The Case for Space

How the Revolution in Spaceflight Opens Up a Future of Limitless Possibility

By: Robert Zubrin

Narrated by: Mike Lenz

Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

A noted space expert explains the current revolution in spaceflight, where it leads, and why we need it.

A new space race has begun. But the rivals in this case are not superpowers but competing entrepreneurs. These daring pioneers are creating a revolution in spaceflight that promises to transform the near future.

Astronautical engineer Robert Zubrin spells out the potential of these new developments in an engrossing narrative that is visionary yet grounded by a deep understanding of the practical challenges. Fueled by the combined expertise of the old aerospace industry and the talents of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, spaceflight is becoming cheaper. The new generation of space explorers has already achieved a major breakthrough by creating reusable rockets. Zubrin foresees more rapid innovation, including global travel from any point on Earth to another in an hour or less; orbital hotels; moon bases with incredible space observatories; human settlements on Mars, the asteroids, and the moons of the outer planets; and then, breaking all limits, pushing onward to the stars. Zubrin shows how projects that sound like science fiction can actually become reality.

But beyond the how, he makes an even more compelling case for why we need to do this - to increase our knowledge of the universe, to make unforeseen discoveries on new frontiers, to harness the natural resources of other planets, to safeguard Earth from stray asteroids, to ensure the future of humanity by expanding beyond its home base, and to protect us from being catastrophically set against each other by the false belief that there isn't enough for all.

©2019 Robert Zubrin (P)2020 Rowman & Littlefield

A Must Read!

For anyone interested in space this is a an excellent book on the development of space. If you think space is a waste of time and money this book will change your mind.

Inspiring Experience

Absolutely Loved it. This book will get you caught up on the past and current events towards human exploration to the Cosmos. It explains why we need to become a multiplanetary species. Highly recommended for High School, College Students and Mars enthusiasts.

Exciting and Invigorating Call to Action

Does this book have excellent technical descriptions of the means by which we'll one day (hopefully soon) travel to and settle the solar system and those beyond it? Yes, and the sections explaining this topic are exquisite

But the book really shines when Zubrin offers his thoughts on WHY this is not merely a novelty or a hobbyist idea, but a necessity for the future of humanity

On top of that, the narration is superb, and the narrator's voice is clear and seems to exude the same optimism and enthusiasm evident in Zubrin's text...I HIGHLY recommend this to all lovers of the space sector!

Insightful and motivating!

Great book! I appreciated all the technical logic to predict our exciting future in space. I can't wait!

servive together and explore space

great book given inside of space exploration and resolution for today world conflicts and live together as one earth family working to become multi plant species

Good book

It talk a lot about what I wanted to learn about space and science in space

Interesting and compelling, but needlessly complex

This was a very interesting look at all manner of topics related to the exploration, use, and eventual colonization of space. It has a huge wealth of material in one place and laid out a compelling case. I would recommend it for someone interested in space.

That being said, the author went into too much detail on formulae, chemical compounds, etc. In a physical book, I would probably have skimmed past most of this. However, I read this as an audiobook and all of that was just annoyingly wasted time.

I think the author should produce something like a ‘lite’ version of this book without the mathematical detail. That could reach a broader audience and would be much more suited for audio.

The narrator was good, but some of the material (equations and such) just wasn't suited for audio. This could also have been placed in a downloadable PDF for those interested.

Great book!

I loved this book and his previous Case For Mars. Must read if you are a human interested in things.

A lot of fun to listen too. And a great call to action

This book was a lot of fun to listen too and gives a lot of good technical information on rocket science. It’s not too dense in jargon but doesn’t feel patronizing by leaving info out. I read this book right after the penguin book on the history of space exploration which was cool because it seems to pick up exactly where that book left off. I think I also might be joining the mars society and become a space captain.

Dishonest story telling & deadpan narration

Zubrin apparently tried to dramatize historical milestones (eg SpaceX' first booster recovery, ch 1)
Cliché ridden and contrivance from the Introduction throughout
Bad writing by Zubrin. Poor voice acting by Lenz who sounds like he's narrating one of those 90s new-hire orientation videos

My only recommendation for this book is for everyone to pass on it.