David Whitehouse
From the author of the acclaimed Apollo 11: The Inside Story – our next fifty years of space exploration.
The thirteenth person to walk on the Moon is already in training, and for a very different purpose than in 1969. The aim is to harvest ice in the lunar craters for oxygen and water that will supply a Moonbase as well as providing rocket fuel in the form of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Lunar explorers will also search for ‘The Peak of Eternal Light’, a mountain that may catch the Sun’s rays all year round. That would allow continuous access to solar power. The Moon could become the solar system’s filling station and be at the heart of manned exploration of our galactic neighbourhood. And once the Moonbase is established, we can set our sights on Mars …
Half a century after Apollo 11 we have still not returned to the Moon, but that is about to change. The thirteenth person to walk on the Moon could soon be part of a crew establishing a base on the lip of a crater at the lunar south pole.
The discovery of ice in the eternal shadows of the polar regions transforms our ability to live on the Moon. From bases on the Moon we can make the long, lonely and dangerous voyage to Mars, where there is also ice. The obstacles are many, not least the fragilities of the human body. And what type of world would the first Mars explorers find?
Science journalist David Whitehouse – with his ‘reporter’s gift for uncomplicated storytelling’ (Financial Times) – presents a mind-expanding tour of humanity’s future in space over the next 50 years.
‘A skilful history of space exploration … A realist, Whitehouse emphasizes that, without a major breakthrough in rocket technology, travel to Mars will test the limits of human endurance and willingness to bear the expense. His forecast for 2069 is a struggling 18-man international base on Mars. China will have its own. A fine overview of the past and future of human space exploration.’ Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
‘It is rare to read something that so closely mixes science fiction with reality, SPACE 2069 does just that… it packs a sizeable punch. It affords us an intelligent portrait of where we may be in the next half century: from an Antarctica-like set-up of international Moon bases to outposts on the Red Planet. After reading this book you will be left with a glimpse of a future which far from utopian, but certainly offers a sense of realism for what the next 50 years might hold.’ BBC Sky at Night
‘Science journalist Whitehouse forecasts what awaits the American space program over the next 50 years in this vivid outing… Whitehouse takes care to show that the American space program still faces plenty of issues, from the psychological stresses of space travel, to the competition presented by China’s program… Space fans will find plenty to spark their imaginations.’ Publishers Weekly
‘In 1969, humans first walked on the Moon. Now, halfway towards Apollo 11’s 100 year anniversary, this is the best time to track how much space exploration has evolved, and to analyse the progress that is likely to be made by 2069. Whitehouse has done just that, combining the history of space travel with his expert knowledge to predict the next 50 years. Accounts from the future could be mistaken for fiction, but each insight is based on current scientific findings, the space industry’s progression and confirmed future missions. What makes this book so gripping is the vision of what could truly be made possible. Whitehouse takes you on a three-part journey. The first outlines the importance of the 2024 mission that will take us back to the Moon. The second tackles the hardships that may be faced in safely placing people on Mars and utilising space tourism. The third explores beyond what is planned. How far will space travel take us? Where are our limits? The final chapters set your imagination rocketing. SPACE 2069 is a book that looks to the future just enough to fascinate, but not too much as to be unrealistic. It is ideal for all space enthusiasts who want to learn more about significant past missions, the true possibilities and the hurdles that will stand before our future goals.’ * Five star review, How it Works Magazine
‘Rich, topical and informative’ Physics World
Sales
- Icon Books UK (WEL)
- Audio: WF Howes
Material: final PDF and picture plate section (270pp)