Crisis
Page: 1-11 (11)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010002
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
More than 7.9 billion people currently inhabit Earth, and the population is growing.
Halting this growth, although possible, would lead to Global economic and social
collapse. Furthermore, the modern economy has a constantly growing demand for
resources. Finally, demographic growth is inextricably linked to overall progress.
Continuous growth versus a limited living space on Earth leads to an unavoidable
crisis.
Colonizing Earth
Page: 12-41 (30)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010003
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Currently, the human settlement of planet Earth is suboptimal, roughly covering some
15% of its surface. Remediating this problem involves several approaches. Inhospitable
land areas can be "greened” by using modern technology, while the efficiency of
current settlements can be improved. But humans could also take advantage of such
new technologies to colonize the surface of still water bodies, underground and
underwater environments. This enterprise would help us learn revolutionary new ways
of providing food, light, heat and electricity to human populations, techniques that
would also be applicable to other celestial bodies.
Baby Steps
Page: 42-63 (22)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010004
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The first obstacle to overcome in large-scale space colonization is represented by the
elevated costs of launching payloads into Earth’s orbit. The main reasonable solution is
using non-rocket space launch methods, which are rather numerous. In the long term,
an even more efficient approach is investing in megastructures, such as stratospheric
towers, space elevators or orbital rings, that would dramatically ease our access to
space, while also allowing us to harness the energy in Earth’s atmosphere. Another
strategy to support the space race is to make it profitable through space mining.
Asteroids and planets host huge deposits of valuable ores, water and fuels, while
technical solutions for extraction are already at our ease.
The Red Planet
Page: 64-104 (41)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010005
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Among the planets in our Solar System, Mars is the closest to Earth in terms of
distance and similarity. However, current environmental conditions on its surface are
hostile to any life form. While it provides enough space for sheltered, enclosed
settlements, the final goal should be terraforming the Red Planet, which is perfectly
achievable at our current technological level.
Terraformation consists of two stages. Ecosynthesis (creating conditions for microbial
life) can be accomplished within a century, by a synergistic approach using nuclear
blasts, greenhouse gasses, orbital mirrors, thermal aquifer drilling, directed asteroidal
impacts, etc., Caeliformation (creating a breathable atmosphere for humans) would take
several centuries, involving the controlled introduction of terrestrial life forms and
atmospheric conversion through photosynthesis. Even after that, a continuous effort
would be required to ensure habitability in the long term.
New Stars are Born
Page: 105-134 (30)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010006
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Another valuable target is at our ease. The two gas giants of the Solar System, Jupiter
and Saturn, host their mini-systems of various-sized moons. Among these, the four
Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto) and Titan are the largest.
While all these moons can be settled, they do not have enough light and heat to allow
terraformation. The way to change this is by helioforming the two gas giants. Turning
Jupiter and Saturn into mini-stars would efficiently thaw the major moons, creating
atmospheres, hydrospheres and landmasses needed for life seeding.
Once triggered, the process might be even faster than on Mars. At the same time, some
engineering effort is needed to correct the rotation rate of these tidally-locked worlds
and ensure full human habitability.
Close Neighborhood
Page: 135-167 (33)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010007
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The Inner Solar System hosts several valuable planet-sized objects, that should be
targeted by human colonization.
The Moon has the major advantage of being close to Earth, plus also having several
useful features, such as low gravity (perfect for space launch) and useful mineral
resources. It hosts vast areas suitable for enclosed settlements of limited terraformation.
However, there are clues that, in time, it could be fully terraformed.
Mercury is a small, hot and dry planet, a tough target for future colonists. Planetary
engineering could also work in these conditions, eventually allowing terraforming, or at
least large-scale paraterraformation, under a planetary "shell”.
Finally, in the Main Asteroid belt, Ceres could be the easiest terraformable object in the
whole System. There are also technical solutions that could turn other planetoids and
small moons into new homeworlds for humankind.
A World of Fire
Page: 168-188 (21)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010008
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Although our planet’s “twin” in any other aspect and object of several terraformation
scenarios, Venus is a very difficult target for human settlement. Due to its extreme
atmospheric pressure and temperature, it is the most inhospitable celestial body in our
Solar System.
This does not mean that terraforming it cannot be done, but in order to do it in a
reasonable time, some technologies that are currently out of our reach need to be
applied. Wormholes are the best option, coupled with some large-scale megastructure
buildings, plus “regular” planetary engineering means. Fortunately, even if it seems
like SF, scientists are currently making serious advances towards achieving such
technologies.
At the end of the process, Venus could be transformed into the most habitable world in
our System, a true paradise.
The Edges of the System
Page: 189-209 (21)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010009
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The Outer Solar System is an enormous region, offering plenty of potential living space and valuable resources for humankind. It comprises Uranus and Neptune with their moon systems, myriads of trans-Neptunian dwarf planets and planetoids including Pluto, Charon, Eris etc. and putative planetary or substellar-sized objects.
The most feasible approach for ice giant planets seems to be helioformation, followed by terraforming and colonizing their moons, using methods similar to those that should be employed on Jupiter and Saturn.
Since many other celestial bodies are too far from any light source, turning them into habitable worlds requires altering their orbit. While such a process requires a carefullyplanned and sustained effort, it would be made easier by the low mass of these planetoids.
Beyond Edges
Page: 210-226 (17)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010010
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Our Solar System represents just a tiny fraction of the Galaxy and the whole Universe.
Now we know for sure that many stars host planetary systems, starting with our close
“neighbor”, Alpha Centauri.
However, the first problem on the way to our Universe-wide expansion is getting there
in reasonable amounts of time. This can only be done by faster-than-light travel, which,
in turn, needs “bypassing” normal space-time.
There are some ideas on how we could accomplish these, even if research is still at its
beginnings.
Until then, thousands of exoplanets were already discovered. Some of them seem to be
rather easy to terraform and settle, while others could also be colonized, by using
synergistic means of planetary engineering.
Ethical Issues
Page: 227-244 (18)
Author: Dan Răzvan Popoviciu*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080711123010011
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Space settlement, while drawing much support from public opinion, also has its critics.
They bring various counterarguments, from the need to "fix” Earth’s problems first to
the use of nuclear explosives and military devices, which might go against international
treaties. However, the main argument is the desire to preserve eventual life forms,
including microscopic ones, that might be encountered in the C.
Here, we argue that the highest likelihood is that of life scarcity in our Universe. Life
forms are, most probably, rare, usually microbial and living in environmental niches
which would not be affected by terraforming. Intelligent life should be even much
scarcer.
Furthermore, we argue that space expansion is not just a desire but an imperative for
preserving and growing our species and our entire Biosphere.
Introduction
Terraforming is the process of modifying a planet, moon, or other body to a more habitable atmosphere, temperature, or ecology. The idea of terraforming or colonizing other planets has recently become a topic of intense scientific interest and public debate. Geoengineering and terraforming, at their core, have the same goal: to enhance or revive the ability of a specific environment to support human life, society, and industry. New Worlds: Colonizing Planets, Moons and Beyond examines extra-terrestrial colonization plans with a critical eye. The ten chapters of the book provide a detailed review of the demographic and economic reasons behind this space imperative, technical and ecological solutions to improve the settlement of our own planet, enhancements of our current space industry. The book also covers interesting topics such as the terraformation of Mars, the moon, and other planets like Venus, colonizing the outer solar system (and beyond), and the ethical considerations in favor of space expansion. This simple, yet informative treatise is an essential read for anyone interested in the subject of space colonization.