New Book on Space Colonies

--- In ssi_list@... Michael Mautner
>
> I like to thank those who indicated an interest to contribute to
the
> proposed book about space colonies. Again, a good quality new book
> can help in education and lobbying about space colonies, and
> contribute to a rational debate - what first, Mars or space
colonies?
> I intend to start organizing the book early next year. I would
appreciate
> if any in the ssi group can suggest meanwhile topics and authors
> through these ssi list discussion pages or directly to me at
> LegacyBooks@...
>
> Michael Mautner

Here's what I'd like to see as topics, in no particular order:

1.) Unique scientific perspectives of orbital science:

While many environmental aspects of space can be created in the labs
on Earth, there is a rationing of high vacuum chambers, high
temperature furnaces, radiation sources, payload capacity on orbital
science packets, etc. Easy access to these conditions for scientists
may spur scientific discoveries.

a.) Liquid-state physics - containerless, so liquids can be studied
without chemical/physical interaction of containers.
b.) Easier access to radiation environment - what types of
experiments and scientific disciplines will flourish with cheap
access to gamma-rays, etc.
c.) Variable gravity - what might science discover about matter from
cheap access to variable gravity.
d.) High temperature and high energy environments - what can be
discovered with easier access to these environments.

2.) Unique engineering perspectives of orbital manufacturing and
construction:

Basically the same comments as for science above. On Earth some
processes are favored because they are economical. Use of high temp,
radiation, high energy, and variable gravity are expensive.
a.) How would you weld in space? How would you disperse the heat
that floats by the weld.
b.) What kind of new industrial processes can we expect in a
zero/variable gravity environment?
c.) Would we see radiation being channeled and focused within
industrial processes?

3.) Weather engineering within a Habitat. Discuss all of the
dynamics involved.

4.) Here on Earth, discuss the economic externalities of pollution
and how pollutors don't pay for the problem they cause.

5.) Discuss greenhouse gas emissions and the Kyoto Protocol. Paint a
scenario where trading pollution credits would allow for the
financing of SPS construction. This would give big pollutors 10 to
20 years to prepare to phase out their belching plants and prepare
for SPS to come online while also acknowledging their part in the
pollution cycle.

6.) Discuss what kind of jobs there will be in space and the
training required so that the kids of today can fill their dreams
with some detail and perhaps use your guidance as a path in their
career development.

7.) A chapter on robotics would be interesting. Discuss how tele-
operated robots could be sent to the moon/NEO to prepare the way for
either more advanced robots or humans.

8.) With respect to the Mars First advocates - we'll probably need
to build the ship in orbit which will require infrastructure there.
Usually development takes place incrementally, from the center on
out. Thus the stages should be a LEO base from which to start
assembling ships and other equipment. Rather than lifting everything
from Earth we should try to get as much of our mass from orbital
sources. Also, talk about the economy of Mars. Would they be just a
huge spending program that Earth would have to support or could they
offer something to us. If we develop our society outwards in
increments, eventually we'll get to Mars and it'll be economic. It
doesn't make sense to leapfrog directly to Mars and bypassing a
cislunar economy and society. For this topic I'd look at Mike Combs
material for he plunged into these trechorous waters.

9.) Discuss the intracies of the bootstrap process.

10.) Who would be likely candidates to finance the orbital
development process.
a.) Perhaps refocus NASA away from science to laying down
engineering works in orbit. Perhaps a series of tethers and bases
for private enterprise to use on a paying basis.

Well, that's it for now. These are the things that first came to
mind and some of these topics I'd like to have answers to.

My last suggestion is to scour through the archives of this very
list. There is a wealth of information buried here, from current
posters to those who used to frequent and from knowledgeable space-
nuts to those who come searching for answers.

TangoMan