Space colonization one step at a time (Step 1)

From: the_gunfighter_45acp

> L5 society back in 1975 labeled out it's plans for a space habitat
> or colony whichever you like to call it, the necessary sub goals
> that would need to be done first before the major key objective
> could be accomplished. I was rather surprise how well spot on it
> was, and still is, and the plan could still be put into effect
> today with little changes made.

It may yet play out in the manner first envisioned (SPS construction leads to use of space resources, both of which lead to Island One). But I think another possibility is that Island One will evolve slowly from a series of graduated improvements to space hotels in support of tourism, rather than springing whole from a single program.

Some folks studying CELSS concluded that it could pay for itself for any setup intended to function beyond 8 years. I don't know anyone who would build a hotel without assuming it will remain in operation much longer than 8 years, which means even space hoteliers catering to space tourists might have an interest in CELSS. Then they begin experimenting with centrifugal force. Then they start using space resources just for radiation shielding at first. But later those space resources start getting applied to simple structural members. Then they start to experiment with using natural sunlight. Then before you know it, people are looking around and saying, "Gee, this is just like what O'Neill used to talk about, isn't it?"

Regards,

Mike Combs