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Does it protect against other radiation than UV? Does it also seal a gaseous atmosphere at a usable pressure? This would be useful in the construction of an ar
by stcredzero 7y ago
Does it protect against other radiation than UV? Does it also seal a gaseous atmosphere at a usable pressure?
This would be useful in the construction of an arcology. New York City is little more than 300 square miles in area. A single huge building could easily encompass living space for an even larger population than NYC's, while also offering domed parks. The aerogel would take care of the thermal and UV issues. There would have to be a strong transparent membrane, perhaps sustained by pressure, to withstand winds and protect the aerogel. Also, such a unitary building, with a dome structure around it, would be easier to protect against radiation with magnetic fields, as conductors in the dome itself could be used. Fusion power seems like a must have for this kind of project. Also, this would entail additional expense, which tunnel habitation wouldn't incur.
In the novel/TV series "The Expanse", Martians live underground in tunnels, because above ground it takes more material and energy to build air-tight buildings which also protect from radiation.
So perhaps such Martian arcologies would be playgrounds for the rich? Perhaps they would be the equivalent of today's Dubai?
And they still have adverse effects from the lower gravity.
One of the most fascinating aspects of that series is that there are three Human "subpopulations", two of which would have trouble to exist on Earth, physiologically.
We still don't know if the effects are necessarily adverse at Martian levels. There might be a benefit, so long as the radiation can be mitigated. In any case, the gravity could be mitigated with a "slanted racetrack" style centrifuge. An entire arcology could be constructed this way. It could well be that the residents of such arcologies would be stronger and healthier. That would be one hell of a form of class distinction. It would be similar to the combat differences between medieval Knights and peasant conscripts. Perhaps arcologies would become the castles of a warring Mars gone feudal?