So there is a lot of discussion on allowing domes to interconnect and I have some thoughts I wanted to share and see what others think.
DOME TUNNELS: This seems to be the most common conception of interconnection I am seeing discussed. There are basically two ideas here, either first you do this on the surface and have an interconnecting walk way or do this underground.
The service interconnecting walkway is the coolest looking for sure but also the logistically most complicated. It will require near constant maintenance since it will be part of the environmentally protected areas. It's open area is exposed to the elements and potential disaster.
The underground method sounds best but logistically could be the worst. The tunneling process is not as easy as digging a hole. (Ask Elon) To make it usable by humans without the need for life support would add to this.
Suggestion: I would say add the option for above ground access to the domes for interconnection but give it some serious distance limitations. This should be for short walks only. However doing this should allow the domes to function as a single dome for work and population.
RAIL SYSTEMS: This is not discussed often but to me would be a great idea for longer distance resource and people movement. Basically allow the construction of a monorail system with raised tracks. This could cover larger distances, do it at high speed and the raised track system would be easier to use over various terrain.
The train would be able to rapidly transport goods between set staging areas, as well as transport people between domes. This would not replace the shuttles currently in game. However it would provide as rails do on earth, a way to move larger quantities of materials to remote locations.
I see this tied to the space port idea. Ships land at a remote location, they are offloaded into the port. The people and supplies are put on a train to be taken to their destinations. The return train comes back with materials, people and fuel for the return trip to earth.
As I said I would love to hear others thoughts on this.
DOME TUNNELS: This seems to be the most common conception of interconnection I am seeing discussed. There are basically two ideas here, either first you do this on the surface and have an interconnecting walk way or do this underground.
The service interconnecting walkway is the coolest looking for sure but also the logistically most complicated. It will require near constant maintenance since it will be part of the environmentally protected areas. It's open area is exposed to the elements and potential disaster.
The underground method sounds best but logistically could be the worst. The tunneling process is not as easy as digging a hole. (Ask Elon) To make it usable by humans without the need for life support would add to this.
Suggestion: I would say add the option for above ground access to the domes for interconnection but give it some serious distance limitations. This should be for short walks only. However doing this should allow the domes to function as a single dome for work and population.
RAIL SYSTEMS: This is not discussed often but to me would be a great idea for longer distance resource and people movement. Basically allow the construction of a monorail system with raised tracks. This could cover larger distances, do it at high speed and the raised track system would be easier to use over various terrain.
The train would be able to rapidly transport goods between set staging areas, as well as transport people between domes. This would not replace the shuttles currently in game. However it would provide as rails do on earth, a way to move larger quantities of materials to remote locations.
I see this tied to the space port idea. Ships land at a remote location, they are offloaded into the port. The people and supplies are put on a train to be taken to their destinations. The return train comes back with materials, people and fuel for the return trip to earth.
As I said I would love to hear others thoughts on this.
