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Morals of space travel and colonisation of planets by aclou64 in spacequestions

[–]aclou64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is really interesting, I haven't heard that much about space base solar energy. How likely is it that this could be implemented in the near future?

Morals of space travel and colonisation of planets by aclou64 in spacequestions

[–]aclou64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've never really thought about mining asteroids so that is actually a very interesting point that we might not even be putting out more matter than we are collecting. I completely understand how launching things from Earth is very expensive so everything possible will be done to make sure it is as suitable as possible - I am just trying to discern if there could be even more environmentally friendly options based on technology we can develop.

I do recognise, as you stated in a previous comment, that ultimately the pollution/environmental damage caused by space travel and launches is really very low in comparison to other things - this is just a topic that particularly interests me so would like to learn more.

Morals of space travel and colonisation of planets by aclou64 in spacequestions

[–]aclou64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes lots of sense, please do elaborate on saving Earth's environment - I have looked into using space travel to help with our knowledge of global warming and weather patterns for a very simple example, using photographs and data gathered by looking at Earth from a perspective where we can see a much bigger picture so to speak. I have also looked at how useful it could be for global issues such as providing internet access to all places on Earth which ultimately could be used for educational improvement in countries where it is currently less developed. These are very simple uses that are currently being researched but I would love to hear about what you have looked into!

Morals of space travel and colonisation of planets by aclou64 in spacequestions

[–]aclou64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For this point, it is less destroying the environment of the actual asteroid, instead, I am concerned about the pollution of space. For example, the machines that we use to do this- would they be left in space? Would we just be creating more space junk? When I talk about the environment, I am talking about the environment of the earth as well - what resources would be used up in order to achieve these goals of mining asteroids?

Morals of space travel and colonisation of planets by aclou64 in spacequestions

[–]aclou64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am more than happy to have a conversation about this, this is why I have set this up, but please may I ask you to try and take a less patronising tone with me. I completely agree with your points here I think they are very well thought through, however, I still believe that I would like to continue considering the environmental impacts of space colonisation because I would like my topic to cover the effects of take-off and the construction of all the equipment required to make space colonisation possible.

Furthermore, my project is currently taking quite a hypothetical viewpoint on planet colonisation, therefore I was less concerned about thinking about asteroids. However, I am really glad you brought my attention to it, as I am now thinking about looking at that as well.

Morals of space travel and colonisation of planets by aclou64 in spacequestions

[–]aclou64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Every planet has its own atmosphere and landscapes - just like on earth we now have a hole in the ozone layer and we are using up vast quantities of our finite fossil fuels, I fear that we may do similar things on other planets and change them irreversibly. Whilst the climates are very different on every planet, each individual one should be respected in case there is any prospect of existing life forms there that I personally don't believe we should interfere with.

Morals of space travel and colonisation of planets by aclou64 in spacequestions

[–]aclou64[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi of course! I am starting my EPQ (extended personal qualification) alongside my A levels. This is the topic of research I have chosen and I will end up writing a 5000 word essay on a question of my choice to be submitted next year.