Outpost
Definitions
- 2a : an outlying or frontier settlement
- b : an outlying branch or position of a main organization or group
Description
An Outpost in military [terminology] essentially means a detachment of troops stationed at a distance from the main force or formation, usually at a station in a remote or sparsely populated location, positioned to stand guard against unauthorized intrusions and surprise attacks; and the station occupied by such troops, usually a small military base or settlement in an outlying frontier, limit, political boundary or in another country.
An outpost in civilian terms denotes an outlying frontier settlement or colony in a remote or sparsely populated location, on the frontier of civilization or on or across political boundaries of the state, far away from the home or country; and the body of people who settle here far from home but maintaining ties with their homeland remaining nationals of their home state even though they are not literally under the home state's system of government.
Human outposts are artificially-created, controlled human habitats located in environments inhospitable for humans, such as on the ocean floor, in space or on another planet.
The logistics and difficulties inherent in such ventures have been heavily explored in science fiction, inspiring several scientists and governments around the world, some of whom have already started working toward small-scale trials.
In the future, Earth-like planets may be found, as popularly shown in science fiction films of current times, which are habitable for humans and other earthlings and hence human habitats there will not have to be artificially created or controlled and yet human outposts may be able to flourish just like cities here on Earth.
