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Pathways to ColonizationThe steps required for space colonization are many to grow from our current 3-person International Space Station, now under construction, to an infrastructure that can support hundreds and eventually thousands of people in space. This paper will summarize the author's findings from numerous studies and workshops on related subjects and identify some of the critical next steps toward space colonization. Findings will be drawn from the author s previous work on space colony design, space infrastructure workshops, and various studies that addressed space policy. In conclusion, this paper will note that significant progress has been made on space facility construction through the International Space Station program, and that significant efforts are needed in the development of new reusable Earth to Orbit transportation systems. The next key steps will include reusable in space transportation systems supported by in space propellant depots, the continued development of inflatable habitat and space elevator technologies, and the resolution of policy issues that will establish a future vision for space development.
Document ID
20030062017
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Smitherman, David V., Jr.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: Space Technology and Applications International Forum
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Country: United States
Start Date: February 2, 2003
End Date: February 6, 2003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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