Just thought I'd share my timeline of the future to you all. Feel free to read it if you want. If you're against anything, please say.
1900-2199
Industrial Age
1903
The Wright Brothers build and fly the first motorized airplane in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, forever giving mankind "wings."
1905
Albert Einstein introduces his Special Theory of Relativity and contributes to the development of quantum theory. Introducing the concept of space-time and postulating that mass and energy are equivalent and transposable, he formulates the equation E=mc. In doing so, Einstein predicts that the velocity of light is the absolute "speed limit" in the universe.
1911
The Great World War begins.
1927
Aviator Charles Lindbergh makes the first non-stop solo transatlantic airplane flight and galvanizes world interest in aviation.
1936
American warship U.S.S. Enterprise CV-6, a Yorktown-class carrier, launches. After barely missing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941, the Enterprise will participate in every major battle in the Pacific theatre during World War II and become one of the most decorated ships in U.S. history.
1937
Aviator Amelia Earhart, who captured the world's attention as the first woman to match Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, vanishes somewhere over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to circumnavigate the globe.
1939
World War II begins between the Nazis and the Allies.
1947
It is reported that observers in Roswell, New Mexico, find a strange craft, and its crew, crashed in the desert. Officials claim the object was a weather balloon. People begin to believe beings from outer space are visiting Earth.
Test pilot Chuck Yeager travels faster than the speed of sound in a new rocket-powered plane. Yeager's supersonic flight begins the Jet Age.
Space Age
1957
Earth's Space Age, and the so-called space race, begins when the USSR puts an artificial satellite, Sputnik-1, into orbit around the planet.
1960
Radio astronomer Frank D. Drake carries out humanity's first attempt to detect interstellar radio transmissions in an effort called SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). The stars chosen by Drake for the first SETI search are Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani.
1961
Yuri Gagarin is the first human to achieve orbital space flight. His craft, Vostok I, circles the Earth once. The flight, which lasts less than two hours, proves that the human body can function in the weightlessness of space.
1961
The first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Enterprise CVAN-65, is commissioned.
1966
The first episode of the cult TV series Star Trek is show for the first time.
1969
First manned lunar landing. The crew of Apollo 11 — Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. (with Michael Collins remaining in orbit) — set down in the Sea of Tranquillity, collect moon rocks, and return safely to Earth.
1972
The Pioneer 10 Jupiter flyby space probe is launched. During its journey, the probe sends 500 images of this enormous planet, plus amazing technical data, back to Earth. This mission is followed up by Pioneer 11 and the Voyager series, all of which allow mankind to closely observe the large outer planets and their moons. Pioneer 10 becomes the first Human made object to exit the Sol system. Contact with Pioneer 10 is lost in early 2003.
1976
Viking 2 lands on Mars at Utopia Planitia and sends images from the planet's red surface to Earth. Viking conducts experiments to discover the presence of micro-organisms. The test results are debated.
NASA unveils Enterprise (Space Shuttle OV-101), the prototype for its new fleet of reusable Earth-orbiting shuttles. Flight testing begins the following year.
Communications Age
1983
Pioneer 10 passes Pluto's orbit boundary and becomes the first human made object to exit Earth's Solar system. The probe carries an engraved plaque with a message of greetings from the people of Earth.
1986
The first human habitat in permanent Earth orbit, the Mir space station, begins construction. Mir becomes a shared resource and training ground for future space stations and eventually helps to restore friendly relations between Russia and America.
NASA's space shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after lift-off, killing all seven on board including the first private citizen in space. The tragedy brings the manned space program to a temporary halt pending an investigation.
1991
The Gulf War takes place between Iraq and the UN coalition.
1996
Earth scientists announce the discovery that a Mars meteorite may contain fossilized evidence of primitive bacterial life. While the findings are considered inconclusive, the possibility that life may exist or have once existed on the Red Planet adds urgency to Martian exploration efforts.
