| Purpose | Advancing science, exploring the cosmos, creating a new society |
| Threats | Asteroids • alien fauna • isolation |
| Location | Asteroid field outside the Solar System |
| Population | |
| Established | 2097 |
| Power source | Energy from a nearby star |
| Self-sufficiency | Largely self-sufficient |
Nova Lux is a self-sufficient space-based colony established in 2097 in an asteroid field outside the Solar System. With a population of roughly 5,000 volunteers and researchers, it is completely cut off from the rest of humanity. Residents of Nova Lux have dedicated their lives to advancing science, exploring the cosmos, and creating a new society.
The colony was built primarily using nanotechnology and additive manufacturing techniques, with materials sourced from the surrounding asteroids. To power Nova Lux, engineers created a Dyson Swarm surrounding a nearby star, allowing the colony to draw energy for life support, food production, and industrial activities.
Nova Lux is composed of several connected artificial habitats, each designed for specific functions such as residential areas, research labs, industrial zones, and recreational spaces. These habitats are protected by asteroid shielding and have robust life support systems in place, ensuring the survival and comfort of the colony's residents.
The population of Nova Lux is made up of volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, nationalities, and professions. Many have left their lives on Earth behind to contribute their skills and expertise to the project's success. Over time, a unique culture has developed within the colony, shaped by the shared experiences and isolation of its inhabitants.
Nova Lux operates as a direct democracy with no formal hierarchy or centralized government. Decisions affecting the entire colony are made through a consensus process in which all residents, regardless of expertise or profession, are invited to participate. This system promotes collaboration, shared ownership, and responsibility among the population.
Situated at the edge of the Solar System, Nova Lux serves as an ideal location for numerous scientific research programs. Areas of focus include astrophysics, biological engineering, exobiology, and materials science. Research conducted in Nova Lux has led to groundbreaking discoveries in many fields, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and space propulsion.
Living in an asteroid field far from Earth poses significant challenges to the residents of Nova Lux. Asteroid collisions are a constant threat, requiring ongoing monitoring and asteroid deflection technology. Additionally, the presence of local alien fauna and the extreme isolation of living in deep space creates unique hazards and risks that the colony must contend with.
Despite these challenges, Nova Lux has continued to thrive as a beacon of humanity's capability to adapt, innovate, and survive in the harshest environments. As it enters its second century of existence, the colony continues to push the boundaries of scientific understanding and human potential.
