OT: Optimistic Outlook.

[Taera]

speaking of moon bases, whats all the fuss? its a piece of stone, wouldn't it be wiser to invest in a space station?

[Katchoo]

Originally posted by Taera:
speaking of moon bases, whats all the fuss? its a piece of stone, wouldn't it be wiser to invest in a space station?

My thinking is that a Moon Base could be cheaper to setup and maintain long-term than a Space Station.

By building on the Moon you can take advantage of the Moon itself by building under the surface, thus saving earth-based materials and the shipping of said materials to the Moon. Of course, instead of shipping drywall & lumber you'd have to transport drilling equipment...then again, if you give every astronaut a shovel/axe/spoon then you could still make adequate progress.



The gravity on the Moon would be better than no gravity at all like you get on a Space Station. And no, I don't expect to see a spinning Space Station anytime soon; It makes to much practical sense for anyone to invest money into making it reality. More likely we'll see "Space Civilians" wearing Magnet Boots, or better yet, placing packing-tape on the soles of their running shoes. Yep...that's a better use of money...

And the best reason to build a Base on the Moon: The unlimited supply of CHEESE!

Narf, want me to save a spot for you on the Rocket I'm building in my backyard?

[Katchoo]

Originally posted by Atrocities:

5. The world working together to solve hunger, disease, and crime.

Ain't gonna happen. No way, no how, nope, nadda, not gonna do it. (<- That Last part was said in a Dana Carvey-George Bush impression).

There's too much money being made on the backs of those who are starving and affected by disease and crime by Big Business. Unfortunately the world revolves around money, and no one wants to take a hit in the wallet.

They only way any of the 3 above will ever get seriously dealt with will be if some really rich person decides to screw over some of those Big Business' and do something for the betterment of man, and not for his wallet.

If I had Bill Gates income I'd be over in South Africa terraforming that continent right now...

[Puke]

Yeah, they're all possible except that Last one. Its just not going to happen. We have the resources to end hunger now, without significant investment. Its just too profitable to keep people hungry.

I'd be curious to see 6: The rise of another world superpower. Interesting times, indeed.

oh yeah, and 7: true artificial inteligence.

and 8: widespread and commonly accepted use of genetically tailored organisms, up to and including people.

and 9: significantly more advanced developments in the field of cybernetics

maybe 10: flying cars.

definitly 11: advances in battlefield technology, akin to the powered exoskeletons and man portable laser rifles currently on the drawing Boards.

[Taera]

re: 11 - expect nanotech sooner

[Cyrien]

yah... those little nanotech exo muscle enhancers look killer.

No time for a link. Maybe do a search and post one later.