1999
Astronomers make the first direct observation of an extrasolar planet passing in front of a star, leading scientists to conclude that planetary systems may be a common phenomenon in the galaxy and boosting optimism that intelligent life exists elsewhere.
Post-Industrial Age
2000
The first resident crew of the International Space Station Alpha launches into orbit, establishing a permanent human presence in space. Mankind is no longer a purely planet-bound species.
2001
A terrorist attack on the United States leaves thousands of innocent civilians dead, a horrific tragedy that forces all nations of the world to re-evaluate their values and priorities, and galvanizes the people of Earth to strive harder to put their differences behind them.
The USS Enterprise CVN-65 is the first military vessel to combat the War Against Terrorism proposed by the United States of America.
2002
The Mars 2001 Odyssey probe discovers high levels of solid water on Mars, as well as an extreme radiation belt in orbit giving the manned mission to Mars another set-back.
A terrorist attack on the holiday island of Bali kills over one hundred people and demonstrates that no-one is safe from terrorism anywhere in the world. Terrorism continues to one of its worst levels in the region of Israel.
2003
In the same week of the year as the destruction of the Challenger, NASA's space shuttle Colombia breaks up during re-entry 62km above the surface of Earth at 11 times the speed of sound, just minutes before it was due to land.
5 years of diplomatic talks between Iraq and the UN are exhausted and a security council vote for a military resolution is made. France and Russia veto, but the US, Britain and Australia lead a coalition of 30 nations to remove the ruling regime of Iraq and bring prosperity to the people of Iraq.
2004
China independently launches a Human into space becoming one of only three nations to do so.
2006
NASA launches a testing mission into space demonstrating formation flying.
2008
The first nuclear-powered-engine probe is launched by NASA, taking a lander to Venus in record time.
2009
The International Space Station, nicknamed Space Station Alpha, is completed. It's cost was extremely higher than anticipated at $25billion.
2012
The Laser Interferometry Space Antenae satellite is launched.
2013
The Europa Orbiter reaches Europa and begins its analysis.
2014
The Sydney Summit takes place voting in more powers and funding for the United Nations. Some nations drop out of the UN.
2015
The Terrestrial Planet Finder is launched into Earth Orbit. The satellite discovers hundreds of new companions in near-by star systems, some that are a few of times larger than Earth. However, the satellite isn't as powerful as orginally thought.
China sends a Human to the moon.
2016
A new space shuttle from the X-99 series is launched for the first time called the Venture-class of Space Shuttles.
The popularity of the Chinese moon landing reinvigorates NASA and a Lunar Base, called Lunar 1, is proposed to assist interplanetary travel.
2017
The Europa Penetrator lands on Europa and begins its 14 month descent through the icey crust.
2018
The first true Artificial Intelligence is created.
The Europa Descender manages to break through the crust and enters an underwater world full of primitive life and bacteria. The Descender catalogues a small section of Europa's ecosystem and discovers that the liquid water has a high melaticity, which would be fatal to most life-forms on Earth. After five days of transmitting, half of its designated schedule, NASA loses contact with the probe.
The Venture shuttle performs maintenance on the Terrestrial Planet Finder and installs new hardware.
2019
The Terrestrial Planet Finder is finally heralded a success after discovering Earth-size and even Mars-size planets in nearby star systems.
The TPF discovers close evidence of a terrestrial planet orbiting Delta Pavonis over 19 light-years away.
2021
The Deep Space III probe is launched with an atomic engine, which catalogues the composition of many near-Earth asteroids at record breaking speeds.
2022
An update of all terms and classifications of celestial bodies and regions is made by the astronomy society. The Sol System now has just 8 planets as Pluto is downgraded to a minor-planet. The term 'moon' becomes a classification-name and as such, the Earth's moon is officially named Lunar.
2023
The Terrestrial Planet Finder discovers an terrestrial planet in the Eta Cassiopeiae system.
