Brian Gaff
August 21st 09, 06:24 AM
With this discussion about exploration and about the shuttle going onward,
it made me think that in a way, maybe what humanity needs to learn, apart
from not killing one another, is how to actually make systems that can
support life in space without constant spares being needed to repair them.
In this I think we have a long way to go.
If this could be cracked, maybe the best thing to do is what science fiction
writers have said for years, create a large space borne artificial 'planet'
so to speak which can wander the cosmos and play host to generations.
If we do find other planets there is the ethical question of what to do if
we find a habitable one. Whether there are intelligent beings on it etc, is
a factor of course, or will we do what we always do, destroy it by inches
by imposing our 'logic' to how it should be run.
Sorry, feeling a bit cosmic this morning!
Brian
it made me think that in a way, maybe what humanity needs to learn, apart
from not killing one another, is how to actually make systems that can
support life in space without constant spares being needed to repair them.
In this I think we have a long way to go.
If this could be cracked, maybe the best thing to do is what science fiction
writers have said for years, create a large space borne artificial 'planet'
so to speak which can wander the cosmos and play host to generations.
If we do find other planets there is the ethical question of what to do if
we find a habitable one. Whether there are intelligent beings on it etc, is
a factor of course, or will we do what we always do, destroy it by inches
by imposing our 'logic' to how it should be run.
Sorry, feeling a bit cosmic this morning!
Brian