Worldships – Some Ecological and Resource Constraints

P. J. Mahon (2020), JBIS, 73, pp.21-25

Refcode: 2020.73.21
Keywords: Worldship, Ecology, Resources, Sustainability, Circular Economy

Abstract:
We consider some of the ecological and resource constraints that are relevant to the design and operation of a worldship intended to travel to interstellar destinations over journey durations longer than a century. We identify several of the resource challenges that are likely to arise during the journey, including the dissipation of critical raw materials, and explore a number of potential strategies for addressing these. We conclude with four recommendations for areas requiring further study.