What does the future look like ?

Lets think in historical periods of 50/100 years or more – space exploration is happening slowly.

We will begin to use the resources of space. There is unlimited material and energy resources in space. Human civilization will not be limited or defined by the cradle of Earth. Our own Moon will become both a travel destination, with outposts and colonies, and a resources depot.

(The Moon has raw materials of interest; Oxygen, Silicon, Iron, Calcium, Aluminum, Magnesium, Titanium, Water, Helium 3)

 The Near Earth Asteroids (NEO’s) will also be consumed for resources. They are not just threats, but are opportunities for resources ! What will this bold new future look like ? I have collected a series of examples, utilizing some of my favorite engineers, authors, and artists, that are within or near the “Current State of the Art”, from an engineering & business perspective. The only real question is not if we can do this, but when will we do this…….

I encourage you to do some research and reading of your own to explore what is to come. Also watch for current events and news articles.

Space SettlementPossible Futures

S. Akerley 2011

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http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/

“Moon Base” by Ben Bova

“Space Settlements: A Design Study” by NASA & G. K. O’Neil

“The High Frontier”By Gerard K. O’Neill

Credits “Islands In The Sky, Building the International Space Station”, by Piers Bizony, 1996, Available via bookstores & Amazon. “Reference Guide to The International Space Station”, by Gary Kitmacher, 2006, Available via Apogee Books, www.apogeebooks.com “Space Settlements: A Design Study”, NASA, Gerard K. O’Neill 1977, Available via most bookstores, and Amazon (Used copies also available). “Space Solar Power, IAA Space Solar Power Study Results”, http://www.nss.org/news/release/PressConference-IAA-SPP-Mankins.pdf  “Back to the Future”, by Maryanne Dyson, NSS Calendar 2008, and Ad Astra Magazine Summer 2008. Also see other books by Maryanne Dyson. “Moon Base One”, by Alex Aurichio, http://www.nss.org/settlement/calendar/gallery.htm “Moon Base”, by Ben Bova, Available via most bookstores. Also see other fine books by Ben Bova. “Propellant Depots and a Reusable Cislunar Transportation Architecture”, May 28, 2010, NSS ISDC Conference Presentation by Dallas Bienhoff, Manager In-Space & Surface Systems, 703-872-4004; dallas.g.bienhoff@boeing,comhttp://tethers.com/MXTethers2.html http://www.nss.org/articles/depots.html (August 5, 2011)  “Asteroid Mining for Station Creation” (First Place, Asteroid Settlements) by Bryan Versteeg, Alberts, Canada, Medium: Digital

NSS Calendar 2009“In order to build the large stations of your dreams, Space Structures Inc. is utilizing the massive amounts of raw materials already in space (Near Earth Asteroids). http://www.nss.org/settlement/calendar/gallery.htm “The Return to Abalakin”, (Grand Prize Winner) by Alexander Preus, Osterath, Germany, Medium DigitalNSS Calendar 2008As Humanity grows more confident and competent in its abilities to survive in space, we will be able to construct truly colossal structures…..a giant torus shaped space habitat with rotation induced artificial gravity. http://www.nss.org/settlement/calendar/2008/gallery.htm

 “The High Frontier, Human Colonies in Space” , by Gerard K. O’Neill, Available from Apogee Books, www.apogeebooks.com, http://www.cgpublishing.com 

http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/