Interstellar Colonisation - Take your time

[Worldtree]

All of the above happen in OA, just a different rates.
Unmanned probes/AI/Von Neumanns make up the first wave of travelers and explorers, certainly.
Usually a bit later, biological colonists might follow.

These articles might help.

Commerce
http://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/485a9939c3ef8

Colonists (colonization early in the setting)
http://www.orionsarm.com/xcms.php?r=oaeg...35e71ad525

Interstellar colonization early in the setting
http://www.orionsarm.com/eg-topic/45b2e060b234a

Engenerator Technology ("beaming of colonists")
http://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/4a3d78dc77e6f

Colonization in OA's "Present day"
http://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/479bc6d708753