Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization by Robert Zubrin (1999)
Overview
Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization is a 1999 book authored by Robert Zubrin, an aerospace engineer and advocate for human exploration of Mars. The book explores the technical, economic, and sociopolitical aspects of establishing a human presence in space, with a particular focus on Mars colonization. Zubrin presents a comprehensive plan for transforming humanity into a spacefaring civilization, detailing the necessary technologies, strategies, and policies.
Background
Robert Zubrin is a prominent figure in the field of aerospace engineering and space advocacy. He is the founder of the Mars Society, an organization dedicated to promoting the exploration and settlement of Mars. Zubrin's work is heavily influenced by his belief that humanity's future lies in space, and Entering Space serves as a manifesto for this vision.
Technological Foundations
Zubrin begins by discussing the technological foundations necessary for space exploration. He emphasizes the importance of rocket propulsion systems, including chemical rockets, nuclear thermal rockets, and ion propulsion. Zubrin argues that advancements in these technologies are crucial for reducing the cost and increasing the feasibility of space travel.
Chemical Rockets
Chemical rockets, which use chemical reactions to produce thrust, are the most mature technology for space travel. Zubrin discusses the history and development of chemical rockets, from the early V-2 rocket to modern Space Shuttle engines. He highlights the limitations of chemical rockets, such as their relatively low specific impulse and high cost per kilogram of payload.
Nuclear Thermal Rockets
Nuclear thermal rockets (NTRs) use nuclear reactions to heat a propellant, typically hydrogen, which is then expelled to produce thrust. Zubrin argues that NTRs offer significant advantages over chemical rockets, including higher specific impulse and greater efficiency. He discusses the history of NTR development, including the NERVA program, and outlines the technical challenges that must be overcome to make NTRs a viable option for space travel.
Ion Propulsion
Ion propulsion systems use electric fields to accelerate ions, producing thrust. These systems offer extremely high specific impulse and are highly efficient, but they produce relatively low thrust. Zubrin discusses the potential applications of ion propulsion for long-duration missions, such as interplanetary travel, and the ongoing research and development efforts in this field.
Economic Considerations
Zubrin addresses the economic challenges of space exploration and colonization. He argues that the high cost of space travel is the primary barrier to establishing a spacefaring civilization. To overcome this barrier, Zubrin proposes several strategies to reduce costs and increase the economic viability of space missions.
Reusable Launch Vehicles
One of the key strategies Zubrin advocates is the development of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs). RLVs can be launched, recovered, and relaunched multiple times, significantly reducing the cost per launch. Zubrin discusses the history and development of RLVs, including the Space Shuttle and more recent efforts by private companies such as SpaceX.
In-Situ Resource Utilization
In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) involves using local resources to support space missions, rather than relying on supplies from Earth. Zubrin argues that ISRU is essential for reducing the cost and increasing the sustainability of space colonization. He discusses potential ISRU techniques, such as extracting water from lunar or Martian soil and producing fuel from the Martian atmosphere.
Space-Based Economy
Zubrin envisions a future space-based economy, where space resources and industries play a significant role in the global economy. He discusses the potential for mining asteroids for valuable minerals, manufacturing in microgravity environments, and developing space tourism. Zubrin argues that a thriving space-based economy is essential for the long-term success of a spacefaring civilization.
Sociopolitical Aspects
Zubrin explores the sociopolitical implications of space exploration and colonization. He argues that the expansion into space will have profound effects on human society, including the potential for new political systems, cultural developments, and ethical considerations.
Political Systems
Zubrin discusses the potential for new political systems to emerge in space colonies. He argues that the unique challenges and opportunities of space colonization may lead to the development of innovative governance structures. Zubrin explores the possibility of direct democracy in small, self-sufficient colonies and the potential for new forms of social organization.
Cultural Developments
The expansion into space is likely to have significant cultural implications. Zubrin discusses the potential for new cultural expressions and identities to emerge in space colonies. He explores the idea of a "space culture" that values exploration, innovation, and cooperation. Zubrin also considers the potential for space colonization to inspire new artistic and literary movements.
Ethical Considerations
Zubrin addresses the ethical considerations of space exploration and colonization. He discusses the potential impact on indigenous life forms, should they exist, and the ethical implications of terraforming other planets. Zubrin argues that humanity has a responsibility to explore and settle space in a way that is sustainable and respectful of potential extraterrestrial ecosystems.
Mars Colonization
A significant portion of Entering Space is dedicated to the colonization of Mars. Zubrin presents a detailed plan for establishing a human presence on Mars, including the necessary technologies, strategies, and policies.
Mars Direct Plan
Zubrin's Mars Direct plan is a proposal for a cost-effective and feasible approach to Mars colonization. The plan involves launching a series of missions using existing technology, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. Zubrin outlines the key components of the Mars Direct plan, including the use of ISRU to produce fuel on Mars and the development of a robust life support system.
Terraforming Mars
Zubrin discusses the long-term goal of terraforming Mars to make it more hospitable for human life. He explores various techniques for warming the planet, increasing atmospheric pressure, and introducing water and oxygen. Zubrin argues that terraforming Mars is a challenging but achievable goal that could significantly enhance the prospects for human settlement.
Challenges and Risks
Zubrin addresses the challenges and risks associated with Mars colonization. He discusses the technical challenges, such as radiation protection and life support systems, as well as the psychological and social challenges of living in an isolated and harsh environment. Zubrin also considers the potential risks of planetary contamination and the ethical implications of altering another planet.
Conclusion
In Entering Space: Creating a Spacefaring Civilization, Robert Zubrin presents a compelling vision for humanity's future in space. He argues that the technological, economic, and sociopolitical challenges of space exploration and colonization can be overcome through innovation, cooperation, and determination. Zubrin's detailed plans and proposals provide a roadmap for transforming humanity into a spacefaring civilization.
