My first feature in @ozm just came out: on scientists researching early-stage ideas for multi-generational, interstellar space travel. It's been a long time in the making. Here are a few notes from behind the scenes. onezero.medium.com/scientists-are…
I found this story by going down a rabbit hole into hydroponics. I was researching what was going to be a piece on the future of food production & started browsing arXiv for new papers in that vein. What I found was Frédéric Marin's paper on space farming: arxiv.org/abs/1901.09542
I was blown away by the approach — the way a hypothesis grounded in diligent research was extrapolated into a far-future scenario where a human crew engages in interstellar travel. It was a narrative in itself.
Marin's paper was my way into the world of interstellar research. After interviewing him I discovered Andreas Hein's work on the feasibility of world ships, and @angelovermeulen's research into "morphogenetic engineering", a biologically inspired approach into ships that evolve.
I also referenced the Breakthrough Starshot project, which aims to send a nanocraft to Alpha Centauri powered by a billion Watt laser. It's a lofty goal and an enormous challenge, as interviews with Avi Loeb and @PaulMattSutter put into perspective.
breakthroughinitiatives.org/initiative/3
breakthroughinitiatives.org/initiative/3
There were also academics from many other disciplines: linguists writing on how language might evolve after hundreds of years of voyage, architects working on how to construct habitats from asteroid materials, even theologists pondering what alien life would say about God.
Overall I was inspired to talk to so many researchers who were engaging with the deep future, working on projects they knew would not be realised in their lifetimes because they were driven to focus on the long-term objectives of humans as a species.
It reminded me of cathedral building in the Middle Ages — when it would be commonplace for generations of architects and masons to work on structures completed over hundreds of years, monuments to the greater glory.
I had a great time writing this & learned a lot. @sarahfkessler did a great job tidying up the draft too. Exploring the vastness of space & the future of humanity really is mind expanding stuff. Just considering it transported me to another place, I hope you'll feel the same. 🚀
