On Thu, Jan 03, 2019 at 07:08:09PM -0800, Cian Witherspoon wrote:
> Planet side, a few hundred huts from IKEA, several basic machine shops,
> some basic mining and refining equipment, and some supplies could fit in a
> few Beowulfs. Far cheaper.

As I see it, every planet would need a great deal of terraforming
before you can live on it with just a few huts and some equipment.
That's going to be incredibly expensive, though as a long-term
investment it would very likely pay off.

Pre-terraforming, a planetary habitat might even be more dangerous
than a space habitat of similar cost and capacity.

- Tim