Melbourne: Stephen Hawking, who spent his career decoding the universe, has urged the continuation of space exploration for humanity`s sake.

The 71-year-old said that he did not think humans would survive another 1000 years "without escaping beyond our fragile planet," the Herald Sun reported.

The British cosmologist made the remarks on Tuesday before an audience of doctors, nurses and employees at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, where he toured a stem cell laboratory that`s focused on trying to slow the progression of Lou Gehrig`s disease.

Prof Hawking was diagnosed with the neurological disorder 50 years ago while a student at Cambridge University.

He recalled how he became depressed and initially didn`t see a point in finishing his doctorate. But he continued to delve into his studies.

"If you understand how the universe operates, you control it in a way," he said.

ANI