I wouldn't assume that colonies would have anywhere near the technical capabilities of the seeding planet. Just look at what we have achieved in Earth vs. what

I wouldn't assume that colonies would have anywhere near the technical capabilities of the seeding planet. Just look at what we have achieved in Earth vs. what we have achieved on the moon, or anyone's plans for a Mars colony. Mankind may set for on Mars eventually, but i don't think we'll ever do something like set off fireworks there. Any colony that moves past the immediate survival stage is a success. That does not mean they have millions of years of fossil fuel stored to start further exploration.