Is corruption inevitable in space colonization?

Question

It is commonly said that the future of mankind depends on leaving Earth. It will cost quite a bit of money to get to outer space. An average joe like me coudn't afford it. Do you think politicians will pass laws privatizing space colonization before it's even the kind of thing mainstream America thinks about?

Answer 1

Yes, corruption is almost guaranteed when any colony is distanced from the mother land. That has been true with all colonies here on Earth & I see no way to avoid that when other planets are eventually colonized. The inhabitants will eventually have to deal with the corruption themselves as most colonies here on Earth have done. Differing conditions require different solutions. However most new colonies require an authoritarian rule if they are to survive the early days of colonization.
Like all colonization projects the 1st off Earth colony will be an economic venture by either a country or corporation.

Answer 2

In the many years before we absolutely have to leave, assuming we even survive that long and don't destroy ourselves, our technologies adn capabilities should have improved to an extent where space colonisation is not just possible,but probable. Using minerals from other planets and stars, such as the moon or anywhere else we choose to live, we could create in space huge structures, with artificial environments, rather than colonising actual planets. It is also very likely that in the far(ish) future large space structures could be entirely built by small robots in space, with minimal time and cost to us. Another possibility is introducing bacteria to other planets to introduce oxygen into the environment, although when our technologies have improved in hundreds or thousands of years, it is perfectly acceptable to imagine us simply taking the elements we need from stars or gas in space. The fact that planets are very far away would make it seem, with todays knowledge, that travelling to them would take thousands of years. Despite this, it is possible to imagine a way to travel 'faster' than light, through the warp theory or by passing into other higher dimensions,, much like "slip-space" in the Halo series. We are not likely to need to, or be able to, colonise space in our lifetimes, because as our resources become scarce, our abilities and technology improve and we become less dependant. Some estimates say that our planet could hold up to 50 billion people if managed perfectly, although this figure is highly unlikely to ever be reached on this planet. It is also estimated that our planets population will more or less plateau at about 10 billion people within the next 50 to 100 years as less developed countries become more developed to be more equal to the likes of France, Japan and the UK, all three of which have level or declining population.

Answer 3

With man involved how can you not think we will corrupt. It is the nature of man. For years a friend and I have thought of such idea but like you the money is not there. As for the politicians privatizing space, it will not happen for the government can not stand to think a company can do a better job and make a profit.

Answer 4

Politicians can easily be bought out by companies who are power hungry and want to keep what power they have. If a company wanted it bad enough, than it is likely that space colonization would be privatized very soon. This way, that company would have more power. Power will always lead to corruption.

Answer 5

Yes. However, I have a feeling that somebody who is rich but not government afiliated(can't spell) will build something in outer space first. But, yes, even if corruption doesn't occur until after the average joe lives in space, corruption will always happen. I think so. I think you get my point, stop reading this.
However...If space is like a different country, corru(can't finish now, gotta go, sorry).

Answer 6

In the future if and when it is decided that we need to colonize Mars or the Moon it will start off slowly. Not everyone is dying to go off world. Many will want to go but ten times more than that will not even entertain the idea.

Answer 7

ohhh politicians can bought out by big companies to make more money....... all politicians care about is money, money, money... they'll get plenty of it if we had to evacuate earth.. (sounds upsetting because at this point in time its is impossible to evacuate 6 billion people)

Answer 8

not sure...sorry