Future Technology in 2020 - 2040 Part 4: Warp Drive, lasercutter, hyper speed satellite internet & clone organ transplants

In the latter part of the 2030’s we will see extensive testing with a new space-travelling method called warp-drive. You are most probably hearing this term for the first time, so allow me to explain a little more about this concept. Warp-drive is the hypothetical answer to the speed limits we are currently facing in space travel. A faster then light propulsion system, to be visualized as a donut-like ring around the space-craft. The fact that it would be possible to travel faster then light means that we will be able to travel to galaxies many light-years away. In contrast to (other) fictional FTL technologies, such as a jump-drive or the Infinite Improbability Drive, warp-drive doesn’t allow instant travel between two points; instead, warp drive technology creates an artificial "bubble" of normal space-time that surrounds the space-ship (as opposed to entering a separate realm or dimension like hyperspace like we can see in the Star Wars, Stargate franchise, Warhammer 40,000, Babylon 5 and Andromeda universes). Thus, a space-ship at warp velocity can remain to interact with other objects in "normal space".

The lasercutter, laser-saw and laser-drill are currently only used by the mass-production industry mainly due to the high investment costs. But in the 2020’s these high costs will go down dramatically, enabling more and more small companies (mainly in construction and customized fabrication) consumers to benefit from the many advantages. User laser-techniques makes cutting and drilling more accurate, efficient and delivers a much better quality. It also allows the fabrication of smaller end-products.

HSSI, or Hyper Speed Satellite Internet, is a standard which is currently under development by various parties. It is assumed that high speed internet using new generations of micro-satellites (micro-satellice networks) are going to replace all other forms of internet connectivity including 3G, 4G and 5G, cable and fibre optics. Currently, successfull tests have been conducted reaching speeds of up to 50 Mbps. HSSI will most probably be introduced for the first time in or around 2015. The advantages of HSSI are extensive, including have constant internet connection without disruptions, whereever you are. No more roaming, no more hickups and always the same ultra fast speed.

Clone organs are laboratory grown human organs, developed from a person’s own stemcells. In a clinical trial in 2011 the first clone organ has been successfully been transplanted and it is widely assumed that around 2018 at least a number of countries will approve a selected range of clone transplants to be performed as a better alternative to donor organ transplantation.