The Stellar Homesteader’s Handbook: tips for extraterrestrial living (science video).
In the vast, star-speckled expanse of space, muses our Isaac Arthur, the final frontier isn’t just a place to boldly go for a brisk spacewalk or a cosmic sightseeing tour. Oh no, dear readers. The future beckons us not merely as visitors, but as cosmic settlers, planting our flags (and perhaps our genetically modified space cabbages) on the rugged terrains of distant worlds. Welcome to the era of Space Homesteading, where the dream of carving out a slice of extraterrestrial life is as tantalizing as finding Wi-Fi in the wilderness.
Imagine swapping your cramped city apartment for a spacious dome with a view of Jupiter’s swirling storms or the majestic rings of Saturn. Forget about the rat race; the new challenge is the vacuum race. But what, you may ask, is in store for those intrepid souls eager to trade in their terrestrial boots for lunar loafers?
First off, let’s talk about the commute. Forget traffic jams and train delays. Space pioneers will face the ultimate journey, rocketing away from Earth at thousands of miles per hour. Your biggest concern won’t be missing your stop but rather, re-entry angles and cosmic radiation. And you thought getting the kids ready for school was chaos in the morning.
Upon arrival, our cosmic homesteaders will find themselves not in Kansas anymore. With gravity that plays by its own rules and atmospheres that range from thin to non-existent, gardening will take on a whole new dimension. Say goodbye to your trusty shovel and hello to hydroponic systems and aeroponics, where plants grow in air or mist environments. It’s not quite the simple life, but who needs simplicity when you can engineer a tomato to taste like your favorite pizza?
Housing, too, will be a far cry from picket fences and manicured lawns. Think instead of inflatable habitats or underground bases carved out of Martian rock, designed to shield intrepid settlers from harsh solar flares and provide a cozy atmosphere for sipping space cocoa. And for those worried about interior design, fear not. The minimalistic style is out; in space, the new chic is ‘functional with a hint of cosmic charm.’
Social life in the cosmos will also have its quirks. Your neighbor might be a few craters over, and popping by for a cup of sugar involves strapping on a spacesuit. Community events could include meteor shower viewing parties and low-gravity sports leagues. Imagine the slam dunks you could achieve on Mars!
Now, for those concerned about the practicalities of space living, such as air, water, and Wi-Fi, rest assured that the brightest minds are on it. Closed-loop life support systems will recycle everything from breath to, well, other things best recycled. As for staying connected, satellite constellations will ensure that you can stream your favorite Earth shows, though you might have to deal with a bit of a delay. Spoiler alerts will take on a whole new meaning when you’re light-years away.
In the pages of SFcrowsnest, the esteemed science fiction magazine, tales of space exploration and settlement have long captured our imaginations. Now, as the line between science fiction and science fact blurs, space homesteading moves from the realm of fantastical fiction to impending reality. So, to all you would-be space pioneers, it’s time to start practicing your moonwalk and getting your space garden blueprints ready. The cosmic homestead awaits, and it promises to be one heck of an adventure.
