The technological evolution of humanity is often defined by certain milestones we have achieved in terms of travel and exploration. We have ventured into the deepest, darkest places in the planet- and beyond it- to discover things that can further our development. The invention of rafts helped us create civilizations across the globe, vehicles helped us move resources and people faster, and aircrafts helped us explore even the most inaccessible areas. Now, the time has come for the next phase in our evolution- space travel.
While space travel seemed like an absolutely unrealistic concept 70 years ago, it has undergone tremendous growth to make space colonization a possibility. Companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic are backed by wealthy investors whose ambitions are driven by their passion for space rather than money. The technological revolutions in this industry are happening at breakneck speeds, and the possibility of humans sustaining and thriving in space is moving closer to reality. The most popular choice for scientists and space enthusiasts when it comes to space colonization across the world is Mars. Mars has a surface area that is 28.4% of Earth's, only slightly less than the amount of dry land on Earth. The Martian day (or sol) is very close in duration to Earth's. A solar day on Mars is 24 hours, 39 minutes and 35.244 seconds. In 2012, it was reported that some lichen and cyanobacteria survived and showed remarkable adaptation capacity for photosynthesis after 34 days in simulated Martian conditions in the Mars Simulation Laboratory (MSL) maintained by the German Aerospace Center.
The year is 2040. Humans have established their first colony in Mars with a population of about 2,00,000 individuals. The population mainly consists scientists, academicians, wealthy retirees, and workers that include mechanics, space construction workers etc. All the individuals are completely healthy and are diverse in terms of ethnicity and nationality. The initiative was spearheaded by the International Space Inhabitation Coalition, which is an international alliance of both public and private space organizations led by the NASA, Roscosmos, ISRO, and China National Space Administration. The organization is the acting government of the society and adheres to the regulations of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
Your task is to choose one among the following billionaires listed below and create a comprehensive plan to capitalize on the space market. You may assume that certain technological developments have occurred in existing technology in the next 20 years. For example, you may assume that reusable spacecrafts (an existing technology) have become efficient enough to carry humans and resources to and from space continuously. You may also assume that prototypes and concepts of realistic technology existing today have been actually developed into reality.
You can choose among the following billionaires:
Each participant may choose one individual. The allotment will be done on a first come- first serve basis, and only a maximum of two teams will be allowed to choose the same billionaire. Submit your selected individuals to Rahul on Whatsapp (7070895939) by 9 PM tonight.
Prepare a report of 12-15 pages with the following deliverables:
1. Personal and corporate profile of the individual selected
2. Alliances chosen along with justification- Can be companies that the individual is directly or indirectly associated with, or different companies altogether.
3. Sources of funds and a brief cost breakup- How you will mobilize the assets owned by the individual and the companies
4. Products or services you will offer to the space markets (can be existing products or new ones)
5. Resources required- Including tangible products, human resources etc.
6. Logistical Aspects- On how you will transport the resources required to set up your company and its products/services.
7. Comprehensive phase-wise plan to implement your strategies- From initiating the plan to executing it and starting operations. (2040 onwards)
8. Contingency plan for at least 2 situations.
You are required to present the report to the International Space Inhabitation Coalition, who will give you the necessary permissions based on your presentation.
Deadline- Submit a hard copy of your report to your event heads at 4:00PM, 11th July, Wednesday.
If you any queries or doubts, call the following event heads:
Rahul- 70708 95939/ 79922 09897
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