Book cover of The End of Astronauts: Why Robots Are the Future of Exploration by Donald Goldsmith & Martin Rees
Astronomy & Space Science

The End of Astronauts: Why Robots Are the Future of Exploration

A world-renowned astronomer and an esteemed science writer make the provocative argument for space exploration without astronauts.

Human journeys into space fill us with wonder. But the thrill of space travel for astronauts comes at enormous expense and is fraught with peril. As our robot explorers grow more competent, governments and corporations must ask, does our desire to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars justify the cost and danger? Donald Goldsmith and Martin Rees believe that beyond low-Earth orbit, space exploration should proceed without humans.
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Book cover of The Sirens of Mars: Searching for Life on Another World by Sarah Stewart Johnson
Astronomy & Space Science

The Sirens of Mars: Searching for Life on Another World

Mars was once similar to Earth, but today there are no rivers, no lakes, no oceans. Coated in red dust, the terrain is bewilderingly empty. And yet multiple spacecraft are circling Mars, sweeping over Terra Sabaea, Syrtis Major, the dunes of Elysium, and Mare Sirenum—on the brink, perhaps, of a staggering find, one that would inspire humankind as much as any discovery in the history of modern science. […Learn More]

Astronomy & Space Science

Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX

The dramatic inside story of the historic flights that launched SpaceX—and Elon Musk—from a shaky startup into the world’s leading-edge rocket company

SpaceX has enjoyed a miraculous decade. Less than 20 years after its founding, it boasts the largest constellation of commercial satellites in orbit, has pioneered reusable rockets, and in 2020 became the first private company to launch human beings into orbit. Half a century after the space race it is private companies, led by SpaceX, standing alongside NASA pushing forward into the cosmos, and laying the foundation for our exploration of other worlds. […Learn More]