Zyobot
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Just a time-traveling robot stranded on Earth.
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Post by Zyobot on Nov 28, 2021 22:46:22 GMT
An interesting tip-off from stevep got me thinking more about the hands-on side of space colonization. My point being that, while logistics and technology tend to dominate mainstream discussion of prospective exploration and settlement, there’s another vital side to this undertaking that most tend to overlook. Namely, the actual life skills space colonists would require to survive and thrive in a hostile, (initially) sparsely tamed climate where spacecrafts, artificial habitation, and efficient resource management make the difference between life and death. For example, I can imagine a college-level knowledge of the sciences and engineering being at least as important to them as reading and writing are to us, with what we’d think of as a higher-level mastery of astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and their respective applications being standard fare for Martian settlers and interstellar nomad fleets alike. Ditto with computing and mechanical maintenance being everyday activities, especially for early-wave pioneers with precious little resources to waste and local infrastructure to build from scratch, with deliveries from Earth being few and far-between. Access to nearby raw materials will vary from place to place (i.e. Mars having untapped reserves of ores and subsurface water deposits), though growing food may prove a challenge (and will add agriculture and husbandry to their roster of graduation requirements, to boot). I also suspect that economics and industrial organization will be valuable secondary skills, due to the absolute importance of careful resource management and the considerable productive and organizational capacity of building a functional, spacefaring society that doesn’t perish from starvation, harsh weather, or the cold vacuum of space. Otherwise, that’s the long and short of my thoughts for now. Let me know if I’ve missed anything and feel free to add your own thoughts. Thank you in advance, Zyobot |
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Nov 29, 2021 15:59:49 GMT
An interesting tip-off from stevep got me thinking more about the hands-on side of space colonization. My point being that, while logistics and technology tend to dominate mainstream discussion of prospective exploration and settlement, there’s another vital side to this undertaking that most tend to overlook. Namely, the actual life skills space colonists would require to survive and thrive in a hostile, (initially) sparsely tamed climate where spacecrafts, artificial habitation, and efficient resource management make the difference between life and death. For example, I can imagine a college-level knowledge of the sciences and engineering being at least as important to them as reading and writing are to us, with what we’d think of as a higher-level mastery of astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and their respective applications being standard fare for Martian settlers and interstellar nomad fleets alike. Ditto with computing and mechanical maintenance being everyday activities, especially for early-wave pioneers with precious little resources to waste and local infrastructure to build from scratch, with deliveries from Earth being few and far-between. Access to nearby raw materials will vary from place to place (i.e. Mars having untapped reserves of ores and subsurface water deposits), though growing food may prove a challenge (and will add agriculture and husbandry to their roster of graduation requirements, to boot). I also suspect that economics and industrial organization will be valuable secondary skills, due to the absolute importance of careful resource management and the considerable productive and organizational capacity of building a functional, spacefaring society that doesn’t perish from starvation, harsh weather, or the cold vacuum of space. Otherwise, that’s the long and short of my thoughts for now. Let me know if I’ve missed anything and feel free to add your own thoughts. Thank you in advance, Zyobot
Zyobot
Well the other point that comes to mind would be social skills and activities. Hobbies and interests that can be shared or can be used to entertain others. As the old adage goes "man can not live by bread alone" and there will be a need to maintain morale and a general sense of the value of their lives in more than just material terms. Also probably anything that gives people a sense of identity that helps them form communities and have a sense of place.
Steve
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Zyobot
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Just a time-traveling robot stranded on Earth.
