From: Technotranscendence (neptune@mars.superlink.net)
Date: Tue Sep 05 2000 - 09:34:45 MDT
On Monday, September 04, 2000 9:07 PM E. Shaun Russell e_shaun@uniserve.com
wrote:
> >You misunderstand the question. I'm arguing _for_ space colonization and
> >_against_ planetary colonization. I tend to think of planets as traps.
Why
> >live at the bottom of a gravity well? It makes it harder to move about.
>
> My apologies for my misunderstanding...
No big deal.:)
> I didn't notice the distinction you
> were making between space travel itself and the colonization of planets.
Space colonization vs. planet colonization -- not just travel. Restricting
it to space travel makes it sound like living in the back seat of your
Honda.:)
> If you are suggesting that we build "stations" as we go along, then I
don't
> see much of a problem with that. However, there are a lot of variables
> which we will need to look out for. Planet dependence will be necessary
> until we conquer the fuel and speed problems, not to mention having the
> technology to build such stations as we go.
I believe a good start can be made now with current technologies. Also,
small scale space stations, I think, are the way to go, but I outline other
possibilities in very dated "For a Free Frontier: The Case for Space
Colonization" at http://uweb.superlink.net/neptune/SpaceCol.html
One not talked about there is the now classic science fiction scenario of
hollowing out asteroids and using them as mobile colonies. Another reason
to watch NASA's NEAR mission closely...
> Since the space program is
> arguably behind other progressive technologies, I think that many of the
> problems we envision with future space travel\colonization will be
assisted
> by AI and nanotech.
I don't disagree. I just think if these things don't pan out -- and I don't
have a crystal ball here, so I can't say and neither can anyone else --
space colonization can still go on.
Cheers!
Daniel Ust
http://uweb.superlink.net/neptune/
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