Life beyond Earth: The rings of the earth

Abstract

JM de Prada Poole’s (1) Orbital Megalopolis envisions 5 concentric rings of circular cross-section, in orbit at an average height of 35.750 km above the Earth's crust (like the rings around Saturn, but with different dimensions and a different objective). Each of these rings functions in the same way as a 84.330 km diameter torus, hosting a population of 2,500 million people and providing for all their needs in its interior. The main aim of the project is to empty planet Earth of most of its human population, and thus allow the biosphere to continue its natural evolution without having to bear the harmful interference and burden of humankind. This article describes the composition and size of one of these rings, and compares its parts with other similar ones already built by the human species. It begins with a brief explanation of the historical background and an introduction discussing demographic development over the last two centuries and its most immediate consequences.