[geoschmo]

Originally posted by Baron Munchausen:
Another would be something I've been suggesting for years now: orbital elevators and a 'ringworld' around the planet. Surely you've head of the 'orbital elevator' that might be placed on the equator and allow direct access to orbit without rocket launches? Now imagine a spce station out at geosynchronous orbit so large it forms a complete ring around the planet. Extra facility and population space.

I like this. This makes me think maybe we are asking for the wrong things here. Instead of modifying the planet, maybe we should be pushing for ships components that can be "living space" for population, instead of just treating them as cargo. I know you have suggested this before as well Baron.

If we could build space stations with population centers that could reproduce, have an effect on the space yards present, produce resources at a rate modified by population. Research? Intel?

The same technique could be used then either for orbital comunities or truly space bound races if you simply cut the tether and not require they be in orbit.

Geo