posted 09-20-2018 05:48 AM               

A noted space expert explains the current revolution in spaceflight, where it leads, and why we need it.

A new space race has begun. But this one is not between rival superpowers but competing entrepreneurs. And these daring pioneers are creating a revolution in spaceflight that promises to transform the near future. Noted astronomical engineer Robert Zubrin spells out the exciting potentials of these new developments in an engrossing narrative that is both visionary and yet grounded by a deep understanding of the practical challenges.

Fueled by the combined expertise of the old aerospace industry and the talents of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, spaceflight is becoming cheaper and cheaper. The new generation of space explorers has already achieved a breakthrough in the reusable rocket. Starting with this major achievement, Zubrin foresees rapid innovation, including global travel from any point on Earth to another in an hour or less, orbital hotels, moon-bases with incredible space observatories, and human settlements on other planets of the solar system.

Based on decades of research into the technology of space travel, the author shows how projects that sound like science fiction can actually become reality. But beyond the how, he makes an even more compelling case for why we need to do this — to increase our knowledge of the universe, to make unforeseen discoveries on new frontiers, to harness the natural resources of other planets, to safeguard the Earth from stray asteroids, to ensure the future of humanity by expanding beyond its home base, and to protect us from being catastrophically set against each other by the false belief that there isn't enough for all.

• Hardcover: 336 pages
  
• Prometheus Books (June 11, 2019)
  
• ISBN-10: 1633885348
  
• ISBN-13: 978-1633885349

posted 05-27-2019 10:39 PM            

Although Dr. Zubrin is known for his work regarding Mars, this book is very broad in scope. It briefly describes a wide selection of activities that can be done in space and why they must be done.