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Orbital Space Settlements: Spreading Life Throughout the Solar System

(Updated: April 24, 2002)
By Al Globus
Computer Science Corporation

"The Earth isn't sick, she's pregnant!"
-- David Buth

The huge Lunar crater Copernicus, 90 km. across and 6 km. deep, awaits the touch of Life.
Image Credit: NASA.

Arthur C. Clarke once wrote that new ideas pass through three periods:
* "It can't be done."
* "It probably can be done, but it's not worth doing."
* "I knew it was a good idea all along!"

* Who? Pioneers at first, billions of ordinary people later.
* What? Artificial ecosystems inside gigantic rotating, pressurized spacecraft shielded from radiation.
* Where? In orbit; near Earth at first.
* How? Solar energy, lunar and asteroidal materials, and lots of hard work.
* Why? To grow.
* When? Good question, when do you start working on it?
* How much will it cost? If you have to ask, you can't afford it ... unless
* The Mother Earth metaphor
(More: LifeSci3.arc.NASA.Gov/SpaceSettlement Source)

The Lunar crater Copernicus, domed over and terraformed to create an ecosphere.
Image Credit: Oceanaia.org.

NASA Ames Research Center Annual Space Settlement Contest
By Al Globus
Computer Science Corporation

This annual contest is for 6-12th graders (11-18 years old) from anywhere in the world. Individuals, small teams of two to six, and large teams of seven or more (often whole classrooms with teacher leadership) may enter. Grades 6-9 and 10-12 are judged separately, except for the grand prize. Students develop space settlement designs and related materials. These are sent to NASA Ames for judgement. Submissions must be received by March 31, 2003. Check out the results of the 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 contests. Teachers are encouraged to use this contest as part of their curriculum. See the space settlement teacher's page.
(More: LifeSci3.arc.NASA.Gov/SpaceSettlement/Contest Source)
2002 © Al Globus -- Computer Science Corporation.

Related Site:
* Human Exploration and Development of Space
NASA

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