Rating: Summary: interesting ideas could have been written better Review: This book covers a great deal of topics on the subject of exploring near outer space. I enjoyed the descriptions of what it would be like to walk on an asteroid, with all its gravitational variations. He also discusses some details of specific known asteroids. He covers the chemistry and energy requirements for first steps of exploration. However, I enjoyed Robert Zubrin's "Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization." Zubrin covers the chemistry, energy and cost requirements also. But his book is organized, and written much better. Lewis repeats whole passages in this book, and many sections can easily be skipped without missing any information. He attemps to lure the reader with science-fiction-like narrative. Except for one, I did not find it that interesting. There is great deal for free on line about each interesting asteroid that is more detailed than what is offered in this book. I was disappointed.
Rating: Summary: Great book Review: This book is entertaining and mind-expanding. The opportunity for exploitation of near-Earth resources is apparent. Dr. Lewis supports his assertions with good science and broad foresight. This is a great job of presenting both the scientific and social benefits of using space resources.The future is built upon visionary ideas, not always immediately appreciated. This book makes a convincing case for advancing beyond the confines of this planet and how such an exodus is not only practical, but may well be profitable.
Rating: Summary: Pretty good, but a little slow at times Review: This book is extremely interesting and contains a wealth of useful information. The way the author begins each chapter with a tiny fictionalized section is a nice touch. And the chapter dealing with how the exploitation of space resources can be used to help solve some of Earth's environmental problems is very good. There are a few complaints. The author is an expert on asteroids, and spends the bulk of the book discussing them at the expense of the Moon, Mars and the outer planets. Mercury, a potential source of energy due to its proximity to the Sun, is not even mentioned. And terraforming is likewise ignored. Still, a good book which I would recommend to anyone interested in space colonization.
Rating: Summary: Decent Review: This is a decent book, but it isn't as cohesive as I was hoping. The individual chapters are almost like seperate ariticles strung together. An interesting read, but not as good as 'The Millenial Project'. On the other hand it is more hard science then the other book.
Rating: Summary: Reason in the Sky Review: This is a fascinating integration of science, technology and business. The author makes an excellent case for the necessity, feasibility and promise of free market space exploration and exploitation. His justification is the long-range goal of self-sufficient space flight, which he contrasts eloquently with the wasteful, short-term and politically-motivated excursions of the last 40 years. A number of facts may surprise you: the amount of information garnered from extensive research into the subject; the amount of considerate planning scientists and businessmen have devoted to the prospect; and how soon profitable space-mining could begin. The author, one of the field's leading scientist-businessmen, is well-qualified to present the material. I found the book's wealth of scientific data overwhelming at times. Readers more familiar with physics and chemistry will find it easier to read. Nonetheless, the scientific data is important to support the author's "conservative" (his word) projections of how much wealth we can create by "mining the sky." There is some poor explicit philosophy in the concluding chapters. Be aware of it and disregard it-it does nothing to advance or discredit his primary thesis: that the sky-indeed, the universe-is ours for the taking.
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