The LaGranges, p1
As Earth found itself encircled by satellites and outpost stations during the fervent Space Race of the late 22nd century, the escalation of tensions led to the onset of the Space Cold War. Factions representing various interests began jostling for orbital supremacy, either by forcibly displacing rivals or staking claims to strategically significant positions like high-angle orbits, such as the Molinya orbit, vital for military strategy.
Skirmishes were commonplace as the struggle intensified over control of pivotal orbital locations and vital resources. Nation-states such as the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, and rising powers like India and Brazil became embroiled in these conflicts. Proxy battles and clandestine operations became regular features in the vast expanse of space, where rules of engagement were still evolving.
The quest for dominance extended beyond territorial disputes to encompass economic stakes, technological prowess, and ideological rivalries. Against the backdrop of these conflicts, alliances formed and fractured, shaping the political landscape of space exploration and settlement.
The colonization of the Moon from orbit necessitated the establishment of surface outposts. Scientific consortia and corporations eagerly pursued the creation of bases, recruiting farmers for planned agricultural plots, facilitating transportation between Earth and the Moon, and training service personnel. Launch platforms linking Earth and the Moon were indispensable for lunar surface construction, with gravitational equilibrium points, known as Lagrange points, playing a crucial role.
Named after Joseph-Louis Lagrange, Lagrange points represent areas where the gravitational forces of two celestial bodies balance the centrifugal force experienced by smaller objects. These five points (L1 through L5) possess unique characteristics. L1 offers a stable position for satellites, while L2 is stable but located on the opposite side of the secondary body. L3 is inherently unstable. L4 and L5, forming the corners of an equilateral triangle, emerge as ideal sites for space colonies. Defense platforms find suitability at L3 and L2 locations, equipped to maintain orbital stability.
Recommended routes for solar system travel evolve predictably due to planetary orbits, with travel along gravitational ridges until thrust adjustments become necessary. L4 and L5 serve as efficient travel hubs, utilizing gravity assists by dipping into gravitational "saddles" for momentum boosts. Such maneuvers often involve leveraging a fourth celestial body, such as Venus, Mars, or Titan, for deep space voyages.
Pioneers in the Lagrange regions focused on salvaging and mining asteroid clusters, colloquially known as "Grangers" to signify those beyond Earth-Moon gravities. Initial colonies emerged in the Earth-Moon L4 and L5 zones, serving as pivotal stages for expanding into the Sun-Earth L4 and L5 regions, and eventually onward to Mars.
Drone collectors operated at the fringes of the L4 and L5 zones, tasked with retrieving debris for reclamation purposes. Early settlers established protective rings of discarded objects around their habitats, akin to the role of the Mississippi River in facilitating travel, with the Lagrange middle zones serving as interstellar highways.
Various establishments, including brothels, inns, churches, and correctional facilities, catered to the diverse needs of those engaged in mining operations. Financial institutions, automated shipyards, agricultural habitats, and enhanced living quarters followed suit, paving the way for the emergence of thriving cities over the course of a century.
