Somewhere back in the heyday of the 1970’s, the imcomprehensible project of how to develop a settlement in space was taking place in a unique co-operation between NASA, Stanford University and a physicist from Princeton named Gerard O’Neill. The research project focused around the concept of developing giant spaceships and the impressive challenge of designing a massive space colony. According to the NASA site: “These free-space settlements could be wonderful places to live; about the size of a California beach town and endowed with weightless recreation, fantastic views, freedom, elbow-room in spades, and great wealth.” The site goes on to predict that while there may be many settlements like this that exist in the future, constructing the first one would indeed be an epic task. They certainly did have some amazing ideas though… Take a look below to see some of the ground-breaking designs that may someday pave the way for constructing the very first colonized space settlements of the future.
If the idea of putting thousands of people in a space colony sounds far-fetched, remember that only 150 years ago no one had ever flown in an airplane and today hundreds of millions of people casually take to the skies every year.
image
Take a look at this spectacular design for life inside a circular spacecraft with no gravity restrictions.
image
Docking into the orbital space station, the only place with a hot shower for millions of miles
image
A look at the habitable “flying saucers” from the outside.
image
The futuristic technology in action. This is the galaxial space colony as seen from the outside.
image
Enjoying a nice picnic with some friends at a scenic birds-eye view vantage point of the space colony. This spot also seems to be a good place for recreational sports, just check out the open air hang glider at the top of this picture.
image
It’s seems to be somewhat like traveling with an entire town through space
image
Take a look at these “agricultural modules” designated as galactic farmland.
image
A view of space teamwork in action. “Construction crew at work on the colony.”
image
“Ground control to Major Tom. Ground control to Major Tom…”
image
This is a double cylinder settlement colony. Something like a high rise apartment, only it’s in space.
image
It sure looks like a pleasant enough place to live. “Interior view looking out through large windows.”
image
Nice space colony. Kind of reminds me a little of…San Francisco.
image
“Eclipse of the sun with view of clouds and vegetation.”
image
Charging up on solar power. “Multiple two-cylinder colonies aimed toward the sun.”
image
A exterior view of the “Toroidal Colonies” shown from the outside. It may be a futuristic space colony, but it could also become a nice little place to call home for a few thousand lucky resident human inhabitants someday who desire some peace and quiet as they fly smoothly through starry skies.
image
Space colonization is probably not for everybody, but I know that there are a lots of ready and willing astronauts interested in becoming astral citizens on a futuristic space settlement. After seeing the movie “Gravity” however, I think that this whole space exploration trend is probably just not the right thing for me.
Anyway, if space travel is your dream I certainly wish you many happy travels on your vision “to boldly go where no man has gone before…” The Star Trek theme probably says it best. I just couldn’t resist…
If you appreciated this article why not share it with your friends on Facebook and enjoy their reactions too!
H/T: Roosevelts Source Via
Leave a comment
You must login or register to add a new comment.