tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345529751210998737.post7010301452088005589..comments2023-07-08T16:25:13.889-04:00Comments on Simple Living in a Complex World: Is Space Exploration Sustainable?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345529751210998737.post-89768578519733019402012-08-11T08:39:07.320-04:002012-08-11T08:39:07.320-04:00I am much more supportive of private space explora...I am much more supportive of private space exploration than of government sponsored space exploration, although, as you said, that doesn't address the wastefulness of the endeavor. I also suspect that the first attempts at colonizing, or even claiming ownership, of the first planet or moon is going to cause a great deal of international disagreement, and this may be even worse if it is a private company doing the claiming rather than a government which has an existing diplomatic relationship with other countries, and the means of making agreements and compromises to, hopefully, settle such issues.Late to Gaminghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01832907369123513580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345529751210998737.post-13257526064515108672012-08-11T00:17:55.604-04:002012-08-11T00:17:55.604-04:00As someone who supports space exploration and effo...As someone who supports space exploration and efforts to colonize, I must say I absolutely agree with you. The kinds of problems you've outlined -- particularly the wastefulness -- are exactly why I am looking forward to seeing this industry become privatized. While major corporations typically aren't any better than government, I've noticed that those getting most of the attention in this area -- like Richard Branson of Virgin -- tend to have what I think of as "progressive" personalities: they can be described as liberals, and are often involved in environmental and humanitarian causes. My hope is that they will be more responsible and more efficient in developing appropriate technologies, and that the staff and crew they hire will be similarly inclined to revere and protect this planet and others we may encounter. Generally, I have a lot of hope for future generations.<br /><br />A few months ago I read a sci-fi series by Kim Stanley Robinson about the colonization of Mars. In it, the first settlers (called the First Hundred) almost immediately become divided on their views of Mars and how it should be "used." Most of them are on board with terraforming, constructing communities, establishing industry, etc.; theirs is called the Green position, and the people are called Greens. Meanwhile, the Reds, whose views of Mars take on some spiritualist characteristics, are determined to preserve Mars as it is. They practically worship the planet and its magnificently temperamental weather patterns, and aren't above committing acts of terrorism. They mostly live in hiding, either staying mobile in large rover craft, or by hiding out in self-sufficient cave systems. I read all 3 books (collectively called the Mars Trilogy) and never did quite figure out which group I sided with. Perhaps that was the point. :)Jennifer K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00185806551032599352noreply@blogger.com