How to quickly survey an exoplanet before colonization?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the methods and considerations for quickly surveying an exoplanet before colonization, focusing on the feasibility of using contemporary technology to assess the planet's habitability and potential risks. Participants explore various aspects such as landscape analysis, resource identification, and the implications of life on the planet.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using satellite or aerial photos to assess landscape features like rivers and agricultural potential, while noting risks such as ephemeral water sources and poisonous plants.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of colonists being "on the way" without prior scouting of significant issues, with some questioning the rationale behind such a mission.
  • Participants discuss the challenges of identifying natural resources quickly, proposing methods like tracing magnetic anomalies and measuring background radiation.
  • There are differing views on the implications of life on a habitable planet, with some arguing that life could pose risks to colonists and crops, while others suggest that a planet without life might be easier to colonize.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the practicality of teleportation as a means of reaching the exoplanet, while others entertain the idea as a narrative device.
  • The need for specific atmospheric and geological conditions is highlighted, including the importance of elements like hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen for sustaining life and establishing a colony.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no clear consensus on the best methods for surveying an exoplanet or the implications of colonization. Disagreement exists regarding the feasibility of colonization without prior scouting and the risks associated with extraterrestrial life.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in current technology for surveying exoplanets, particularly in measuring atmospheric composition and geological features. There is also uncertainty regarding the potential for life to impact colonization efforts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring speculative colonization scenarios, exoplanet research, and the implications of extraterrestrial life on human settlement efforts.

  • #91
Czcibor said:
What about as motivating factor, that system does not provide pensions? Nothing personal, just gov has no money for that...

(Later, in constitution it would be stated that gov is not allowed to promise a retirement system that is not 100% financed from start)

That's modern thinking.
In a non-modern society kids are your pension. You raise them to take care of you in your old age.

Not specially. Humans would be here the limited resources, thus requiring proper care.

In the situation you laid out humans would not be limited because new humans could be teleported in at any time. If you want to make it out that they can't be then you have to explain adherence to a government system and taxation that no longer exists. The point of these colonies are to make money and in general do it through taxing/resources being sent back. If they get cut off then residents would expect not to be sending resources back and they would expect not to be taxed or taxed less. Likewise, continued taxing or increases leads to the higher likelihood of a revolt.

Anyways, I was just pointing out a way for a corporation to take advantage of the scenario to their benefit given the information you provided. I wouldn't do it, but there are some greedy people out there.

Anyway, I think that Russians live happily in Londongrad, so not sure to what extend this problem may be overestimated.

Just pointing out examples. French and English get along decently despite all the enmity between them.
 
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  • #92
Durakken said:
That's modern thinking.
In a non-modern society kids are your pension. You raise them to take care of you in your old age.
Know it, however stating that would be a unnecessarily unpopular policy. Instead merely demanding 100% prefunding of such programs, would sound just prudent, but in practice would mean killing almost all of such incentives.
In the situation you laid out humans would not be limited because new humans could be teleported in at any time. If you want to make it out that they can't be then you have to explain adherence to a government system and taxation that no longer exists. The point of these colonies are to make money and in general do it through taxing/resources being sent back. If they get cut off then residents would expect not to be sending resources back and they would expect not to be taxed or taxed less. Likewise, continued taxing or increases leads to the higher likelihood of a revolt.

Anyways, I was just pointing out a way for a corporation to take advantage of the scenario to their benefit given the information you provided. I wouldn't do it, but there are some greedy people out there.
I'm not sure whether I stated that explicitly - only short period of teleportation, after that - it fails. So such exploative business model would not work, because of running out of people too quickly.
 
  • #93
Thread reopened. Can members please remain civil else the thread will be closed again, likewise factual claims are expected to be backed up when questioned.
 

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