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There are perfectly good engineering solutions to all of the points you've raised which I won't go into here, because I don't want to waste your time or mine. I
by el_zorro 13y ago
There are perfectly good engineering solutions to all of the points you've raised which I won't go into here, because I don't want to waste your time or mine. I'll just state that Biosphere 2 was a terrible experiment that in no way reflects the proper way to do a mission of that sort. Additionally, there are myriad ways of generating resources in-situ, especially with using the Martian atmosphere.
The point is that I'm not talking about a society a year or even a decade into a mission. Once the groundwork is laid, though, the possibilities emerge. The colonies didn't revolt until 169 years after Jamestown was founded. I'll finish by saying that your pessimism is unfounded, as very smart people have figured out solutions to most of the problems you have presented. Furthermore, just because you personally do not find such a situation to your liking doesn't mean that others feel the same way.
- johnbm 13y agoCheer up, I was being cynical because of this specifically: "We need a new planet so we can try new things, create new ideas, and generally liberate ourselves of traditional conventions." Of all the places to try out 'new conventions', the harshest frontier in human history does not sound like a good idea. And I agree, BioSphere was terrible, but the important thing is that it failed (mainly) for human reasons, not scientific ones. I think it is entirely possible we lack the capacity as a species to thrive outside our world. I don't think the scientific problems are impossible to overcome, but I do think anyone who flies there with any notion of romantic exploration and a new beginning is going on a suicide mission.
- el_zorro 13y agoI'm sorry if that came off rather strongly - I'm very passionate about the subject!