2024
The Terrestrial Planet Finder makes a discovery of an terrestrial planet in the Asterion system.
2025
A small scale orbital microwave power station is launched into orbit of Earth and is highly successful.
2028
Lunar 1 station is completed on the moon. Most interplanetary craft use this station as a waypoint and a permanent Human presence on the Moon is established.
2029
Another discovery of an terrestrial planet, detected by the Terrestrial Planet Finder, is found in the Beta Comae Berenices system.
2030
Funded by the USA, the UN begins a 15 year project to develop an Orbital Space Elevator at a cost of $US10bill.
2032
The first stage of the Orbital Elevator begins as an exhausted natural gas platform is moved to the equator just off the coast of Equador and construction begins to convert it into the base anchor or 'Alpha Site'. Japan joins the joint UN initiative and begins construction of the carbon-nanotube cable.
2033
The Terrestrial Planet Finder discovers an terrestrial planet in the Alpha Mensae system.
2034
The Terrestrial Planet Finder is decomissioned after repeated malfunctions.
2035
As construction of Alpha Site of the Orbital Elevator is completed, a Venture Orbiter deploys the initial stage of the 40cm thick - 30,000km long carbon-nanotube cable. Using laser guidence, the cable reaches Alpha Site and is securely attached.
2036
Climbers begin attaching more carbon-nanotubes to the Space Elevator cable enabling it to carry larger payloads.
Many Venture Shuttle launches are cancelled due to high-expectations of the Space Elevator.
2038
The first cold fusion reaction is made by scientists in France.
2042
Cold fusion power is finally perfected and commercially distributed. Cold fusion power plants begin construction around the world.
2043
The Space Elevator is completed two years ahead of schedule and saves investors $US1bill, by costing 90% of its allocated budget. The first 3 years of its schedule are already booked up with almost 1,000 bookings.
2044
The Manhatten Summit takes place in New York voting in strong military resources and higher powers for the United Nations. Many nations are against this controversial act. Nations such as the UK, much of the EU, much of Asia and the Middle East opt out of the UN.
2045
The Millennium Spire is completed in Washington. At a height of 5,400m, it is the single tallest structure ever constructed by Humans.
2046
A new Terrestrial Planet Finder telescope is launched. However, it experiences more problems.
2049
The Terrestrial Planet Finder v2.01 is finally perfected. This year it collates a planetary portrait of the local region of stars.
2050
The Britannia Federation is founded by the United Kingdom.
In extended mission year 2, the TPF2 examines the new terrestrial planets with more detail.
2051
In extended mission year 3, the TPF2 takes a planetary portrait of the new terrestrial planets systems and nearby systems.
2052
The TPF2 looses power and crashlands into the pacific ocean.
Two of the three US Venture Shuttles are sold to China. One remains in the US for emergency flights.
2053
An X-ray and optical telescope begins construction on the far side of the Moon.
The money given by investors of the Space Elevator is doubled just one decade after its completion.
2054
All Space Elevator traffic is postponed as an 8 month refitting project is begun. The cable's width is increased to 3 metres, now capable of delivering a payload of up to 50 tons.
2056
Russia enters a new major economic crisis.
2057
The network of Solar power (microwave) stations prove very cheap and effective method of energy for developing nations.
2059
Using the Orbital Space Elevator to launch the ship, the first Human crew is sent to Mars. The travel time is reduced to one month using an atomic engine. They stay on the surface of Mars for six months and conduct hundreds of experiments and missions. One of China's Venture shuttles is retired.
2062
The Russian government falls amid a severe economic crisis. Many sections of the former Russian Federation become independent nations. 24 new nations take the place of the Russian Federation. The original Russia maintains control of a 120km diametre perimetre surrounding Moscow. This causes global economic fluctuations.
2064
The US releases its next generation launch vehicle called the Liberty Class.
2065
The first automated Robotic Structure Assembly AI units are launched, which create a mining facility on a near-Earth asteroid and begin mining.
