Thursday, November 11, 2004
Space Resources: Who owns them?
Resources and minerals from space could become incredibly valuable in the future. The question that some people are asking today is "Who will own these resources?" This question is actually one that could change the way the human race operates forever.
So, who do I think should own these resources once we have our permanent bases on the moon, asteroids, Mars and beyond? The people who operate them of course! Corporations should not own the resources per se, as that would simply make them even more powerful, and neither should governments for the same exact reason. The best way to explain how it all should work is to look back to the colonial times of America. The first colonial settlements were focused on making enough food for themselves, as well as trading resources with the motherland. This could be done in space as well. The first space colonists could mine resources and trade with businesses and governments back on Earth in exchange for food, water, technology, etc. It's important to keep the symbiosis otherwise one side will have too much power over the other.
This solution would require a stronger world/solar system governing body that would have to have the power and resources to enforce laws system wide. Intra-solar space travel isn't too far off, and we need to start building the foundation for the future of the human race on and off Earth.
Does anyone else have any opinions on this? I'd like to hear from the visitors... I know you're out there. ¶ 11:01 PM
Resources and minerals from space could become incredibly valuable in the future. The question that some people are asking today is "Who will own these resources?" This question is actually one that could change the way the human race operates forever.
So, who do I think should own these resources once we have our permanent bases on the moon, asteroids, Mars and beyond? The people who operate them of course! Corporations should not own the resources per se, as that would simply make them even more powerful, and neither should governments for the same exact reason. The best way to explain how it all should work is to look back to the colonial times of America. The first colonial settlements were focused on making enough food for themselves, as well as trading resources with the motherland. This could be done in space as well. The first space colonists could mine resources and trade with businesses and governments back on Earth in exchange for food, water, technology, etc. It's important to keep the symbiosis otherwise one side will have too much power over the other.
This solution would require a stronger world/solar system governing body that would have to have the power and resources to enforce laws system wide. Intra-solar space travel isn't too far off, and we need to start building the foundation for the future of the human race on and off Earth.
Does anyone else have any opinions on this? I'd like to hear from the visitors... I know you're out there. ¶ 11:01 PM
