Free Space
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One of the long standing dreams of freedom-loving individuals has always been that far horizon, that new frontier beyond which we can once again be left alone for just a little bit longer. Eventually, the Authorities catch up and again press their boots firmly upon the necks of those escapees, sometimes with the willing help of some of those very same pioneers. This prompts yet another round of yearning for yet another frontier.
The next stop, if it can be done, is Low Earth Orbit. This is not an attractive target for many, as a settlement there would still be a relatively easy target for earthbound governments. The Moon could be a logical step, provided the resources could be found to maintain a long term colony.
Mars contains the materials needed to sustain a thriving colony, the biggest challenges involve transportation to this planet. The trip requires only a small Delta-V over a trip to the Moon, but the extended time enroute, needed supplies, crew protection, among other things can be a challenge. Many groups have advanced theories and technologies with the aim of sustaining life on the red planet.
Life away from an oppressive bureaucracy seems to be one of the few ways to bring humankind beyond our current limits, and to spread out among the stars. Not only will this satisfy the pioneer spirit; it will prevent the extinction of the human race from a single astronomical event, or even global war.
The first steps have finally been taken, and one can only hope that the virtual monopoly held by government will be broken.
Related nonfiction:
Related fiction:
- Net Assets by our very own Carl Bussjaeger (free download)
- Kings of the High Frontier
- Pallas
- Red Thunder
- The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
Web Links:
- Orbiter spaceflight simulator
- Libertarian Futurist Society
- Space Frontier Society
- Mars Foundation
- Suborbital Institute
...and no TCF article on space travel would be complete without the obligatory Firefly link! This site has links to where you can purchase the Firefly series and the movie Serenity
You can't stop the signal.
