[GeronL]

Even if we could build a vessel that could travel at 0.1% of the speed of light, we can colonize this entire solar system at will.

[fhayek]

Building a vessel is one thing. Having human beings withstand the G-forces is another thing altogether.

[babygene]

“Even if we could build a vessel that could travel at 0.1% of the speed of light, we can colonize this entire solar system at will.”

How so? The place still has to be livable...

[cripplecreek]

Vasimr engines are technologically possible with speeds as much as 10% to 15% of light speed possible. The real problem arises with the fact that they need to be VERY large for any kind of real human spaceflight.

Vasimr engines were among the leading prospects for project Deadelus but we're still years from building in space where it would have to be done at enormous cost.

[muawiyah]

Think about this for a second ~ we haven't even colonized much of Siberia, Antarctica or Canada for that matter.

That's a huge amount of territory.

[Aevery_Freeman]

We really don't need to go anywhere for quite some time.

A ringed planet and/or some solar sailing in the inner Solar System would allow us freedom from the damn collectivists for hundreds or even thousands of years.

And don't forget the wonderful business opportunities for retirement homes on the moon. (Help I've fallen....Hey, I'm still falling, here! Somebody help.)