Imagining space colonization

July 29, 2026An artist's rendition of the interior of an O'Neill cylinder, curving landscapes and bodies of water with glass through which you can see planets and space

When I saw War In The Pocket: 0080 at The Hollywood Theatre, my favorite part about it was the glimpse into ordinary civilian life on Side 6, and how it sucks for almost everyone. Side 6 is a space colony in the Mobile Suit Gundam universe, based on the O’Neill cylinder, designed by physicist Gerard. K. O’Neill in 1976.

In reading more about this type of colony design, I came across this excellent piece about Gundam and space colonization, which feels like it was written just for me.

By highlighting the cycles of violence that would need to exist to support and build these massive space installations, War in the Pocket shows the colonial dream for what it is: a destructive illusion.

Also, I’m not sure if there’s anything more Tomino than showing up to an event about “Gundam Astronomy” and just saying flatly, “it’s just an anime.” I love this guy.

I also found this (previously NASA, now NSS) archive of space colonization art from the 1970s, and I love all of it, especially these two:

Interior view of a toroidal colony. Artwork by Don Davis.
Multiple agricultural modules in cutaway view (multiple toroids). Artwork: Rick Guidice.