[gabemart]

> Different planets, with different atmospheres, geologies and ecosystems, would lead to comparative advantages in production though, which is the primary incentive behind trade relations.

Not just advantages - some organisms rely on extremely complex symbiotic relationships and environmental stimuli (e.g. fungi in the genus Morchella). Reproducing these conditions, even with advanced technology, could be extremely challenging or impossible, which could create enough demand to justify physical transportation of goods. (This is essentially the plot to the science fiction novel I'm writing.)

[userulluipeste]

"Reproducing these conditions, even with advanced technology, could be extremely challenging or impossible, which could create enough demand to justify physical transportation of goods. (This is essentially the plot to the science fiction novel I'm writing.)"

That was the main idea in Frank Herbert's Dune - "the spice". It's a good strategy to follow a tested winning idea, good luck with your writing!

[eli_gottlieb]

Tell me, have you read the original Dune and the accompanying Dune Encyclopedia? They're basically the foundations of the fictional science of terraforming ecology.

[gabemart]

After a long period of meaning to, I'm currently about half-way through Dune, and enjoying it.