Research Catalog

Title

The value of the Moon : how to explore, live, and prosper in space using the Moon's resources / Paul D. Spudis.

Author

Spudis, Paul D.

Publication

• Washington, DC : Smithsonian Books, [2016]
• ©2016

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

ix, 243 pages : illustrations; 24 cm

Summary

"While the Moon was once thought to hold the key to space exploration, in recent decades, the U.S. has largely turned its sights toward Mars and other celestial bodies instead. In The Value of the Moon, lunar scientist Paul Spudis argues that the U.S. can and should return to the moon in order to remain a world leader in space utilization and development and a participant in and beneficiary of a new lunar economy. Spudis explores three reasons for returning to the Moon: it is close, it is interesting, and it is useful. The proximity of the Moon not only allows for frequent launches, but also control of any machinery we place there. It is interesting because recorded deep on its surface and in its craters is the preserved history of the moon, the sun, and indeed the entire galaxy. And finally, the moon is useful because it is rich with materials and energy. The moon, Spudis argues, is a logical base for further space exploration and even a possible future home for us all. Throughout his work, Spudis incorporates details about man's fascination with the moon and its place in our shared history. He also explores its religious, cultural, and scientific resonance and assesses its role in the future of spaceflight and our national security and prosperity"--

Subjects

• Moon
• Moon > Exploration
• Outer space > Exploration
• SCIENCE / History
• Space flight
• SCIENCE / Space Science
• Lunar exploration
• Space industrialization
• Exploration of outer space
• SCIENCE / Physics / Astrophysics

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (pages 211-220) and index.

Contents

Luna -- Earth's companion in space -- The Moon conquered -- and abandoned -- After Apollo -- a return to the Moon? -- Another run at the Moon -- Implementing the vision -- Why? Three reasons the Moon is important -- How? Things we should have been doing -- If not now, when? If not us, who? -- A visit to the future Moon -- Afterword -- Where do we go from here?

ISBN

• 9781588345035
• 1588345033

LCCN

• 2015033833
• 99972074321

OCLC

• ocn923017581
• 923017581
• SCSB-5888363

Owning Institutions

Columbia University Libraries