’s visions of space colonies. Humans are pretty adaptable and resilient against adversity. The more severe challenges seem to come from idleness and ease.
There are severe challenges in every aspect of human and cultural life. Severe adversary breaks far more than survive it.
Only G-d’s mercy keeps all from falling down long enough for a soul alive a chance to gain some merit. And that merit is gained how?
Awesome respect for the hard-won wisdom of prior good men and women is one way. One is not idle for studying history diligently—it is the blackboard upon which G-d writes—nor can one be at ease seeing the constant march of Human Folly. No one gains wisdom at ease. And the prime wisdom is the utter awe of the Creator and the utter regard a person should have for those who have kept alive and maintained what Revelations our G-d has left for men and mankind.
The unfolding of the deepest science and most novel breakthrough technology is part of that, a part in continuing revealing, and those who energetically take part in it also have a G-dly share (imo) even when the proclaim themselves atheists or idolators. But it’s better for all when one sees it as G-d wants the Glory of it all seen, as being a way of humbly and lovingly serving.