- 07 Jul 2013 13:05
#14267377
Provoked a bit by Igor's thread, I was contemplating colonization of the Solar System earlier. With so many places viable for mining, terraforming, and settlement, and w/ the extent of technology as it exists today, it's a shame we aren't already stepping out into space. However, before we can colonize the trans-uranic space, we need to have a viable proposal for our expansion onto new worlds. Currently the focus is on Mars, which I agree is one viable option, but there's no reason it can't occur as part of a larger program; I'd suggest it more as part of a three pronged approach.
1- Mars. Enough said.
2- At the same time, we should establish a satellite around Venus and begin terraforming that planet. While it won't be viable anywhere in the near future, it has the most potential out of any planet, having the nearest gravity to Earth's and a thick atmosphere. Two problems facing Venus are the lack of hydrogen and a magnetosphere. Both problems will have to be addressed in order to convert it's CO2-rich atmosphere into breathable air, a magnetosphere necessary to protect against solar radiation. One proposed solution for it's dense, carbon-rich atmosphere has been the use of mass drivers to propel it's atmosphere into space; yet, hydrogen is abundant throughout the solar system and the universe, and mas drivers that propel hydrogen into Venus's atmosphere might make it more amenable to the long process of terraforming ahead of it. Another approach involves using magnesium and calcium to sequester carbond dioxide. One notable point is that Mercury has magnesium deposits, and viable space stations surrounding Venus could form a base for mining operations there, and would act in concert with hydrogen bombardment.
3- Finally, Ceres is unlikely to be terraformed, but could provide a viable base. It has large stores of water, and is strategically placed for two future goals- the mining of the Asteroid belt, and the exploration of the outer solar system. A base here is practically necessary for asteroid mining and the resources available, and could provide a hub for incipient voyages to Europa, Titan, and Callisto.
While we tend to focus on one proposal more than others, planning these three operations in concert would actual provide a larger scale for the technology necessary. They also have roughly equivalent windows, ranging from 15 months for Ceres to 25 months for Mars, with a 19 month window for Venus. Finally, they all provide different functions for expanding beyond earth. Mars would be the most immediate colony, providing us w/ much early experience terraforming and settling another planet, and, if we can figure out how to produce an artificial magnetosphere, a long-term habitat. Venus would provide another habitable planet, and very different terraforming challenges, but perhaps more hospitable in the long run, as well as form a trade-triangle w/ Mercury. Ceres, of course, provides us w/ resources and an outpost into the outer planets. All these experiences in concert will place us in a better position to continue moving outward.
1- Mars. Enough said.
2- At the same time, we should establish a satellite around Venus and begin terraforming that planet. While it won't be viable anywhere in the near future, it has the most potential out of any planet, having the nearest gravity to Earth's and a thick atmosphere. Two problems facing Venus are the lack of hydrogen and a magnetosphere. Both problems will have to be addressed in order to convert it's CO2-rich atmosphere into breathable air, a magnetosphere necessary to protect against solar radiation. One proposed solution for it's dense, carbon-rich atmosphere has been the use of mass drivers to propel it's atmosphere into space; yet, hydrogen is abundant throughout the solar system and the universe, and mas drivers that propel hydrogen into Venus's atmosphere might make it more amenable to the long process of terraforming ahead of it. Another approach involves using magnesium and calcium to sequester carbond dioxide. One notable point is that Mercury has magnesium deposits, and viable space stations surrounding Venus could form a base for mining operations there, and would act in concert with hydrogen bombardment.
3- Finally, Ceres is unlikely to be terraformed, but could provide a viable base. It has large stores of water, and is strategically placed for two future goals- the mining of the Asteroid belt, and the exploration of the outer solar system. A base here is practically necessary for asteroid mining and the resources available, and could provide a hub for incipient voyages to Europa, Titan, and Callisto.
While we tend to focus on one proposal more than others, planning these three operations in concert would actual provide a larger scale for the technology necessary. They also have roughly equivalent windows, ranging from 15 months for Ceres to 25 months for Mars, with a 19 month window for Venus. Finally, they all provide different functions for expanding beyond earth. Mars would be the most immediate colony, providing us w/ much early experience terraforming and settling another planet, and, if we can figure out how to produce an artificial magnetosphere, a long-term habitat. Venus would provide another habitable planet, and very different terraforming challenges, but perhaps more hospitable in the long run, as well as form a trade-triangle w/ Mercury. Ceres, of course, provides us w/ resources and an outpost into the outer planets. All these experiences in concert will place us in a better position to continue moving outward.
"We learn to shield ourselves from sleights and veiled abuse with our massive balls. Hope you all have them."- Igor