teraformer
PV and wind are perfectly suited toward essentials because they are sources of energy we'll never feel guilty about. We should use and perfect methods of energy extraction that are conscionable, so that we have ideals methods of providing for ourselves.
Meanwhile, to produce surpluses, and exploit gains for experimental luxuries, use riskier methods. This balances the premise of the risk, such that you don't push the risk taking too far, out of desperation for a necessity. Rather than worry about a power failure at a hospital, accept a negligible decline against production targets at a plant, and temporarily shut down the pile, for safety's sake, whenever needed. No?
But supposing they did produce the absurd amount of energy they could potentially create, would a purpose-built nuclear powered hydrogen plant be capable of obviating any hydrogen deficit, and eventually create a surplus? And then, so too, with helium, via a separate process?
For this to work, every aspect of the simulation would
have to match up with real world circumstances.
...which would mean no secrets.
...or weapons that, when used, obviate many degrees of
secrecy, like nuclear weapons.Look toward a city skyline at night. Or even a small town. You'll see a blended haze of light reaching up into the sky. Probably a similar deal with the general radio spectrum emissions, now that everyone's carrying the equivalent of pocket RF flash lights, and walking in proximity to the RF street lamps that cell phone towers have become.
2004 study found that for
each extra inch of height
above average, someone could
expect to earn per working
year of his or her life up
to $789 more (about $976 in
today's money)
Kind of terrifying.
Just like submarine launched ICBM's and Nimitz class aircraft carriers project power, so too shall a presence in orbit.
It's just not entirely clear how to enter that game yet, but it will be a game that gets played sooner or later.
I think there's probably going to be a big stare-down between 4 or 5 big players, but there's no way to guess at what's on the other side of that.
As for the VR thing, I think that will gain less traction because the idea of sleeping one's life away, strapped into goggles and headphones, is only so attractive.
It might be a good object to seed with lunar landfill.
I'm thinking it could be like the outer space version of Sealand.
After a while, you get tired of being smart and getting nowhere for all the effort you expend.
Then, knowing what you know, and having noticed what's surrounded you for so long, well... intellectuals can decide for themselves a logical corollary to this.