Space Pioneers: Microcolonies and SSA.2436

Proper space colonies are generally 100+ population to support and maintain a presence in an established environment (be it planetary, moon, or space-based). Colonies were therefore huge undertakings that sometimes became too expensive to fund, which led to many ventures being canceled. Seeking a way to spread the human genome throughout the galaxy (and increase profitability in space), a new approach was sought--and SSA.2436 was born.

Two centuries ago, the Space Settlement Act of 2436 (SSA.2436), also called the “Homesteaders Act” encouraged settlers to found their own micro colonies with as little as a few families and a star cruiser stocked full of supplies--this was often thought to be extremely dangerous, if not the least bit risky.

Most environs—be they uninhabited asteroids, desolate moons, or primordial worlds infested with savages—gave even the most equipped and well trained colonials a run for their money.

To send unregistered citizens out into the final frontier without more than a few small arms and freeze-dried rations seemed like manslaughter, at best. So the Act included regulations for spacefaring technologies, provisioning, and a pared-down “code for lawful conduct” and “establishing friendly relations” with neighbors, natives, traders, and “elements unknown”. The Act became the basis for a cottage industry that exploded overnight and fueled the spread of human settlements on other worlds.

For the first time in history, we were no longer left wanting to reach the stars—we were outfitted and made ready for the task.

Next file: Occupation: Space Pioneer