RE: Mars Independence Timing 3/8: The 8 Gates to Full Sovereignty

[apshamilton]

This is great analysis.

I think that Gate 5 will be hard to achieve if it requires Mars to completely independently produce its own microchips at nanometer scale. There is only one factory of one company on Earth that produces the machines that allow nanometer scale chips to be made.

Comments

[kiwithinker]

[kiwithinker]

You raise a good point. I don't think materials will be a problem once mining is in full swing, but the machines are a factor.

A couple of things may mitigate this.

• The people who make the machines on Earth might be very keen to see them operating on Mars.
• Elon Musk is developing his own chips, which will give him access to machines of his own, particularly in regard to Optimus.
• Elon has the cash to buy what he needs. He will have a plan.
• With Starship's payload capacity, Elon absolutely has the leverage (and likely a detailed plan) to prioritize shipping complete fab lines or critical machines to get things rolling.

It may be a hill to climb, but I don't think it's impassable.