So, for the space colonization fans...

[roseembolism]

Every so often I see people enamored of Gerald K. O'Neils space colonization plan bemoaning the fact that the government isn't investing in space colonies to settle in to avoid the inevitable upcoming disasters*. The problem being that it seems a massively ridiculous expense to create a very uncomfortable gated community.in space.

Fortunately, the blogger rfmcdpei has come to the rescue, with a fascinating article that compares the trapped Chilean mine workers to astonauts- in fact, NASA has been called in to advise on how to maintain the worker's mental health over the next few months.

Not to make light of the situation of the miners, but there we have the solution to the would-be space colonist's woes. If they want the same effect as being in a space colony, there's plenty of abandoned mines they could set up shop and seal themselves away in. It would have much of the same element of cramped quarters and isolation of a space colony, while being far cheaper.  It could be done without massive infrastructure and government effort, and best of all, unlike a space colony the "mine colonists" could probably be self supporting by tapping the remnant ore in the mine.

I strongly support sending all fervent "space colonization or else" advocates deep down into mines, to prepare them for their inevitable colonization of the solar system.


*pick a disaster. There's always an upcoming disaster for space colony proponents.

Comments

[deirdremoon.livejournal.com]

For some reason, I now have Steely Dan/Donald Fagan's "New Frontier" stuck in my head. :)

The only possible argument I see against this at first blush is that the mine settlers would-- unless serious security measures were taken to isolate the company, er, settlement-- always have it in the backs of their heads that they could choose to leave, unlike a real space colony. I have no idea psychologically whether that would be worse (never really settling in) or better (if I can leave anytime I want, I don't have to panic).

[roseembolism.livejournal.com]

That should be a fairly easy problem to solve: we just plug up the entrance with a dozen meters or so of reinforced cement, leaving only a space for water, air and small goods to be piped in. And internet connection of course- we aren't savages. Though we may make it only one-way for security.