Let's pretend humans have left the planet. What then would replace us in the hierarchy? What are some intelligent species that may lead to another spacefaring, weapon toting civilization?

How do we expedite the evolution of these creatures so they too can be capable of space exploration, laws, society, art, language, culture? I'm serious.

What do we have to do to get smart squids or dolphin astronauts? How do we make gorillas smarter?