| One thing I fail to see mentioned here and in such articles is the complexity of colonization. We are falling in the trap of "idea == profit". A lot needs to be done, and can go wrong, between both. Some examples I am thinking of, and I am certain people will have more... All are compounded by the LY distances between colonies and whatever home is: - Terraforming - It would be the exception that new planets are 100% hospitable to a specific species. How long to properly terraform, and then how long before the can get to a point where they can launch a new sub-colony? Need proper population, technology and resources. - Culture drift - how long can the colony and home share the same culture, with same values and objectives? - Political drift - Imagine you are part of a colony, with "home" some 4 LY away. How long before you will want to have full autonomy, specially given the distance? - Cultural and political factions - Is it possible that individuals in the colony have different objectives, resulting with political infighting or open war? What would then be the impact on the colony? - Protection - Depending on technological advancement, how can a colony protect itself from external rogue elements (big warship gone rogue, pirating the colonies for resources?) For sure, many of these things depend on the type of species colonizing its region, how much sentience and free will they have. I also assume they haven't solved FTL travel! |