Just doing a little exercise for my own diversion and would like to
get some advice. Suppose I were to adapt Asimov's _The Martian Way_
into a screenplay. I'd like to keep the story and premise as intact as
possible, but there are a few things I would like to update based on
current or near-future science & technology.
Pseudo-grav: Mentioned briefly in reference to manipulating large
objects in space and also as a device used onboard spacecraft to
simulate gravity. I'm thinking a centrifuge type solution similar to
2001's "Discovery" spacecraft would be more plausible. It could also
be left out altogether considering how long-term exposure to
zero-gravity (Mir, Spacelab, ISS) could be possible within the limits
of the story without serious adverse health affects.
Scavenging shells: From what I've read about steam rocket propulsion,
it's unlikely there would be large cone-shaped metal shells to
scavenge. Probably more like huge collapsible balloons which wouldn't
seem lucrative enough for scavenging. How about scavenging spent
booster rockets instead? I imagine propellant-based rockets would
still be widely used. Other ideas on what scavengers would scavenge if
not the metal shells?
Rings of Saturn: Modern observations of the Saturnian rings indicate
they are made mostly of small fragments of ice, not huge mile-long
chunks as in the story. If so, how would one go about collecting
enough ice from the rings to make the trip worthwhile? (And how about
the outcry from future conservationists on the human assault on the
rings! But that would be another story.
)
Other?: What other aspects of the story would you modify to keep up
with modern scientific discoveries?
Thanks for your time.
Alex T.
ALX2000
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