Author Topic: Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin  (Read 8432 times)

Offline Norm38

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Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin
« on: 04/04/2019 02:41 am »
Thought I'd throw this out here, for those who are interested.  Robert Zubrin has a new book coming out.  I'm interested to get his take on where SpaceX and the industry overall is at now. 
I remember being so excited after reading A Case for Mars.  23 years later and we're not there yet, but it feels like we're a lot closer now.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/604933/the-case-for-space-by-robert-zubrin/9781633885349/

Quote
About The Case for Space

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 the rivals in this case are not superpowers but competing entrepreneurs. These daring pioneers are creating a revolution in spaceflight that promises to transform the near future. Astronautical engineer Robert Zubrin spells out the potential of these new developments in an engrossing narrative that is visionary 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. The new generation of space explorers has already achieved a major breakthrough by creating reusable rockets. Zubrin foresees more 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; human settlements on Mars, the asteroids, and the moons of the outer planets; and then, breaking all limits, pushing onward to the stars.

Zubrin 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 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.
« Last Edit: 04/04/2019 02:43 am by Norm38 »

Offline Slarty1080

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My optimistic hope is that it will become cool to really think about things... rather than just doing reactive bullsh*t based on no knowledge (Brian Cox)

Offline spacebandits

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Re: Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin
« Reply #2 on: 04/18/2019 04:53 pm »
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to this having read both of his first two books, seen many of his speeches online and also gone through his Moon Direct plans multiple times. Like you said, I'm keen to know his thoughts on SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Hopefully it also comes out on Kindle!

Got to add Space Barons to my list as well, Slarty. Have you read that Rocket Billionaires book by Tim Fernholz? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rocket-Billionaires-Elon-Bezos-Space/dp/1328592812

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin
« Reply #3 on: 06/15/2019 05:35 am »

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin
« Reply #4 on: 06/15/2019 08:26 am »
A so-so review by Jeff Foust: http://www.thespacereview.com/article/3710/1

Offline libra

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Re: Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin
« Reply #5 on: 06/15/2019 09:33 am »
For all of Zubrin flaws (diplomacy is really not his cup of tea) history will retain that the Mars Society effort was not made in vain and somewhat kickstarted SpaceX.

In May 2001 at a Society conference with Zubrin and James Cameron, a young Elon Musk flush with Paypal money exposed his own project (to grow a crop on Mars, and broadcast that on the Internet), got encouragements and support, gave 100 000 $ to the Society, and went on to find a rocket to launch his crop to the Red Planet.

The events that followed over the next year (Adeo Ressi, and those naughty  Russians ! ;) ) led to the foundation of SpaceX.

Fast forward 18 years later, to the day, Musk started testing his Mars rocket.

 I do hope Zubrin is aware of all this, and happy enough about it. With some luck, being born in 1952 he will live long enough to hitch a ride on a Starship within the next 15 years.

Offline Lars-J

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Re: Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin
« Reply #6 on: 06/16/2019 07:54 am »
My opinion: Zubrin’s personality is so toxic that he has done more to harm then help Mars exploration in the last couple of decades. Having enough fans to fund his Mars society has not translated to any real progress that he has caused.

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin
« Reply #7 on: 10/25/2019 05:26 am »

Offline Oersted

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Re: Book - The Case for Space, by Robert Zubrin
« Reply #8 on: 10/25/2019 09:22 pm »
I read it and liked it a lot. Lots of meat on the space-related stuff (first 90% of the book) and some really intrigueing final chapters with historical perspectives (mostly rehashed from his earlier book Merchants of Despair).

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