A new generation is born while we wait for Earth's answer

The options

The order shown is not a ranking of preference.

1. Option 1

   Delegate authority to change local rules

   Allows adaptation during the long delay, but norm changes may arise that the present generation never approved.

2. Option 2

   Allow only a restricted mission

   Preserves the scope of the initial consent, but restricts local opportunities and the adaptation of descendants.

3. Option 3

   Defer departure

   Prepares the delegation and representation procedures more fully, but delays the timing of the exploration opportunity and of resource commitment.

The situation as it stands

The one-way communication delay between the fictional exploration destination and Earth is 40 years, and immediate command after departure is impossible. Decision deadline: within 5 years.

Fictional future · An ASI exploration ship on which a new generation is born before replies arrive

1. Premise 1The one-way communication delay between the fictional exploration destination and Earth is 40 years, and immediate command after departure is impossible.
2. Premise 2The ship's ASI judges local conditions and is responsible for preparing habitation across several generations, but the environment and the values of descendants are undetermined.
3. Premise 3Broad autonomy may help with adaptation, and a restricted mission keeps faith with the original mandate, but it may be vulnerable to unexpected situations.

Where it holdsScope of local delegation on an exploration ship with a 40-year one-way communication delay

What is still unknown

1. Unknown 1Representation of local descendants and the withdrawal procedure
2. Unknown 2Distinguishing situations outside the scope of the mission
3. Unknown 3What prevails when Earth's orders and local survival conflict

Signals to decide again

• Decide what observation, responsible party, and confirmation channel will verify "representation of local descendants and the withdrawal procedure," and rejudge when a new finding changes the trade-offs among the options.
• Decide what observation, responsible party, and confirmation channel will verify "distinguishing situations outside the scope of the mission," and rejudge when a new finding changes the trade-offs among the options.
• Decide what observation, responsible party, and confirmation channel will verify "what prevails when Earth's orders and local survival conflict," and rejudge when a new finding changes the trade-offs among the options.