starship-design: Hi, from a newbie

["Sci" <scifox@asylum30.freeserve.co.uk>]

Hi, I'm new to this list, so I thought I'd say hello to start with.  My
name's Peter and I've had an interest in space travel for as long as I can
remember.  For just over a year and a half I've been working with high
vacuum equipment, so I have a bit of a hardware bent on the subject, and
amoung other ideas, I have thoughts on a modular, vacuum-tight construction
system.
I currently reside in Hastings, UK, but will shortly be moving back to
London.


I did have a question also, sorta to kick it all off.  Does anyone have any
idea what sort of population base would be required for a collony?  Not just
for the people, but for the livestock and whathaveyou.  I can see problems
with genetic diversity and so on, if the starting populations are too small.
Worse case situation, they may be stuck on that world for good.


My best wishes, and hoping this is not off-topic or anything,

Peter