Author

Publication

2021 - Yale University Press

Language

English

Word Count

78,000 words, Guess

Page Count

312 pages

Identifiers

Classifications

  • LCCQB651

Description

Human travel into space is an enormously expensive and unforgiving endeavor. So why go? In this accessible and authoritative book, astrophysicist Martin Elvis argues that the answer is the asteroid exploration, for motives of love, fear, and greed. Elvis's personal motivation is one of scientific love - asteroid investigations may teach us about the composition of the solar system and the origins of life. A more compelling reason may be fear - of a large asteroid hitting our planet. Finally, Elvis maintains, we should consider greed: asteroids likely hold vast riches, such as large platinum deposits, and mining them could provide both a new industry and a funding source for bolder space exploration. Elvis explains how each motive can be satisfied, and how they help one another. From the origins of life, to "space billiards" and space sports, Elvis looks at how asteroids may be used in the not-so-distant future.

Subjects

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