The Solar System a colonizers heaven
There are a number of possible colonial Placements in the solar system. The two man different type of settlements would be
1) orbital settlements: an artificial fully self sufficient habitat in orbit around a celestial body deriving protection, against radiation, space debris etc by virtue of its proximity to the body, and other benefits.
2) surface settlements: these would be located on the surfaces of planets or on sufficiently large asteroids making use of the natural gravitational force of the planet and its atmosphere
Possible locations for surface settlements:
1) orbital settlements: an artificial fully self sufficient habitat in orbit around a celestial body deriving protection, against radiation, space debris etc by virtue of its proximity to the body, and other benefits.
2) surface settlements: these would be located on the surfaces of planets or on sufficiently large asteroids making use of the natural gravitational force of the planet and its atmosphere
Possible locations for surface settlements:
THE MOON
Excerpt from Speech of John Maburger
Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Executive Office of the President
March 15, 2006 "The Moon has unique significance for all space applications for a reason that to my amazement is hardly ever discussed in popular accounts of space policy. The Moon is the closest source of material that lies far up Earth's gravity well. Anything that can be made from Lunar material at costs comparable to Earth manufacture has an enormous overall cost advantage compared with objects lifted from Earth's surface. The greatest value of the Moon lies neither in science nor in exploration, but in its material. I am talking about the possibility of extracting elements and minerals that can be processed into fuel or massive components of space apparatus. The production of oxygen in particular, the major component (by mass) of chemical rocket fuel, is potentially an important Lunar industry.
What are the preconditions for such an industry? That, it seems to me, must be a primary consideration of the long range planning for the Lunar agenda. Science studies provide the foundation for a materials production roadmap. Clever ideas have been advanced for the phased construction of electrical power sources – perhaps using solar cells manufactured in situ from Lunar soil. A not unreasonable scenario is a phase of highly subsidized capital construction followed by market-driven industrial activity to provide Lunar products such as oxygen refueling services for commercially valuable Earth-orbiting apparatus."
Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Executive Office of the President
March 15, 2006 "The Moon has unique significance for all space applications for a reason that to my amazement is hardly ever discussed in popular accounts of space policy. The Moon is the closest source of material that lies far up Earth's gravity well. Anything that can be made from Lunar material at costs comparable to Earth manufacture has an enormous overall cost advantage compared with objects lifted from Earth's surface. The greatest value of the Moon lies neither in science nor in exploration, but in its material. I am talking about the possibility of extracting elements and minerals that can be processed into fuel or massive components of space apparatus. The production of oxygen in particular, the major component (by mass) of chemical rocket fuel, is potentially an important Lunar industry.
What are the preconditions for such an industry? That, it seems to me, must be a primary consideration of the long range planning for the Lunar agenda. Science studies provide the foundation for a materials production roadmap. Clever ideas have been advanced for the phased construction of electrical power sources – perhaps using solar cells manufactured in situ from Lunar soil. A not unreasonable scenario is a phase of highly subsidized capital construction followed by market-driven industrial activity to provide Lunar products such as oxygen refueling services for commercially valuable Earth-orbiting apparatus."
MARS
Beyond the Moon lies Mars, the next great step in humanity's outward migration into space. Mars is hundreds of times farther away than the Moon, but it offers a much greater prize. Indeed, uniquely among the extraterrestrial bodies of our solar system, Mars is endowed with all the resources needed to support not only life but the development of a technological civilization. In contrast to the comparative desert of the Earth's Moon, Mars possesses oceans of water frozen into its soil as permafrost, as well as vast quantities of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, all in forms readily accessible to those clever enough to use them.
Additionally, Mars has experienced the same sorts of volcanic and hydrologic processes that produced a multitude of mineral ores on Earth. Virtually every element of significant interest to industry is known to exist on the Red Planet. With its 24-hour day/night cycle and an atmosphere thick enough to shield its surface against solar flares, Mars is the only extraterrestrial planet that will readily allow large-scale greenhouses lit by natural sunlight.
Additionally, Mars has experienced the same sorts of volcanic and hydrologic processes that produced a multitude of mineral ores on Earth. Virtually every element of significant interest to industry is known to exist on the Red Planet. With its 24-hour day/night cycle and an atmosphere thick enough to shield its surface against solar flares, Mars is the only extraterrestrial planet that will readily allow large-scale greenhouses lit by natural sunlight.
ASTEROIDS
There are vast numbers of asteroids in near-Earth orbits, some of which are easier to access than the Moon. The potential mineral wealth of these asteroids is so great that huge profits could be made once we can start mining them for materials to be sold to markets on Earth. Like Space solar power, this is one of the potential revenue sources for the large start up costs for the first space settlements.
Asteroids can also be an enormous boon to orbital settlements. Orbital settlements must import their materials from either the Moon or asteroids. Diverting a few small (30-70 meter diameter) asteroids into Earth orbit could supply all the materials needed for early orbital settlement development.
While early orbital settlements may well be in Earth orbit, eventually humanity will spread out across the solar system. Then asteroids become prime targets for new settlements. Hollowing out a large, solid asteroid and building homes inside has great appeal. Such a settlement will have ample materials in the form of the asteroid itself, and the large mass of the asteroid provides immediate and substantial radiation protection. With a little care radiation levels could be less than on Earth.
Settlement of a large asteroid could start with a relatively small tunnel, providing a home for workers that could be gradually extended over time to build large open spaces and wonderful living areas with a complex geometry, providing endless, safe exploration possibilities for the children.
While some asteroids are believed to be solid enough to be hollowed out for living space, others are known to be 'rubble-piles,' barely held together by their weak gravity. While such asteroids cannot be hollowed out for living in, they are much easier to mine to provide materials for large numbers of orbital settlements.
The vast material resources of the asteroid belt beyond Mars may eventually provide home for the bulk of humanity.
Asteroids can also be an enormous boon to orbital settlements. Orbital settlements must import their materials from either the Moon or asteroids. Diverting a few small (30-70 meter diameter) asteroids into Earth orbit could supply all the materials needed for early orbital settlement development.
While early orbital settlements may well be in Earth orbit, eventually humanity will spread out across the solar system. Then asteroids become prime targets for new settlements. Hollowing out a large, solid asteroid and building homes inside has great appeal. Such a settlement will have ample materials in the form of the asteroid itself, and the large mass of the asteroid provides immediate and substantial radiation protection. With a little care radiation levels could be less than on Earth.
Settlement of a large asteroid could start with a relatively small tunnel, providing a home for workers that could be gradually extended over time to build large open spaces and wonderful living areas with a complex geometry, providing endless, safe exploration possibilities for the children.
While some asteroids are believed to be solid enough to be hollowed out for living space, others are known to be 'rubble-piles,' barely held together by their weak gravity. While such asteroids cannot be hollowed out for living in, they are much easier to mine to provide materials for large numbers of orbital settlements.
The vast material resources of the asteroid belt beyond Mars may eventually provide home for the bulk of humanity.