The space tourism market officially opens.
2067
After the second year of profit losses, the Robotic Mining proves unfeasable.
2068
An additional support cable is launched and attached to Alpha Site, which is to be used by support craft and emergency vehicles.
2070
The post-Russian nations fall into poverty. Global foreign aid is provided.
2072
Asteroid mining becomes effecient and profitable with a new line of mining vessels and equipment.
2074
A second Orbital Elevator begins construction.
2075
The majority of Earth's natural resources, notably coal, oil and gas, are depleted. Fortunately, enough cold fusion reactors and Solar power stations were contructed in preparation. Many nation's economies begin to fluctuate, particularly countries that produce much of the exhausted resources.
2077
The Economic Stability Act (ESA) is established by the Europeon Union as it is reformed.
2079
Scientists announce the discovery of a gene in the Human genome that is the main cause of aging. If this gene is manipulated to its extremity, it can reduce aging by a considerable percentage, while increasing the average life span of a Human to up to 200 years.
2080
A second Orbital Elevator is completed. The cable on Orbital Elevator B is measured at 10 metres in diametre, enough to lift 180 ton payloads at a time.
2082
As more attention is placed upon Orbital Elevator B due to its high payload, Elevator A eventually transforms into a passenger transporter.
2099
A drug that manipulates the gene that causes aging so quick is distributed to governments all over the world. The drug is used on all females of any age. However, it will not effect the individual, it will instead effect all newborn children. Not all countries accept the new plan due to religions beliefs. This gene manipulation is instrumental in the upcoming colonial era, for higher population growth.
Interplanetary Age
2100
The first Lunar city is completed called Tycho City.
2102
Centuries of research have finally payed off, as UN scientists finally announce to the world that they have constructed the first anti-gravity generator. However, these generators consume a considerable quantity of power.
Qin-Li Xian is born.
2105
Deuterium mining begins in the Jovian system.
2108
A man in the middle east claims to be a prophet of god. With wild ideas, great knowledge and radical beliefs, he amasses a large following throughout the middle east and spreading into some parts of Asia. He preaches a religion called Ilum, which is very similar to, and a merging of popular middle eastern religions.
2110
The first Lunar Olympics are held. The Lunar Olympics I draw massive crowds on Lunar to watch the superhuman abilities of the athletes in low gravity.
2114
In a violent coup, Ilum seizes power in Iran and eventually takes control of the surrounding nations. The new Ilum nations bomb Israel and completely overwhelm the country. The UN steps in and makes stratigic strikes. However strong support in these regions, including Israel, renounce the attacks as they embrace their new leadership and the UN reluctantly withdraws.
Israel is Assimilated by the Ilum Nations.
2119
The first nanobots are created. However, their utilisation is limited due to the processing power required to operate them.
2122
The Xian Dynasty in China is begun. China struggled technologically in the 20th and 21st century, seemingly behind all other major powers. At just age 20, Emporer Xian starts a burst of technological enlightenment, while keeping all the traditions of China. The Xian Empire is also formed, uniting China with United Korea, Mongolia and Taiwan.
2123
In a massive rally, Ilum manages to get the support of the majority of the middle east and some parts of Asia.
Using information from the UN's anti-gravity generators, the Xian Imperial Research Division (XIRD) manages to create a low-powered anti-gravity system for use in deck plating. This will be most commonly used in space to provide suitable artificial gravity to lifeforms.
2124
Ilum unites the people of the middle east and some parts of Asia putting an end to ongoing hostilities in the region. He forms a Federation called the Ilum Believers. Many believers are influenced by the fact of his slow aging. When he first began his campaign, he claimed he was 30 years old, while he looked more like 20. In this year, he would be 18 years older at age 48, but still only looks like he's in his mid twenties. Scientists can rule out that he was genetically modified by the aging-gene drug since he would have been born a year before the announcement of the gene's discovery or 21 years before the drug came on the market.