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Post by Zyobot on Nov 29, 2021 16:08:19 GMT
An interesting tip-off from stevep got me thinking more about the hands-on side of space colonization. My point being that, while logistics and technology tend to dominate mainstream discussion of prospective exploration and settlement, there’s another vital side to this undertaking that most tend to overlook. Namely, the actual life skills space colonists would require to survive and thrive in a hostile, (initially) sparsely tamed climate where spacecrafts, artificial habitation, and efficient resource management make the difference between life and death. For example, I can imagine a college-level knowledge of the sciences and engineering being at least as important to them as reading and writing are to us, with what we’d think of as a higher-level mastery of astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and their respective applications being standard fare for Martian settlers and interstellar nomad fleets alike. Ditto with computing and mechanical maintenance being everyday activities, especially for early-wave pioneers with precious little resources to waste and local infrastructure to build from scratch, with deliveries from Earth being few and far-between. Access to nearby raw materials will vary from place to place (i.e. Mars having untapped reserves of ores and subsurface water deposits), though growing food may prove a challenge (and will add agriculture and husbandry to their roster of graduation requirements, to boot). I also suspect that economics and industrial organization will be valuable secondary skills, due to the absolute importance of careful resource management and the considerable productive and organizational capacity of building a functional, spacefaring society that doesn’t perish from starvation, harsh weather, or the cold vacuum of space. Otherwise, that’s the long and short of my thoughts for now. Let me know if I’ve missed anything and feel free to add your own thoughts. Thank you in advance, Zyobot
Zyobot
Well the other point that comes to mind would be social skills and activities. Hobbies and interests that can be shared or can be used to entertain others. As the old adage goes "man can not live by bread alone" and there will be a need to maintain morale and a general sense of the value of their lives in more than just material terms. Also probably anything that gives people a sense of identity that helps them form communities and have a sense of place.
Steve
Certainly not ruling that out, though I don't know if they'd fall as highly on fulfilling Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as having food on the table or shelter that protects you from deadly elements. But what's life without recreational pursuits and social cohesion, especially both are needed to keep people sane and the community functioning? There have also been some interesting insights from AH.com members' commentary, both ones affirming and disagreeing somewhat with my initial ideas. Curious as to what you might think, especially since you seem to know more about the finer points of hard science than me. |
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Nov 29, 2021 19:24:17 GMT
Zyobot
Well the other point that comes to mind would be social skills and activities. Hobbies and interests that can be shared or can be used to entertain others. As the old adage goes "man can not live by bread alone" and there will be a need to maintain morale and a general sense of the value of their lives in more than just material terms. Also probably anything that gives people a sense of identity that helps them form communities and have a sense of place.
Steve
Certainly not ruling that out, though I don't know if they'd fall as highly on fulfilling Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as having food on the table or shelter that protects you from deadly elements. But what's life without recreational pursuits and social cohesion, especially both are needed to keep people sane and the community functioning? There have also been some interesting insights from AH.com members' commentary, both ones affirming and disagreeing somewhat with my initial ideas. Curious as to what you might think, especially since you seem to know more about the finer points of hard science than me.
Some interesting idea on the AH site but a lot would depend on the circumstances of the planned colony and how the group involved came together.
I don't know if I'm more aware of hard science than you. Quite possibly the opposite nowadays. Just that I've spend so many decades as a SF addict reading and thinking about various related issues.
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miletus12
Squadron vice admiral
To get yourself lost, just follow the signs.
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Post by miletus12 on Dec 3, 2021 19:57:52 GMT
Things you need to do to build a Mars Base.In addition to these five fundamentals, one has to contend, understand and adapt... a. Human terrestrial origin biology to a non-terran environment. Two examples are circadian rhythm and gravitational influence on the human organism. b. Humans will need pets. (Food if nothing else.). We like meat and petting furry critters who are also edible. c. Family units as work groups. Whether hunting party, nuclear family or colony crew will be a problem, humans are "political". People managing skills are more important than knowing how to fix the toilet when it clogs on Mars. Expect us to bring our evildoing and politics with us. We need people who can manage that set of problems, so we do not kill each other.
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Zyobot
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Just a time-traveling robot stranded on Earth.
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Post by Zyobot on Dec 3, 2021 23:34:35 GMT
Things you need to do to build a Mars Base. The link loops back to this page, FYI. |
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miletus12
Squadron vice admiral
To get yourself lost, just follow the signs.
Posts: 7,470
Likes: 4,287
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Post by miletus12 on Dec 4, 2021 7:26:15 GMT
Things you need to do to build a Mars Base. The link loops back to this page, FYI. Goofed. linkTry that. |
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