"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

E117: The Future of Martian & Interplanetary Societies w/ Samo Burja

Feb 14, 2025

Samo Burja, an expert on economics, politics, and technology, shares fascinating insights about interplanetary colonization. He discusses how different celestial societies could emerge, focusing on Martian identity and the cultural dynamics with Earth. The conversation explores space treaties, the strategic importance of lunar bases, and resource competition among nations. Burja also speculates on technological advancements and the role of AI in shaping a multi-planetary future, pondering how these changes might unify or divide humanity.

01:01:25

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Samo Burja

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The economic feasibility of colonizing Mars and the Moon is rapidly increasing due to advancements in reusable rocket technology and growing demand for satellite constellations.

International treaties that prevent territorial claims in space may be challenged as nations, notably the U.S. and China, strive for resource control on celestial bodies.

Cultural evolution among Martian settlers could lead to a unique identity, shaped by environmental conditions and potential isolation from Earth, similar to historical community adaptations.

Deep dives

The Economic Viability of Multi-Planetary Colonization

The economic landscape of space travel has transformed dramatically, making the idea of colonizing other planets like Mars and the Moon increasingly feasible. The recent developments in reusable rocket technologies, particularly exemplified by SpaceX's Starship, have significantly reduced launch costs. As the demand for satellite constellations grows, countries and organizations now have a strong incentive to invest in space travel. This economic motivation is likely to encourage governments and private entities to pursue colonization efforts, especially as they see the potential for unclaimed territory and resources.

Intro

2min

Territorial Claims in Outer Space

11min

Strategic Advantages of Lunar Colonization

5min

Martian Identities: Survival and Society in Space

22min

The Cultural and Political Future of Interplanetary Societies

5min

Unifying Humanity: A Multi-Planetary Future

11min

Imagining a Future with Advanced AI and Space Settlement

4min

This week on Upstream, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the economic, political, and cultural implications of colonizing Mars and the Moon, discussing space treaties, potential Martian and Earth societal divergence, and the technological advancements driving humanity's future as a multi-planetary species.

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RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️Live Players

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg provide analysis of the news and case studies of Live Players, as well as key institutions and technologies that make up the global power landscape.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-players-with-samo-burja-and-erik-torenberg/id1718925188

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fbMTkHBnom1JIBWYNVBK1?si=01ed191c74264f55

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivePlayerswithSamoBurja

🎙️Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. This season's guests include: Delian Asparouhov & Nadia Asparouhova, Kristen Berman & Phil Levin, Rob Henderson, and Liv Boeree & Igor Kurganov.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

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LINKS:

Starship: https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/

(Pirate Wars) Moon Should Be a State: https://www.piratewires.com/p/moon-should-be-a-state

Artemis: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/artemis/

SLS: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/space-launch-system/

Boom Supersonic:https://boomsupersonic.com/

Blue Origin: https://www.blueorigin.com/

Referenced Live Players episodes:

The Turbulence of Boeing: Decline and Future Prospects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1pmCK6CrK4

The Technology That Can Reshape Nations (Desalination): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_gEHhSXECs

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/