11 votes

Misconceptions in space journalism: domes are overrated for human colonization of the moon and Mars

2 comments

  1. [2]
    skybrian
    Link
    It seems like a tiny nitpick on an enormous, unprofitable challenge, sort of like building a high-tech, self-sufficient city in Antarctica for the lulz. We don't really know how to do that...

    It seems like a tiny nitpick on an enormous, unprofitable challenge, sort of like building a high-tech, self-sufficient city in Antarctica for the lulz. We don't really know how to do that anywhere if by "self-sufficient" you mean "doesn't trade with anyone." Mars effectively has a permanently high tariff on all trade and somehow this gets spun as a good thing.

    2 votes
    1. Sahasrahla
      Link Parent
      I think one difference between learning how to live in Antarctica vs Mars/Space is one of scale: if we learn to build self-sufficient societies on Antarctica it only opens up polar regions to more...

      I think one difference between learning how to live in Antarctica vs Mars/Space is one of scale: if we learn to build self-sufficient societies on Antarctica it only opens up polar regions to more settlement on an already overburdened planet; but if we learn to live on Mars the innovations required would open up the whole solar system. And, while we won't be wanting to import to Earth iPhones or refrigerators made on the foothills of Olympus Mons, it is very possible that cheaper access to space and better deep space technology/infrastructure would allow for profitable manufacturing and resource extraction in space. It sounds fanciful but that's the goal of the less-hyped but well funded Blue Origin (compared to SpaceX, which has its sights squarely on Mars).

      There are other arguments to be made too, but this doesn't have to turn into a whole essay.

      7 votes