Human outpost
Encyclopedia
Human outpost
s are artificially-created, controlled human habitats located in environments inhospitable for humans, such as on the ocean floor, in space or on another planet.
The logistics and difficulties inherent in such ventures have been heavily explored in written science fiction
, inspiring several scientists and governments around the world, some of whom have already started working toward small-scale trials.
In the future, Earth-like planets may be found, as popularly shown in science fiction film
s of current times, which are habitable for humans and other earthling
s and hence human habitats there will not have to be artificially created or controlled and yet human outposts may be able to flourish just like cities here on Earth.
, whether established and occupied solely by humans or in cooperation – or competition – with alien species. The setting may be another planet, Earthlike or otherwise; or a spaceship
large enough to house a city.
s for humans, to research the possibility of settling the ocean floors.
NASA
currently trains astronauts in an under-sea habitat, to simulate living and working in the International Space Station
. They conduct scientific research on the human body and coral reefs, and build undersea structures to simulate space station assembly spacewalk tasks. The program is also being used to study how isolation affects human behaviour, to prepare for the first human outposts on the Moon and Mars.
Space station
in low Earth orbit
was the first human outpost in space
. The only current human outpost in space is the International Space Station
.
Planning and design for Lunar
and Martian
outposts is underway.
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Outpost (civilian)
An Outpost in civilian terms denotes an outlying frontier settlement or colony in a remote or sparsely populated location, on the frontier of civilization or on or across political boundaries of the state, far away from the home or country; and the body of people who settle here far from home but...
s are artificially-created, controlled human habitats located in environments inhospitable for humans, such as on the ocean floor, in space or on another planet.
The logistics and difficulties inherent in such ventures have been heavily explored in written science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
, inspiring several scientists and governments around the world, some of whom have already started working toward small-scale trials.
In the future, Earth-like planets may be found, as popularly shown in science fiction film
Science fiction film
Science fiction film is a film genre that uses science fiction: speculative, science-based depictions of phenomena that are not necessarily accepted by mainstream science, such as extraterrestrial life forms, alien worlds, extrasensory perception, and time travel, often along with futuristic...
s of current times, which are habitable for humans and other earthling
Earthling
Earthling is a term commonly used in science fiction to identify humans as opposed to extraterrestrials. The literary effect aimed for is a distancing effect, inviting the readers to contemplate their own species as it might be seen from an external point of view...
s and hence human habitats there will not have to be artificially created or controlled and yet human outposts may be able to flourish just like cities here on Earth.
In fiction
Human outposts in other worlds are a common motif in science fictionScience fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
, whether established and occupied solely by humans or in cooperation – or competition – with alien species. The setting may be another planet, Earthlike or otherwise; or a spaceship
Spacecraft
A spacecraft or spaceship is a craft or machine designed for spaceflight. Spacecraft are used for a variety of purposes, including communications, earth observation, meteorology, navigation, planetary exploration and transportation of humans and cargo....
large enough to house a city.
Under sea
Various attempts have been made to construct underwater habitatUnderwater habitat
Underwater habitats are underwater structures in which people can live for extended periods and carry out most of the basic human functions of a 24-hour day, such as working, resting, eating, attending to personal hygiene, and sleeping...
s for humans, to research the possibility of settling the ocean floors.
NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
currently trains astronauts in an under-sea habitat, to simulate living and working in the International Space Station
International Space Station
The International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
. They conduct scientific research on the human body and coral reefs, and build undersea structures to simulate space station assembly spacewalk tasks. The program is also being used to study how isolation affects human behaviour, to prepare for the first human outposts on the Moon and Mars.
Outer space
The Salyut 1Salyut 1
Salyut 1 was the first space station of any kind, launched by the USSR on April 19, 1971. It was launched unmanned using a Proton-K rocket. Its first crew came later in Soyuz 10, but was unable to dock completely; its second crew launched in Soyuz 11 and remained on board for 23 days...
