http://news.yahoo.com/huge-mars-colony-eyed-spacex-founder-elon-musk-120626263.html Anyone else looking forward to moving to Mars?
Pretty interesting (and thorough) read. It's ambitious, but I can see it all go downhill in political muk. Who governs there? Who's in charge when the big brass is umm... "miles" away?
Agreed. The rocket is getting most of the attention right now, but I'm much more interested in the social issues. Who gets to decide who can go? Or will wealth be the only criterium? How about genetic screening for diseases? Or general health and fertility? Which legal system will apply and who gets to choose it? Will nudity be encouraged to ensure sufficient vitamin D production in the weak sun? Will polygamy/polyamory be allowed to ensure faster population growth? Will homosexuality be tolerated? What or will religions will be allowed or prohibited? Will the colonists have to pay taxes? To whom? Will the colonists eventually rebel (and go to war) against Earth over any of these issues?
Yes, just wealth, educational qualifications, or sponsorship. When starting a colony, you need healthy educated people. SpaceX corporate. You betcha. Yes. With any luck, religions will be prohibited or at least strongly discouraged. What you do in private is your business, but making it public shouldn't be allowed. Just a rental fee for their living accommodations and food (might be quite high) because there won't be any private ownership for many decades. "Meteor gunner, Fire."