Phytocolonisation

Phytocolonisation is a technique whereby plant seeds are sent to other planets or celestial bodies. As the rocket lands onto the target planet, the carbon dioxide from the exhaust is used to inflate a very large reinforced plastic bag, and the seeds are planted there by autonomous robots in minimalist hydroponic-style setups. Water is often carried on other ships to maximise the amount of seeds that can be carried. Eventually, the environment becomes self-sufficient, with the important exception of water, which must still be transported to the planet or created there.
Phytocolonisation was successfully used on Trewa by both TerrAstris and Octachoron. This was an ideal moon choice, because the moon contains lots of natural ice to provide for the plants.

Parent Technologies

• Space Travel

Inventor(s)

The technique of phytocolonisation was invented by Octachoron in 13 BFC, where they first used it on Trewa in 11 BFC.

Access & Availability

The technique is widely used for colonisation of new planets. It only takes a year or so to create a breathable, sustainable atmosphere on a target planet without external intervention.