Are Clone Ships a Better Alternative for Space Colonization?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the viability of Clone Ships as a superior alternative to Generation Ships for space colonization. Key arguments against Generation Ships include the potential for crew chaos, prolonged adaptation to space, and the risk of catastrophic mid-flight malfunctions. In contrast, Clone Ships utilize genetic samples and advanced brain scanning technology to create clones that retain the original's memories and skills, allowing for a more efficient and safer colonization process. The concept emphasizes the need for multiple ships and terraformable planets to increase the chances of successful colonization.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Clone Ship technology and its implications
  • Familiarity with Generation Ship concepts and their limitations
  • Knowledge of terraforming processes and challenges
  • Basic principles of automated fabrication and AI in space exploration
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in genetic cloning and brain mapping technologies
  • Explore the principles of terraforming and the requirements for making planets habitable
  • Investigate the role of automation and AI in long-duration space missions
  • Examine the ethical implications of cloning and digital consciousness in space colonization
USEFUL FOR

Science fiction writers, aerospace engineers, researchers in genetic technology, and enthusiasts of space exploration and colonization strategies.

  • #31
Algr said:
...writing to memory.
Of human minds?

Algr said:
Where is a biosphere that can support even a single human for a decade?
Biospheres exist that support humans. Viable biospheres use nothing but known technology.
Yes, we haven't perfected them, but that's not due to a lack of any exotic physics.
I've said multiple times that current technologies will definitely need advancing and scaling up.

Algr said:
Where is even a fictional description of social psychology that doesn't end in near disaster?
That is a soft problem. Social psychology itself is not a technology that hasn't been invented yet.

Algr said:
Where is a practical Fusion Reactor? Those are the magic technologies that don't exist.
I did say "with the possible exception of a fusion drive".

Algr said:
A clone ship can work without them, A generation ship can not.
Except for one or two orders of magnitude in mass, clone ships have the same problems with interstellar-class propulsion.

Algr said:
Of the three, the social psychology "technology" seems the most implausible to me.
It's not implausible. We're not talking about how hard it is to do it right; we're talking about whether there is a path to it at all.
Social psychology, in and of itself is established even if it's got a long way to go.

Algr said:
I'm going to take a break from this for a while so that things can cool down. I suggest that you do to.
No, I'm good. I hope you are not reading any malice into my words.

I think clone ships a fascinating, worthy discussion about speculative science; I just think you're getting waylaid by trying to compare it to existing science. Let it stand on its own as a story idea and this whole sidebar goes away.
 

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