I. Introduction

����������� In the last century, man has made unparallel strides in our knowledge.� Once bound to the earth, the minds and inspiration of men brought us to the sky and beneath the sea.� The primary barrier between man�s boundless curiosity and the universe are the limitations of our own earth.� Gravity has kept our feet on the ground and our eyes on the stars for millennia. Only in the last century have we made it off the ground and into the sky, and beyond to space, and eventually to the moon.� However, we have only but been there, and while our marks on the moon will not dim with time, their memories already have, and the luster of space travel soon will be regarded with ambivalence by all.� The construction of a space colony presents a realistic opportunity to reengage in the quest for knowledge while also presenting fantastic economical returns. It is because of the drastically different microgravity environment of space that both goals are achievable, for in such an environment new research can be conducted that would lead to a better understanding of the effects of gravity on earth-bound processes. Beyond the shielding of the earth�s atmosphere can be found a steady influx of energy from the sun.

����������� Ultimately, we the authors view knowledge as central to the pursuit of this goal.� As Kant once said, there is what exists and what we can experience through our senses or instruments.� By building a space colony, hopefully the disparities between what exists and our knowledge will diminish, as we will able to place old instruments and senses into a new environment.

����������� The name �ther was chosen since the space colony will literally be built in the heavens, although life inside may not be perfect.� It is primarily used for reference purposes, since it was decided that the colonists themselves should choose the colony name.� �ther at its peak will become a bustling center of 100,000 people, who will lead lives similar to those of humans on earth.

����������� ��ther will also serve other purposes as well, and eventually will solve most of the problems, such as famine, overcrowding, and pollution, that face human society today. To achieve this goal, the framers of this station will extend the full reach of our resources, knowledge and power for the development and pursuit of ending the tragic problems of the past, present, and future.

Construction

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