Philosophy behind space settlements

There seem to be two distinct philosophies behind space settlements:

1. Those who believe that the current economic model practiced on Planet
Earth, that of Global Markets, will have to be extended for any activity in
space to be successful.

2. Those who believe that it will have to take the form of individual
self-sufficiency, the original American Model, which helped to settle a
great part of the American continent, which will be the model that will be
successful. (I think those who plan a one way trip to Mars are perhaps
votaries of this philosophy).

One obvious problem with the first model is that, for it to be successful,
at least in terms of trade in physical resources, there should be simple
and cost effective methods of transport. There is no evidence that it will
ever be possible to have this form of transport. Taken to the extreme
situation of a space ship speeding through the cosmos, this will be next to
impossible. (I am afraid space based novels on this subject, have mislead
space enthusiasts).

Hence I see only one practical route to space settlements.

1. Prove that a settlement of say a thousand people can be set up in the
middle of the Sahara desert, who enjoy a high quality of life making use of
all scientific advancements, who are self-sufficient in terms of
availability and use of water (they are very efficient in its use), and
self sufficient in terms of ability to harness renewable energy. They do
not import more than 10% of their daily needs from outside sources.

2. Prove that it is possible to set up a sealed biosphere in the middle of
the Sahara desert which will provide a high quality of life for a thousand
people. No more than 20% of water can be imported every year from an
outside source.

(The conditions any where in the cosmos are likely to be more life
threatening than the conditions that exist in the middle of the Sahara
Desert.)

Regards,
Selvaraj

1. Those who believe that the current economic model practiced on Planet Earth, that of Global Markets, will have to be extended for any activity in space to be successful.
2. Those who believe that it will have to take the form of individual self-sufficiency, the original American Model, which helped to settle a great part of the American continent, which will be the model that will be successful. (I think those who plan a one way trip to Mars are perhaps votaries of this philosophy).
One obvious problem with the first model is that, for it to be successful, at least in terms of trade in physical resources, there should be simple and cost effective methods of transport. There is no evidence that it will ever be possible to have this form of transport. Taken to the extreme situation of a space ship speeding through the cosmos, this will be next to impossible. (I am afraid space based novels on this subject, have mislead space enthusiasts).
Hence I see only one practical route to space settlements.
1. Prove that a settlement of say a thousand people can be set up in the middle of the Sahara desert, who enjoy a high quality of life making use of all scientific advancements, who are self-sufficient in terms of availability and use of water (they are very efficient in its use), and self sufficient in terms of ability to harness renewable energy. They do not import more than 10% of their daily needs from outside sources.
2. Prove that it is possible to set up a sealed biosphere in the middle of the Sahara desert which will provide a high quality of life for a thousand people. No more than 20% of water can be imported every year from an outside source.
(The conditions any where in the cosmos are likely to be more life threatening than the conditions that exist in the middle of the Sahara Desert.)
Regards,
Selvaraj