From: eder@hsvaic.boeing.com (Dani Eder)
Newsgroups: sci.space
Subject: RFD: Space Colonists' Association
Date: 8 Apr 92 15:05:26 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Boeing AI Center, Huntsville, AL

nelson_p@apollo.hp.com (Peter Nelson) writes:



>   Great.  I'm not knocking space investment at all.  I've
>   already noted near-earth activities as perfectly rational
>   investments.  All I'm saying is that space-colonies are not
>   just science-fiction, they're fantasy for generations to come.

Sigh, in an effort to prove Mr. Nelson wrong, I want to kick off
the following:

REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION ON THE FORMATION OF A SPACE COLONIST'S
ASSOCIATION

1. Initial Discussion

I remember the early days of the L5 Society (I was in college
at the time), and that of the Space Studies Institute.  They
were both pretty clearly oriented to building space colonies.
At the time, L5 was a rapidly growing organization.  Then the
orientation of the organization changed to supporting NASA.
The growth promptly stopped.  The Space Studies Institute has
also lost momentum since it's focus on space colonies changed
to non-terrestrial resource use.  Let's face it, a chemical
refinery is not as exciting as a space colony, from a personal
point of view.

The technologies to make large scale use of space possible will
soon be available.  The Early space colony studies assumed
cargo derivatives of the then-developmental Space Shuttle would
be operating for 250$/kg in today's dollars.  The actual cost
as of now is $10,000/kg, and the next rocket that NASA wants to
build, the NLS, portends to operate at about 5,000$/kg.  These
numbers are too high to make a space colony affordable.

New technologies have cropped up in abundance, although only
one, hypersonic airbreathing engines, has received significant
development funds by the government.  This one alone, if it
proves successful, could bring transport costs into the desired
range.  Other relevant technologies include:

  Propulsion:
     Gun and electromagnetic launchers
     Orbital Tethers
     Electric Propulsion
  Minitaurization of subsystems
  Massive increases in computer power compared to 1970's

The reasons for developing space colonies are as varied as the
people who want them.  These range from profit, ecological
concerns, survival of mankind, to sheer adventure.  Therefore
a monolithic approach to developing space colonies is in-appropriate
(i.e. one big colony).  Rather, a collection of small systems
that can interact and support each other while pursuing individual
goals seems like a more effective approach.

What I suggest then, is a membership association.  Minimum dues
to be set at a moderate level (such as $25/yr), with expenses
held down (no glossy 4 color magazines), and the net proceeds to
go to a general research & development fund for common needs
(life support is a common need).  Additional subscriptions to
specific projects can be made (i.e. for asteroid mining unique
items).  You retain investment rights in the funds, which could
later be sold or otherwise passed on.  When the time comes to
send the first people up (to emplace the first construction 
shack and portable toilet, space version), the opportunities
will be offered in order of fund assets first, and technical
ability as a second consideration.  This means that those who
contributed the most to the project get first dibs on 
the jobs.  This would include jobs on Earth also: such
as research or operating a lunar robot from the ground.  First
priority would go to those who contribute the most, provided
they can do the job, and only if no one inside the organization
can be found do you go outside to hire.

Since the later projects will require significant money, 
I suggest not spending every dollar that comes in initially,
but build up a capital base, with research and development
coming in at an accelerating rate.  

I may be contacted by any of the following if you want to 
continue the discussion:

Dani Eder
Senior Systems Engineer
Boeing Defense & Space Group
Advanced Civil Space Systems
Mail Stop JW-21, POB 240002
Huntsville, AL 35824

(205)461-2697 (voice)
(205)461-3930 (fax)

Home:
Route 1, Box 188-2
Athens, AL 35611
(205)232-7467



-- 
Dani Eder/Boeing/Advanced Civil Space/(205)464-2697(w)/232-7467(h)/
Rt.1, Box 188-2, Athens AL 35611/Member: Space Studies Institute
Physical Location: 34deg 37' N 86deg 43' W +100m alt.
***THE ABOVE IS NOT THE OPINION OF THE BOEING COMPANY OR ITS MANAGEMENT.***
Newsgroups: sci.space