Life on earth exists in a thin layer called the biosphere . It is in this region where the requirements for life, commonly listed as food water and shelter, occur in sufficient quantity and at the appropriate time for organisms to survive. Within the biosphere food chains begin with the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. These processes capture energy and transform it to a form usable by other organisms.
Human colonization of outer space has long been a favorite subject of science fiction writers. Some people have written that the way to escape (not solve) the problems of overpopulation and pollution on earth is to establish human colonies in space. It is unclear whether they intend these colonies to solve the problems they are fleeing or whether they will simply export our mistakes into space. In recent years the colonization of outer space has moved from the realm of science fiction to a distinct, although long term, possibility. Early programs to allow extended stays in space included the short-lived Skylab and much more successful Mir cooperative mission which is the precursor to the International Space Station Mission scheduled to launch in in 1999. These programs are designed to allow astronauts to remain in earth orbit for extended periods. An orbiting space station would provide a practical launch pad for visiting the rest of the solar system.
In this project you will be examining conditions on other planets and moons in our solar system. Based on this exmination you will select a planet for colonization. Once you have decided on where to establish your colony your group will design a self sufficient human colony on this planet. Self sufficient implies that the colony can exist without importing materials from the earth. We will assume that interplanetary travel is possible, using realistic technolgy (no warp speed or transporter rooms allowed). Please keep in mind that interplanetary travel will not be possible in the near future.
