Portland Public Library

Mankind beyond Earth, the history, science, and future of human space exploration, Claude A. Piantadosi

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-268) and index

mapsillustrations

index present

non fiction

Mankind beyond Earth

bibliography

794366448

Claude A. Piantadosi

the history, science, and future of human space exploration

"Seeking to reenergize Americans' passion for the space program, the value of further exploration of the Moon, and the importance of human beings on the final frontier, Claude A. Piantadosi presents a rich history of American space exploration and its major achievements. He emphasizes the importance of reclaiming national command of our manned program and continuing our unmanned space missions, and he stresses the many adventures that still await us in the unfolding universe. Acknowledging space exploration's practical and financial obstacles, Piantadosi challenges us to revitalize American leadership in space exploration in order to reap its scientific bounty. Piantadosi explains why space exploration, a captivating story of ambition, invention, and discovery, is also increasingly difficult and why space experts always seem to disagree. He argues that the future of the space program requires merging the practicalities of exploration with the constraints of human biology. Space science deals with the unknown, and the margin (and budget) for error is small. Lethal near-vacuum conditions, deadly cosmic radiation, microgravity, vast distances, and highly scattered resources remain immense physical problems. To forge ahead, America needs to develop affordable space transportation and flexible exploration strategies based in sound science. Piantadosi closes with suggestions for accomplishing these goals, combining his healthy skepticism as a scientist with an unshakable belief in space's untapped--and wholly worthwhile--potential."--Publisher's Web site

A short introduction to the science of space exploration -- PART 1: HINDSIGHT AND FORESIGHT -- Men and machines -- A space lexicon -- The explorers -- Twentieth-century space -- Back to the Moon -- PART 2: A HOME AWAY FROM HOME -- Living off the land -- Round and round it goes ... where it stops, nobody knows -- By force of gravity -- The cosmic ray dilemma -- Tiny bubbles -- PART 3: WHERE ARE WE GOING? -- The case for Mars -- Big planets, dwarf planets, and small bodies -- New stars, new planets