Beyond earth ( the future of humans in space)

Beyond Earth: The Future of Humans in Space provides a foundation for space planners and anyone interested in humankind's next great adventure - the human migration to space. World-class scholars, scientists, engineers, managers, astronauts, artists, authors, and university professors capture the questions that plague our unique circumstance: Why does space matter to us? What can we use it for? How can we get there efficiently? What will ordinary life be like in space? What will our homes be like on the Moon? On Mars? In orbit? Will we play? Will we love? Will we survive?
The primary reasons for humans to go permanently to space are for the betterment of humankind and the avoidance of threats to humans on earth. Evidence to support those conclusions is provided herein. Research findings over the past decade show huge benefits to humans and to earth of exploiting the resources and capabilities uniquely found in space. Some predictions and projections will produce paradigm shifts unimagined in 1957 when Russians and Americans began departing earth. Space Sciences, technology and experience makes the next major breakout from Earth to space not only feasible but commercially profitable.

This book is science, not science fiction. In the year 2006 we know that humans will live and work in space. Humans have experienced space for forty-five years. The majority of the forty professionals who authored this book have spent their working lives in the global space community. They have produced a systems approach to the “Why” and the “How” the next great space adventure will occur and the challenges to overcome. Managers are already planning for translation of this English version into twelve major languages of the world.