4 ms·

Why is a lunar colony inherently more noble than other tech..?

• vdaniuk 11y ago
  Please try to consider the possible context of space tech development. A lunar base would mark a start of humanity as a space-faring species but that is just part of the story. A functioning outer space settlement could be an indicator of humanity's commitment to long-term infrastructural projects signalling consensus and coordination of stakeholders in the public interest.
  • simonh 11y ago
    That's an extraordinarily expensive way to send a signal.
    • TeMPOraL 11y ago
      Expensive signals tend to be strong and self-reinforcing. Also, I think GP meant that it would be a proof, not the cause, of global coordination.
• TeMPOraL 11y ago
  It may not be, but lunar colony involves a lot different types of technology. It's what you see in the "space romantics and progress" stories, which I agree would be a better focus than what we have now (i.e. absolutely none, just random walking along incentive structures generated by market economy).
  • notahacker 11y ago
    It's difficult to miss what hasn't been invented, but real life developments like the internet and gene sequencing/editing seem rather more [potentially] significant for humanity than obvious priorities of lunar colonies like more efficient rockets. Many of the challenges associated with a lunar colony also apply to our existing orbital space station (though granted, a moon base could be a reason for more innovation in foodstuffs)