No Way on Earth: How Space Can Help Save and Sustain Our Planet
Jun 2027 · Princeton University Press
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256
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About this ebook
A bold argument for harnessing space technology to address some of our most daunting challenges here on Earth
As a new generation of space missions captures headlines, our gaze is increasingly drawn to worlds far beyond our own. No Way on Earth reveals how the same astonishing technologies applied to space exploration can be used to make life better on Earth, demonstrating how humanity can leverage space and its abundant resources to address planetary-scale issues like climate change, energy security, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation.
Drawing on his decades of experience in the space industry, Les Johnson explains how space-based solar power, lunar and asteroid mining, and in‐space manufacturing can become practical tools for building a more sustainable and prosperous planet. Moving beyond the realm of science fiction, he assesses the technical viability, economic feasibility, and policy implications of these ideas, showing where implementation is possible and where major breakthroughs are still needed. Johnson lays out a practical, step-by-step strategy for creating a resilient, multi-world civilization while prioritizing Earth’s renewal, and calls for public engagement, bipartisan cooperation, entrepreneurial investment, and a multigenerational perspective to make this vision a reality.
At a time when humanity has set its sights on the stars, No Way on Earth asks us to look closer to home, making the persuasive case that investment in space infrastructure is not a luxury but a strategic choice that can lead to a greener and more prosperous future for everyone on the planet.
As a new generation of space missions captures headlines, our gaze is increasingly drawn to worlds far beyond our own. No Way on Earth reveals how the same astonishing technologies applied to space exploration can be used to make life better on Earth, demonstrating how humanity can leverage space and its abundant resources to address planetary-scale issues like climate change, energy security, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation.
Drawing on his decades of experience in the space industry, Les Johnson explains how space-based solar power, lunar and asteroid mining, and in‐space manufacturing can become practical tools for building a more sustainable and prosperous planet. Moving beyond the realm of science fiction, he assesses the technical viability, economic feasibility, and policy implications of these ideas, showing where implementation is possible and where major breakthroughs are still needed. Johnson lays out a practical, step-by-step strategy for creating a resilient, multi-world civilization while prioritizing Earth’s renewal, and calls for public engagement, bipartisan cooperation, entrepreneurial investment, and a multigenerational perspective to make this vision a reality.
At a time when humanity has set its sights on the stars, No Way on Earth asks us to look closer to home, making the persuasive case that investment in space infrastructure is not a luxury but a strategic choice that can lead to a greener and more prosperous future for everyone on the planet.
A bold argument for harnessing space technology to address some of our most daunting challenges here on Earth
As a new generation of space missions captures headlines, our gaze is increasingly drawn to worlds far beyond our own. No Way on Earth reveals how the same astonishing technologies appli...
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About the author
Les Johnson is principal technologist and owner of Infinite Frontiers Consulting and formerly served as chief technology officer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. His many nonfiction books include A Traveler’s Guide to the Stars (Princeton) and Graphene: The Superstrong, Superthin, and Superversatile Material That Will Revolutionize the World. His science fiction novels include Mission to Methonē and Saving Proxima.
Les Johnson is principal technologist and owner of Infinite Frontiers Consulting and formerly served as chief technology officer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. His many nonfiction books include A Traveler’s Guide to the Stars (Princeton) and Graphene: The Superstrong, Superthin, and Supe...
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