Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization
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Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization is a nonfiction book by Robert Zubrin, published in 1999.
The book details Zubrin's ambitious plans for space exploration. It starts with an overview of the current status of space exploration. It then goes into detail about exploration of the Moon, Mars, the outer solar system, and beyond. The book uses engineering and mathematical concepts that are explained in layman's terms.
Contents |
[edit] Modern exploration
The first chapters of the book are dedicated to current and near-future space projects. Zubrin explains that exploration is part of human nature, and today's space projects are the modern equivalents of the ancient voyages of exploration. Zubrin then talks about his own experience in the aerospace industry. He mentions several modern projects, most notably the development of a Single-stage to orbit vehicle. More projects for the near-future are mentioned, including further space station development.
[edit] The Moon
See main article Colonization of the Moon.
The chapter on the Moon is mostly spent discussing nuclear fusion. Zubrin explains that Helium-3 deposited on the moon by the solar wind could be an excellent fuel for nuclear fusion. Much of this chapter is spent discussing chemistry that would be vital to a moon base.
[edit] Mars
See main article Human colonization of Mars.
This chapter discusses Mars, a subject that is very important to Zubrin. Most of this chapter is a summary of what was covered in his book The Case for Mars. Zubrin believes that Mars is the next great frontier, and that it can be reached for a (relatively) low price using his Mars Direct plan.
[edit] Asteroids and the outer solar system
See main article colonization of the outer solar system.
The section of this book discussing asteroids tells the story of past impacts on Earth, and how to prevent future disasters. Zubrin mentions a mission he designed that could be used to deflect an asteroid.
The colonization of the outer solar system, like that of the moon, would be based around Helium-3. There are larger deposits of it in the gas giant planets. Nuclear thermal rocket vehicles are mentioned, as well as plans to settle the icy moons of the outer solar system.
[edit] Interstellar travel
The final chapters of the book are dedicated to advanced forms of propulsion and the future of humanity in space. Antimatter propulsion and solar sails are mentioned as means of interstellar travel. These chapters also cover the terraforming of alien planets and detection of alien life elsewhere in the galaxy.
