> How are the fundamental rules of economics different in space?

Charles Stross explores interstellar economics in [0] and discusses his thinking in [1]. One key idea is 'slow money' - "a digital currency backed by debt—the debt incurred by constructing a new interstellar colony". Transactions are slow (measured in years and decades) because the verification process involves laser comms between the participating star systems.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune%27s_Brood

[1] http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2014/09/crib-she...