6.4 that the components will be assembled at LS, this assumption will affect possible hull configurations later. VI.3.3: Design Philosophy: The ES group, given a free hand after the two assumptions above, first limited the problem. It was decided that the colony would serve two fundamental purposes: it would be a prototype for later, larger colonies, and it would manufacture zero-g goods such as Satellite Solar Power Stations (SSPS's) and ultrapure crystals. To be a prototype of later colonies, the pD~osed design should incorporate as many of the design features anticipated on the larger models as possible. However, the study group felt that the environment need not be as tightly closed as the later colonies should be and was willing to accept the need to replenish some supplies during the lifetime of the design provided this did not alter the colony's resemblance to its descendants. The ES group also picked a design lifetime of 30 years, reasoning that this was a sufficient time to investigate the concept, and that by the end of 30 years better colonies could be in operation. Since the difficulty in meeting this figure was unknown, it was only suggested, and negotiable. The decision to manufacture zero-g products affected the location of work areas within the hull but its most significant effect was financial. Predicting a large initial investment cost into this colony, the ES group hoped to generate some economic return, both to pay some of the bill and to demonstrate the production capability of space colonies. Because investment costs are discounted (see Section IX.5), there were financial advantages to getting the colony operational and producing as early as possible. The ES group decided to propose a small space colony since it would take less time to build and thus start producing sooner. A simpler design and easier fabrication would also give the study group a better chance to do the concept justice with the time and abilities available. Should the colony be designed too small, of course, it would no longer serve as a model for the later giants. The ES group
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