Beyond Earth: our path to a new home in the planets

Planetary scientist Hendrix and writer Wohlforth weave scientific research with fascinating speculation to paint a picture of how and why humankind might spread to other planets. They take into account technology, psychology, politics, and more, concluding that humans' first colony will most likely be on Saturn's moon Titan. Their arguments for Titan are simple: it offers radiation protection, lakes of hydrocarbons for fuel, and an atmosphere that eliminates the need for pressurized suits. In addition to basic survival requirements, the authors tackle the problems unique to prolonged human spaceflight and reasons for planetary colonization. They predict that something drastic would have to happen on Earth to motivate humans to seek another home. To that end, the book's fictional sections become an account of global conflict, a fresh start on Titan, and eventual habitation among the stars. These future speculations read like a decades-spanning, dystopian sci-fi adventure. The authors' unsophisticated takes on global conflict are somewhat disappointing, but they do raise important questions about support for biotech-based eugenics and how it may be employed in space colonization. On the whole, the fictional chapters are entertaining, chilling, and put the science in a more human context. The two halves work together to create a striking, reality-based possible future that's seen through the lens of current knowledge. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

This extrapolative title is environment and science writer Wohlforth's (The Whale and the Supercomputer) tenth and planetary scientist Hendrix's first. Well researched, the volume takes the compelling approach of discussing current and planned explorations of the solar system, then -projects this work into a future scenario narrative that plays out over segments in each chapter. Sociology is a significant underpinning as well, with the authors "[relying] on our knowledge of people's tendency for dumb decisions, selfish drives, and messy politics." Wohlforth and Hendrix see dangerous climate change on Earth, which will beget oppressive political regimes and upheavals, as almost inevitable and the likely main driver for developing human settlements on other planets or moons. The writers have a clear and stated bias against NASA, or at least what the organization does with current funding and personnel; this view at times can be rather intrusive. -VERDICT Written in lay language with clear explanations of planetary research, this offering will appeal to readers of environmental or space topics. The pessimistic slant is offset by rays of hope that keep audiences engaged.-Sara R. -Tompson, Jet -Propulsion Laboratory Lib., Archives & Records -Section, -Pasadena, CA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

An assessment of the prospects for establishing a future space colony.While this is not yet on the radar screen, Wohlforth (The Fate of Nature: Rediscovering Our Ability to Rescue the Earth, 2010, etc.) and Hendrix, a planetary scientist who worked at NASAs propulsion laboratory, believe that such a long-term goal is needed to provide a focus for NASA, which is currently massively underfunded. As they note, even an imaginary space colony decades off would provide a goal, a lodestar, to help align mission planners designs to the future. The authors also explore the commercial potential for financing such a mission, beginning with space tourism. Saturns moon Titan appears to be the best candidate for such a colony because of its Earth-like environment and available energy. Apart from Earth, it is unique in the solar system in having surface liquids. Venture capitalist Elon Musk, the founder and owner of SpaceX, is a central character in this story. The mission of the company is to mass-produce rockets fast, reliably, cheaply, and get them to space right now, following the model of car manufacturers. The authors admit that the company is attempting to implement technologies first developed by NASA but with major cost reductions. In their opinion, the difference is Musks entrepreneurial spirit, in contrast to NASAs bureaucracyalthough like NASA in the aftermath of the Challenger explosion, SpaceX is facing financial problems. Aside from technological issues that are still to be resolved, a more serious problem is the potential physical danger to astronautse.g., the effects of cosmic radiation and weightlessness over long time periods. The authors successfully combine a visionary approach to space colonization with the practicalities facing the program now. Their conclusion that NASA should focus on stretch technology, leaving the rest to the private sector, is controversial but worthy of serious consideration. A welcome contribution to the ongoing discussion of the future of Americas space program. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Los Angeles Book Prize winner Wohlforth and Hendrix, a planetary scientist who worked for 12 years at NASA's Propulsion Laboratory (and whose original research undergirds much of this book) join forces to describe the future of space travel. With a six-city tour.

This extrapolative title is environment and science writer Wohlforth's (The Whale and the Supercomputer) tenth and planetary scientist Hendrix's first. Well researched, the volume takes the compelling approach of discussing current and planned explorations of the solar system, then projects this work into a future scenario narrative that plays out over segments in each chapter. Sociology is a significant underpinning as well, with the authors "[relying] on our knowledge of people's tendency for dumb decisions, selfish drives, and messy politics." Wohlforth and Hendrix see dangerous climate change on Earth, which will beget oppressive political regimes and upheavals, as almost inevitable and the likely main driver for developing human settlements on other planets or moons. The writers have a clear and stated bias against NASA, or at least what the organization does with current funding and personnel; this view at times can be rather intrusive. VERDICT Written in lay language with clear explanations of planetary research, this offering will appeal to readers of environmental or space topics. The pessimistic slant is offset by rays of hope that keep audiences engaged.—Sara R. Tompson, Jet Propulsion Laboratory Lib., Archives & Records Section, Pasadena, CA

Planetary scientist Hendrix and writer Wohlforth weave scientific research with fascinating speculation to paint a picture of how and why humankind might spread to other planets. They take into account technology, psychology, politics , and more, concluding that humans' first colony will most likely be on Saturn's moon Titan. Their arguments for Titan are simple: it offers radiation protection, lakes of hydrocarbons for fuel, and an atmosphere that eliminates the need for pressurized suits. In addition to basic survival requirements, the authors tackle the problems unique to prolonged human spaceflight and reasons for planetary colonization. They predict that something drastic would have to happen on Earth to motivate humans to seek another home. To that end, the book's fictional sections become an account of global conflict, a fresh start on Titan, and eventual habitation among the stars. These future speculations read like a decades-spanning, dystopian sci-fi adventure. The authors' unsophisticated takes on global conflict are somewhat disappointing, but they do raise important questions about support for biotech-based eugenics and how it may be employed in space colonization. On the whole, the fictional chapters are entertaining, chilling, and put the science in a more human context. The two halves work together to create a striking, reality-based possible future that's seen through the lens of current knowledge. (Nov.)