In which I post about a TL9 solar system

Say, it isn't that bad! · 08-03-2020, 10:12 PM

The first mining operations, I think, would consist of building cargo ships out of the asteroid, slapping an engine and fuel tank on ship, then having it automate itself to the destination. Orbital mechanics and obstacle avoidance are relatively simple enough that a modern desktop can handle it; and governments and corporations can afford the programming expertise needed to do so.

The engines and computers themselves might be shipped back on those same cargo ships, for a fee. The guidance program itself would probably be a yearly licensing fee. Gouging corporations, combined with a lack of government oversight, means that much of the profit gained in sales, could be lost in buying various manufactured goods.

A glut of materials would see prices drop; precipitously, for some goods - perhaps to the point that some miners are essentially indentured workers due to debt.

That would provide one of the impetuses for the first solar war...

08-03-2020, 10:12 PM	#9
Say, it isn't that bad! Join Date: Dec 2013	Re: In which I post about a TL9 solar system The first mining operations, I think, would consist of building cargo ships out of the asteroid, slapping an engine and fuel tank on ship, then having it automate itself to the destination. Orbital mechanics and obstacle avoidance are relatively simple enough that a modern desktop can handle it; and governments and corporations can afford the programming expertise needed to do so. The engines and computers themselves might be shipped back on those same cargo ships, for a fee. The guidance program itself would probably be a yearly licensing fee. Gouging corporations, combined with a lack of government oversight, means that much of the profit gained in sales, could be lost in buying various manufactured goods. A glut of materials would see prices drop; precipitously, for some goods - perhaps to the point that some miners are essentially indentured workers due to debt. That would provide one of the impetuses for the first solar war...