Ilum separates their territory allowing for the formation of Kurdistan, which the Kurds have been requesting for centuries. Ilum demand that Turkey separate their territory also for Kurdistan. A large area of Turkey becomes disputed as a Kurd uprising in the region is spawned.
2125
Ilum invades Turkey to seize the land for the Kurds. The EU is reluctant to interfere as Turkey opted out of the Union. The UN attempts to end the conflict diplomatically, while the Xian Empire remains neutral. Turkey falls to the might of the Ilum and is forced to grant the land to Kurdistan. Ilum takes government control of Turkey.
2126
Turkey is reformed into Turkistan. The Ilum withdraws from Turkistan and a new local government is formed.
2128
The Xian Empire proposes a Mars terraforming project and begins talks with the UN for use of the Orbital Elevators.
United Korea and Burma are merged into the Xian Empire.
2129
The Xian Empire speaks to all nations regarding the terraforming project and 'ownership' of the terraformed Mars. 95% of the nations the Xian Empire spoke to accepted the plan. Xian will provide almost all of the financing behind the terraforming project, and as such will gain 50% of the ownership of the surface of the terraformed Mars.
2130
The Xian Empire launch the first ship with artificial-gravity plating and proves tremendously successful.
2131
With the help of the new anti-gravity generators, the UN creates the first force field using cold plasma.
2132
The Orbital Space Elevator's climbers get upgraded with antigrav struts to reduce its weight, allowing for much heavier payloads. Apart from deck plating, this is the first conventional use of anti-gravity on Earth.
2133
A US space tourism company called the Daystrome Institute completes construction of a replica USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A from the popular television series from the 20th century Star Trek. The vessel is capable of Earth orbit to Lunar orbit trips and holds a compliment of 200 crew and passengers. This is the first tourism space vessel to use artificial-gravity deck plating.
2134
A schedule window opens up on the Orbital Elevator for the Xian to begin the Mars Terraforming Project. Construction of four 125km diametre Solar mirrors begin, which will be converted into microwave power stations after the terraforming is complete. The mirrors could provide tens of terrawatts of power continuously(?).
2136
Thailand joins with the Xian Empire.
2141
With the popular success of the Daystrome Institute's USS Enterprise, a rival company completes construction of a replica Millennium Falcon from the most popular motion picture series of the 20th century Star Wars. For a hefty price, the highly manauverable vessel performs various acts for its five passengers and undergoes 10 trips per day.
2142
The first interplanetary vessels to use low-level cold-plasma shields directed by an electro-magnetic field are launched. These non-military vessels use the shields to prevent the penetration of radiation of deep Sol System space. This shield becomes common place in all space vessels in the decades to come, as several people have died and hundreds of people have suffered from radiation poisoning in interplanetary travel over the last century.
2150
Vietnam merges with the Xian Empire.
2168
The construction of the Mars Terraforming Project mirrors are complete and the project begins by using the mirrors to melt the CO^2 polar caps.
2172
Tachyon research reaches a breakthrough as scientists successfully create the first known massless particle, which has no speed limit. A tachyon is an proton or neutron that doesn't have a graviton sub-particle.
2189
Research continues into application of tachyons, such as using them for computer and communication systems.
Earth Degradation Age
2191
An atmospheric phenomenon caused by pollution levels forms a storm that envelopes most of Earth in a climatic chain reaction invariance for many days. From this point forth, Earth's atmosphere begins to degrade as poisonous gasses in the air increase and weather patterns become volatile.
2195
The Quantum Radio is created using quantum entanglement. It proves invaluable in space because of its instantaneous communication threshold.
2197
The Britannia Federation announces a plan to send ten million colonists to the terrestrial planet orbiting Eta Cassiopeiae using an engine capable of reaching speeds of up to 25% of the speed of light.
2199
The San Diego Summit is held. During the meeting, the terrestrial planets available to each empire is identified.
