Difference between revisions of "Foundation of an Autonomous Colony"
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| − | The '''Foundation of an Autonomous Colony''' on another cosmic body is one of the most challenging tasks for humanity. Though it requires enormous effort, the | + | The '''Foundation of an Autonomous Colony''' on another cosmic body is one of the most challenging tasks for humanity. Though it requires enormous effort, the goal to expand the influence of mankind throughout the [[Solar system]] is worthwhile. This [[motivation]] has several aspects. This page covers general issues of an autonomous colony on [[Mars]]. |
| − | What is an autonomous colony? The main attribute is [[independence from Earth]]. Once the colony is set up, it provides a [[habitat]] for settlers on the long run, hopefully forever. | + | What is an autonomous colony? The main attribute is [[independence from Earth]]. Once the colony is set up, it provides a [[habitat]] for settlers on the long run, hopefully forever. |
| + | The second attribute is a planned and indefinitely stable colony that can thrive from [[local resources]]. Unlike a [[mission with planned death]] the settlers in an autonomous colony have a future for themselves and for their Mars-born [[children]]. | ||
==Preparations== | ==Preparations== | ||
[[Bringing down Phobos]] before a [[settlement]] is built may help to make [[Mars]] safe for the long term. | [[Bringing down Phobos]] before a [[settlement]] is built may help to make [[Mars]] safe for the long term. | ||
| − | Since people can not live in the natural [[environmental conditions|environment]] a basic artificial [[habitat]] with [[house]]s, supplies and equipment for a long term stay | + | Since people can not live in the natural [[environmental conditions|environment]] a basic artificial [[habitat]] with [[house]]s, supplies and equipment for a long term stay would be deposited on Mars' surface. The [[equipment for autonomous growth|equipment must be technologically sufficient]] to allow the colonists to grow their own [[food]], build new houses, etc. |
| − | There are many uncertainties | + | There are many uncertainties about the impact of the Martian environment. The equipment would be tested on [[Earth]] thoroughly, but the influence of the Martian environment cannot be understood completely on Earth. The safest way is an [[unmanned setup of a whole settlement]] by an automated and remote controlled machinery. |
==The Departure== | ==The Departure== | ||
| − | The transportation of colonists is | + | The transportation of colonists is a very complicated part of the plan. There are many threats inherent to space travel: [[Solar Radiation|Solar]] & [[Cosmic Radiation|Cosmic]] Radiation, [[Meteorites]], Physical & Mental Illness, Etc. Plans will need to be made to deal with every possible problem. |
==Organizational Issues== | ==Organizational Issues== | ||
| − | The preparation | + | The preparation cost for a mission like this is tremendous. A [[financial effort estimation]] helps to get an overview. |
| − | + | Within a small group of colonists, a daily council of all members may be sufficient to address the needs of governance, much in the tradition of the New England town hall meetings. In a growing community some kind of representative [[democracy]] may become necessary. | |
| − | + | As the number of members in a martian [[population]] grows, so will the number of deaths. It will become necissary to conduct [[funeral]]s. | |
==Medical Issues== | ==Medical Issues== | ||
===Quarantine=== | ===Quarantine=== | ||
| − | Before heading for Mars any crew is [[quarantine|quarantined]] to ensure they do not suffer from infectious diseases. As a result, the martian colony should be more or less free from pathogenic [[microbes|germs]], which saves medical effort. However, for children born on Mars an even more effective [[vaccination|vaccination program]] will be necessary to stimulate the development of Mars-born [[immune system]]s. | + | Before heading for Mars any crew is [[quarantine|quarantined]] to ensure they do not suffer from infectious diseases. As a result, the martian colony should be more or less free from pathogenic [[microbes|germs]], which saves medical effort. However, for children born on Mars an even more effective [[vaccination|vaccination program]] will be necessary to stimulate the development of Mars-born [[immune system]]s. |
===Inbreeding=== | ===Inbreeding=== | ||
The size of the human population must not be too small due to the risk of [[inbreeding depression]]. | The size of the human population must not be too small due to the risk of [[inbreeding depression]]. | ||
| + | ===Cancer=== | ||
| + | Increased exposure to radiation may increase the incidence of cancer. | ||
{{SettlementIndex}} | {{SettlementIndex}} | ||
Revision as of 17:48, 5 February 2008
The Foundation of an Autonomous Colony on another cosmic body is one of the most challenging tasks for humanity. Though it requires enormous effort, the goal to expand the influence of mankind throughout the Solar system is worthwhile. This motivation has several aspects. This page covers general issues of an autonomous colony on Mars.
What is an autonomous colony? The main attribute is independence from Earth. Once the colony is set up, it provides a habitat for settlers on the long run, hopefully forever. The second attribute is a planned and indefinitely stable colony that can thrive from local resources. Unlike a mission with planned death the settlers in an autonomous colony have a future for themselves and for their Mars-born children.
Contents
Preparations
Bringing down Phobos before a settlement is built may help to make Mars safe for the long term.
Since people can not live in the natural environment a basic artificial habitat with houses, supplies and equipment for a long term stay would be deposited on Mars' surface. The equipment must be technologically sufficient to allow the colonists to grow their own food, build new houses, etc.
There are many uncertainties about the impact of the Martian environment. The equipment would be tested on Earth thoroughly, but the influence of the Martian environment cannot be understood completely on Earth. The safest way is an unmanned setup of a whole settlement by an automated and remote controlled machinery.
The Departure
The transportation of colonists is a very complicated part of the plan. There are many threats inherent to space travel: Solar & Cosmic Radiation, Meteorites, Physical & Mental Illness, Etc. Plans will need to be made to deal with every possible problem.
Organizational Issues
The preparation cost for a mission like this is tremendous. A financial effort estimation helps to get an overview.
Within a small group of colonists, a daily council of all members may be sufficient to address the needs of governance, much in the tradition of the New England town hall meetings. In a growing community some kind of representative democracy may become necessary.
As the number of members in a martian population grows, so will the number of deaths. It will become necissary to conduct funerals.
Medical Issues
Quarantine
Before heading for Mars any crew is quarantined to ensure they do not suffer from infectious diseases. As a result, the martian colony should be more or less free from pathogenic germs, which saves medical effort. However, for children born on Mars an even more effective vaccination program will be necessary to stimulate the development of Mars-born immune systems.
Inbreeding
The size of the human population must not be too small due to the risk of inbreeding depression.
Cancer
Increased exposure to radiation may increase the incidence of cancer.
| Concepts: | Greenhouse · Settlements · Locations · General |
| Hazards: | Space Weather · Climate · General |
| Technology: | Hi-Tech · Lo-Tech · Energy · Spaceflight science · Communication · General |
| Human Considerations: | Economics · Health · Governance · Trade · Law · Social |
