A sad thought but perhaps a nessisary one

> In the early stages, trade would be between the orbital settlement
> and the Earth. However, as more and more people move into space,
> trade between space settlements would become more and more
> important. By the time there are 10000 people in space, trade
> between orbiting settlements would be much more important, though
> perhaps not as important in the (vastly increased) trade with
> Earth. As larger colonies are built and they begin to spread out
> around the solar system, trade between colonies will likely
overtake
> trade with earth.
>
> Ed

Ed,
This is and interesting point. If the various operations are separate
entities then trade among colonist would begin immediately. Examples
are; basic materials from the moon would be purchased from the moon
base or "mining company". Or, material would be shipped from the
moon to the construction site via a "shipping company". People work
at these various companies as pay their utility bills to the "solar
panel company". It is important too remember that the bulk the trade
on earth, in the US, comes from satisfying very basic needs such as
housing, power generation, transportation and so-on. I believe that
this would be true at our space colony as well.

Although, Earth would be the dominant trading partner for a long time.

Jeffrey