Do you think it will be possible to build self-sustaining space habitats? Let's assume some more progress in material science, ways of generating power, human emotional intelligence, empathy and cooperation skills. But nothing "magical."
Could we make man-made cans where generations could live and thrive?
I think it's possible as long as there are enough of them and they are big enough. They need to be big enough for a proper ecosystem, and we'd need multiple ecosystems.
https://sauropods.win/@futurebird/113605392302769995
158 ████████ probably can be done 77 ███▉ probably can't be done 34 █▋ impossible to say 7 ▎ other
@futurebird I love reading and thinking about this, though I'm not technically educated enough to make a determination. I just want to believe.
I think you and others have mentioned that one […]
@futurebird
Sure it could happen. Would need to be really big, like millions of people, and radiation would be a big problem. Not living in a gravity well would have economic advantages, but […]
2024-12-06 michael_w_busch ┃ 1🔗 1👤
@futurebird
Paging Kelly & @ZachWeinersmith , for their "A City On Mars" - acityonmars.com/
2024-12-06 ApostateEnglishman ┃ 1🔗
@futurebird Gary Westfahl's 1997 essay, The Case Against Space is provocative - see link. His argument is so exhaustive it's difficult to summarize. Suffice it to say his dismantling of the […]
@futurebird no one has mentioned Niven Rings, plenty of room and raw power.
Just dismantle the solar system.
Ellen wants to be build a Dyson Sphere right now
@futurebird we have the technology and understanding *right now* to create a sealed terrarium ecosystem. A space station has additional challenges around getting it set up, controlling light […]
2024-12-06 epicdemiologist ┃ 1💬
@futurebird Have you ever seen Silent Running?
@futurebird
I think the « generations » part creates a near-impossible research and research ethics problem. How do you learn enough about human pregnancy and birth? Yes, some combination of […]
@futurebird I think it might be possible in principle, until machinery starts failing and there are no raw materials to make spare parts from.
@futurebird I'm pessimistic about it, because I don't know if the physical process of development from embryo to adult can ever work properly with simulated gravity and a limited biome. It […]
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