Difference between revisions of "Equipment for autonomous growth"

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(New page: What equipment will colonists need to be really independent from earth on the long term? This article wants to define the '''Equipment for Autonomous Growth''' to enable a colony to thrive...)
 
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==Mining equipment==
 
==Mining equipment==
The most critical technology is mining.  
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The most critical technology is mining. It provides almost every material the growing colony needs: water, iron, silicon, etc.
  
 
==Energy==
 
==Energy==
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* [[Solar panel]]s provide electricity out of [[sunlight]].
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* [[Thermocouple]]s provide electricity out of temperature differences (inspired by Isaac Asimov's trilogy "Foundation": Trantor is harvesting electricity like this.)
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* [[Depth drilling]] can be used to heat buildings.
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* [[Wind turbine]]s provide electricity out of the [[atmosphere]]
  
 
==Computers==
 
==Computers==
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This item might be disputed, but [[computer]]s are surely a great help for any other technology.
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==Internet==
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The access to Earth's [[internet]] is definity not necessary for an autonomous colony, but it helps to exchange technological, scientific and cultural news, which might be beneficial for both Mars and Earth.
  
 
==Biotechnology==
 
==Biotechnology==
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Since sunlight is not as bright as on Earth the construction of [[biotechnological plant]]s can help to provide enough food for the settlers.
  
==Chemicals==
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==Synthetic materials==
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Almost any technology requires a whole lot of [[synthetic materials]]: plastics, oil, acids, etc., that is produced by chemical processes.
  
 
==Reproductive Technology==
 
==Reproductive Technology==
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Every machine and every gadget has a limited livetime. It must be replaced periodically to keep the function alive.
 +
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[[Digging machine]]s produce ore. The [[furnace]] transforms ore to iron. A [[steel plant]] make steel out of the iron. And the steel must be forged to parts of a digging machine. The circle is closed.
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Solar panels provide electricity, which will be used to create more silicon for photo-voltaic cells.
 +
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The most complex thing to replace is, perhaps, the computer. It needs high-tech processes.
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==See also==
 
==See also==

Revision as of 05:25, 5 November 2007

What equipment will colonists need to be really independent from earth on the long term? This article wants to define the Equipment for Autonomous Growth to enable a colony to thrive.

Mining equipment

The most critical technology is mining. It provides almost every material the growing colony needs: water, iron, silicon, etc.

Energy

Computers

This item might be disputed, but computers are surely a great help for any other technology.

Internet

The access to Earth's internet is definity not necessary for an autonomous colony, but it helps to exchange technological, scientific and cultural news, which might be beneficial for both Mars and Earth.

Biotechnology

Since sunlight is not as bright as on Earth the construction of biotechnological plants can help to provide enough food for the settlers.

Synthetic materials

Almost any technology requires a whole lot of synthetic materials: plastics, oil, acids, etc., that is produced by chemical processes.

Reproductive Technology

Every machine and every gadget has a limited livetime. It must be replaced periodically to keep the function alive.

Digging machines produce ore. The furnace transforms ore to iron. A steel plant make steel out of the iron. And the steel must be forged to parts of a digging machine. The circle is closed.

Solar panels provide electricity, which will be used to create more silicon for photo-voltaic cells.

The most complex thing to replace is, perhaps, the computer. It needs high-tech processes.


See also