| Outcomes | Technological advances • Altered philosophical perspectives • Space trains |
| Timeline | Mid-1800s |
| Key technologies | Gunpowder rockets • Steam rockets |
| Established colonies | Lunar colonies • Martian colonies • Venusian colonies |
| Time of establishment | Early 1900s |
| Early exploration focus | Moon • Mars • Venus |
| Scientific breakthroughs | Gravity • Relativity • Quantum physics • Solar system formation |
| Space exploration initiators | China • India |
Space exploration in this alternate timeline began in the mid-1800s, led primarily by a Chinese-Indian partnership rather than the US-Soviet rivalry. Through collaboration and technology sharing, astronomers from both countries sparked a new era of rocketry and space exploration, focusing on the Moon, Mars, and Venus.
The early history of space exploration is marked by the development of rockets based on gunpowder and steam. This fuel source allowed both nations to build larger and more powerful rockets, taking the first tentative strides away from Earth.
As rocket technology improved, China and India launched numerous unmanned spacecraft, targeting primarily the Moon, Venus, and Mars. Early missions were focused on detailed mapping of these celestial bodies, as well as scientific experiments that explored their atmospheres, magnetic fields, and geological features.
The lunar missions on the Moon revealed its rocky, cratered surface, initiating a new era of lunar exploration. Missions to nearby Venus discovered a sweltering planet shrouded by thick clouds that were later found to harbor acid rain, while Mars' landscape was revealed with impressive volcanoes, canyons, and possible ancient riverbeds.
The late 1800s and early 1900s also brought many scientific discoveries that fueled space exploration. Gravity, relativity, and quantum physics theories advanced astronomical knowledge, challenging previous conceptions of the universe's structure and expanding the possibilities for space travel.
Research into the solar system's formation and planetary science also played a significant role. Studies on the history of the Moon, Mars, and Venus helped determine their potential for supporting life, while increasingly advanced telescopes enabled astronomers to scan the atmospheres of other worlds for signs of life.
In the early 1900s, the Sino-Indian space partnership achieved another incredible milestone: the establishment of permanent colonies on the Moon, Mars, and Venus. These colonies were the result of years of scientific research and technological innovation.
Building these colonies required creating life-sustaining systems, infrastructure, and structures that could thrive in alien environments. On the Moon, massive domes surrounded cities and agricultural biodomes, powered by nuclear reactors. Mars saw the rise of sprawling underground cities, with temperatures controlled by geothermal vents and lava tubes. On Venus, clusters of floating habitats were built in the relatively cooler upper atmosphere, harvesting sunlight for energy with solar panels.
Throughout the 1950s, space infrastructure advanced considerably. Interplanetary rockets improved in efficiency, while novel forms of transport like space "trains" and space "planes" were introduced. These advanced vehicles facilitated regular travel between the Earth, Moon, and other planets and supported both scientific exploration and industrial growth.
Manned missions also became feasible due to revolutionary new technologies. Humans ventured to diverse locations in the solar system, including the Moon, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter's moons. These manned missions uncovered further scientific discoveries, expanded human knowledge, and fostered international collaboration.
Space exploration has had far-reaching effects on human society in this alternate timeline, affecting both scientific knowledge and society's fundamental philosophies. New scientific knowledge transformed physics, astronomy, life sciences, and countless other fields through breakthroughs made while exploring the cosmos.
Technological advancements made during space exploration were later adapted for use on Earth, making huge strides in technological growth. From architectural feats to advanced energy production, human civilization benefited from the technologies developed for space ventures.
Furthermore, the exploration of the Moon, Mars, and Venus helped address population pressures on Earth by providing alternative habitats. As human beings spread across the solar system, a renaissance of ideas and philosophies emerged, challenging and expanding humanity's understanding of its place in the universe.
