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umans have begun to
transform the Earth. We have built cities, transport networks and power
stations, and sprinkled the skies with satellites. If we extrapolate this
ability to engineer our own environment – for living space, travel, energy and
communications – where does it lead us? Could we transform space too?
Predicting the far future is a fool's game. So let's take
the usual dodge and say: unless something is forbidden by known physics, it
will be done. Eventually.
Before we start, let's invent two things: self-repairing AI
supervisors that can direct projects lasting many millennia; and vehicles that
can reach close to the speed of light, maybe riding on laser beams or driven by
miniature black holes – which according to recent calculations by physicists at
Kansas State University may be possible.
Should you want to read more of this story by Stephen
Battersby - “The human universe: Could we engineer the galaxy?” -, you will
have to subscribe to the NewScientist.
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