Space station
Space station
A space station is a spacecraft capable of supporting a crew which is designed to remain in space for an extended period of time, and to which other spacecraft can dock. A space station is distinguished from other spacecraft used for human spaceflight by its lack of major propulsion or landing...
in low Earth orbit
Low Earth orbit
A low Earth orbit is generally defined as an orbit within the locus extending from the Earth’s surface up to an altitude of 2,000 km...
was the first human outpost in space
Space
Space is the boundless, three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction. Physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum...
. The only current human outpost in space is the International Space Station
International Space Station
The International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
.
Planning and design for Lunar
Colonization of the Moon
The colonization of the Moon is the proposed establishment of permanent human communities on the Moon. Advocates of space exploration have seen settlement of the Moon as a logical step in the expansion of humanity beyond the Earth. Recent indication that water might be present in noteworthy...
and Martian
Colonization of Mars
The colonization of Mars by humans is the focus of speculation and serious study because the surface conditions and availability of water on Mars make it arguably the most hospitable planet in the solar system other than Earth...
outposts is underway.
See also
- Space habitatSpace habitatA space habitat is a space station intended as a permanent settlement rather than as a simple waystation or other specialized facility...
- Space stations and habitats in popular culture
- Inflatable space habitatInflatable space habitatInflatable habitats or expandable habitats are pressurized structures capable of supporting life in outer space whose internal volume increases after launch...
- Space colonizationSpace colonizationSpace colonization is the concept of permanent human habitation outside of Earth. Although hypothetical at the present time, there are many proposals and speculations about the first space colony...
- Colonization of MarsColonization of MarsThe colonization of Mars by humans is the focus of speculation and serious study because the surface conditions and availability of water on Mars make it arguably the most hospitable planet in the solar system other than Earth...
(Martian outpost) - Colonization of Moon (Lunar outpost)
- The Millennial Project: Colonizing the Galaxy in Eight Easy StepsThe Millennial Project: Colonizing the Galaxy in Eight Easy StepsThe Millennial Project: Colonizing the Galaxy in Eight Easy Steps by Marshall T. Savage is a book in the field of Exploratory engineering that gives a series of concrete stages the author believes will lead to interstellar colonization...
(Book) - Outpost (civilian)Outpost (civilian)An Outpost in civilian terms denotes an outlying frontier settlement or colony in a remote or sparsely populated location, on the frontier of civilization or on or across political boundaries of the state, far away from the home or country; and the body of people who settle here far from home but...
- Outpost (military)Outpost (military)An Outpost in military terminology essentially means a detachment of troops stationed at a distance from the main force or formation, usually at a station in a remote or sparsely populated location, positioned to stand guard against unauthorized intrusions and surprise attacks; and the station...
- Mars to StayMars to StayMars to Stay missions propose astronauts sent to Mars for the first time should stay there indefinitely, both to reduce cost and to ensure permanent settlement of Mars. Among many notable Mars to Stay advocates, former Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin has been particularly outspoken, suggesting in...
Further reading
- Resource Utilization Concepts for MoonMars; ByIris Fleischer, Olivia Haider, Morten W. Hansen, Robert Peckyno, Daniel Rosenberg and Robert E. Guinness; 30 September 2003; IAC Bremen, 2003 (29 Sept – 03 Oct 2003) and MoonMars Workshop (26-28 Sept 2003, Bremen). Accessed on 18 January 2010
- Google Book Preview Of Lunar Outpost: The Challenges of Establishing a Human Settlement on the Moon; By Erik Seedhouse; Praxis Publishing Ltd., Chichester, UK, 2009. ISBN 978-0-387-09746-6.Library of Congress Control Number: 2008934751.
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- MARTIAN OUTPOST: The Challenges of Establishing a Human Settlement on Mars; by Erik Seedhouse; Praxis Publishing; 2009; ISBN 978-0-387-98190-1.
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