Crazy Wisdom
Stewart Alsop
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The Tomorrow Blueprint: The Science Behind Fiction - Pablos Holman
Introduction: In this episode, the renowned Pablos Holman (Website) discusses how science fiction is transitioning into reality, particularly in the realm of technology. Drawing on his expertise, Pablos sheds light on revolutionary concepts that are pushing the boundaries of what was once believed impossible. Main Points: Space-based Solar Energy: Pablos recently witnessed the conception of a company aiming to place solar panels in space. The primary challenges on Earth, such as clouds and nighttime, are nonexistent in space, which experiences constant light. The innovative solution involves capturing this 24/7 solar energy in space and transmitting it to Earth through radio waves, a concept called "Vertis Solis." This can potentially offer scalable, carbon-free energy. The Dyson Sphere Concept: A theoretical idea that involves surrounding a star with solar panels to harness its energy. While it remains an extreme long-term science fiction aspiration, its possibilities are intriguing. Wireless Energy Transfer: Wireless energy transfer isn't new; it's how radio and wifi work. However, they aren't optimized for transferring substantial energy. With advances in beam steering technology, this might soon change. By focusing solar arrays directly at antennas on Earth, efficient energy transfer can be realized. Space Exploration and Ecosystem: Cost has always been a limiting factor. From the space shuttle days, where reusable rockets were only a dream, we've come a long way with companies like SpaceX bringing the cost down significantly. With the lowered cost, activities like manufacturing and asteroid mining in space become more feasible. These ventures, although promising, also come with huge technical risks. Manufacturing in Space: There are inherent advantages to space manufacturing. The vacuum of space can produce better-quality computer chips. The absence of gravity also has significant effects on the atomic scale, potentially enhancing semiconductor production and other goods. Investment Curve and Deep Tech: Holman emphasizes that while software is indeed revolutionizing industries, it's essential not to neglect deep tech. Unlike typical startups focused on short-term applications, deep tech aims at the fundamental challenges facing humanity. Challenges with 3D Printing: While the concept of 3D printing was groundbreaking, its real-world application faced obstacles. The solution lies in a different approach – building layer by layer, utilizing recyclable inputs like used coffee grounds, thereby revolutionizing manufacturing. Misconceptions and Course Corrections: Pablos asserts that humans often latch onto the wrong stories or misconceptions, hindering progress. He cites examples like the confusion between reactors and bombs, and the historical outlawing of psychedelics, which are now considered potential treatments for PTSD. Closing Remarks: Pablos stresses the importance of storytellers in shaping our future. The right narrative can direct our collective efforts towards genuinely transformative goals. He invites listeners to connect with him and shares that he's fortunate to meet innovative minds daily, always pushing the boundaries of possibility. Contact: For those intrigued by Pablos' insights, he can be reached at pablos@deepfuture.tech and also listen to the Deep Future podcast.
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