The steps required for space colonization are many to grow from our current 3-person International Space Station, now under construction, to an infrastructure that can support hundreds and eventually thousands of people in space. This paper will summarize the author's findings from numerous studies and workshops on related subjects and identify some of the critical next steps toward space colonization. Findings will be drawn from the author s previous work on space colony design, space infrastructure workshops, and various studies that addressed space policy. In conclusion, this paper will note that significant progress has been made on space facility construction through the International Space Station program, and that significant efforts are needed in the development of new reusable Earth to Orbit transportation systems. The next key steps will include reusable in space transportation systems supported by in space propellant depots, the continued development of inflatable habitat and space elevator technologies, and the resolution of policy issues that will establish a future vision for space development.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Pathways to Colonization


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Space Technology and Applications International Forum ; 2003 ; Albuquerque, NM, United States


    Publication date :

    2003-01-01


    Type of media :

    Preprint


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Pathways to Colonization

    D. V. Smitherman | NTIS | 2003


    Pathways to Colonization

    Smitherman, D. V. / Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003


    Space colonization

    Online Contents | 2012


    Space colonization

    Online Contents | 2011


    Space colonization

    Online Contents | 2009