Re: Space based VLBI - next steps beyond Hubble

On 19 Apr, 01:40, "Martha Adams" <mh...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
<Willie.Moo...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

news:fa3c9f15-12c6-4ed1-a40c-e0129b101965@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Space sensing, long distance communications over interplanetary and
interstellar distances, and large scale use of solar energy across the
solar system and beyond, all make use of similar technology and skill
sets - as well as the same locations in the solar system.  So, as the
interplanetary and later interstellar internet is developed, these

<snip a lot of interesting stuff>

This long piece illustrates why I'm saying, the place to
explore space from, is space.  Hence my prioritizing choice
that *settlements now, research later* since we know enough
now to put those settlements out there and to begin building
the commercial networks and knowhow for the settlements to
support themselves *and* Terra back there at the bottom of
its gravity well.  And Terra is going to need that support,
for it looks from here very like that without it, Terra is
going to crash hard.  If we don't have those settlements
out there before that crash, then we'll never do it.  So
my mantra is *Settlements Now, Research Later,* and Mookie
illustrates what some of that research could be.

At least in the short and medium term sdpace colonization is not a
cost effective way of "saving the Earth". The Earth should be "saved"
if you want to put it that way by terrestrially based policies. That
does not mean however that space and its resources are unimportant.

At the back of my mind is the fear that space colonies will induce
politicians and generals to take bigger risks. There is a logical
fallacy here. To "save the Earth" you need a colony which is
completely self supporting. Absolutely nothing made on Earth. I have
called this a "siege" colony. Economists talk about a siege economy as
being one which does not trade. A mining colony for example is a
trading economy and cannot therefore save the world. It will die with
Earth.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, however you look at it siege colonies
are a long way into the future.

In my guess of what's the future, I imagine an optical VLB
telescope shows us another blue world somewhere out there
with white clouds, like Terra seen from afar.  Then we'll
know where to send that first interstellar probe.

And being out in space, propulsion technology will get an
immense boost.  Nothing like practical immediate usefulness
to promote technical evolution.  So by the time we can see
which is a blue world to visit, we'll have the technology
to do it.  But not until the settlements are out there and
stabilized so eyes can look outward.

Titeotwaki -- mha  [sci.space.policy  2008 Apr 18]

LISA has an interferometer which will measure distances of 5 million
km to within the wavelength of light. There is no doubt about it, the
next telescope will be made in fragments, could be as much as a
kilometer across and each fragment will be positioned to sub
wavelength accuracy. The technology to do this is almost here.

Incidentally none of this will involve a manned presence. Indeed the
rapid development of AI will make a manned presence optional. As I
have stated many times there are reasons for manned space flight based
on adventure etc. There is however no compelling scientific or
commercial reason. Other than tourism of course.


- Ian Parker
.

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