Lost In Space

by Greg Klerkx

In Lost in Space, Greg Klerkx argues that ever since the triumphant Apollo moon missions, the Space Age has been stuck in the wrong orbit, and that NASA, the agency whose daring once fueled the world's extra-terrestrial vision, has been largely responsible for keeping it there. Stripped of its Cold War mandate, NASA has become an introverted technocracy whose signature post-Apollo projects - the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station - are perhaps the two most spectacular boondoggles of the modern era. Through it all, NASA has ignored, belittled and in some cases actively quashed the one concept that could change the equation for the future of humans in space: human spaceflight as a free market activity. Despite this, a new Space Age is, in fact, in the making, led by dreamers, investors, inventors and even renegades from NASA itself. Drawn from dozens of interviews, extensive research, and Klerkx's own experiences as a senior manager with the SETI Institute, Lost in Space chronicles the flashpoints where the space establishment and the 'alternative' space community are battling for competing visions. Like the dream of space exploration itself, Lost in Space is less about science or technology than it is about people: their motivations, their ideas, and how their life's work is driven by an almost biological need to reach for the stars. Written with intelligence, style and wit, it is an elegy for the brief, bright Space Age that was, as well as the first comprehensive chronicle of a dawning new Space Age that could literally change the course of humankind.

Genres: Space, Science, Nonfiction, History, Politics

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mr Zebedee]

Really good background on the politics of NASA versus commercial space. I knew the shuttle was a basketcase but this book informed me of how bad the ISS was. Unfortunately the book barely mentions Musk and Bezos, admittedly Blue Origin was in stealth mode for ages but at the time of publishing SpaceX had been around for over a year.

[Bookmarks Magazine]

What happened to the promising Space Age of 30 years ago? Klerkx offers a compelling if biased critique of NASA and its benefactors in Lost in Space. He delves into insider politics, showing how NASA bows to its major suppliers and congressional contributors. The result? Instead of Klerkx's claimed colonies on Mars, we have an unfinished, increasingly costly space station. The narrative generally flows well, even with some confusing acronyms, heavy financial issues, and erroneous history. The bigger issue is Klerkx's bias. Although he researched NASA's competitors and focused on two private endeavors, he did not interview NASA officials, weakening his indictment of the agency. Still, he's largely correct about the direction of our current Space Age efforts: spend your down payment on that Mars home elsewhere.

This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.

[Brian Maicke]

A decent book discussing the changes that NASA has gone through since its inception. While there is nothing earth shattering here, you can see why general public support for space has been flagging since the days of the Apollo missions. Being involved in the aerospace industry, I already knew a lot of what was presented here, but for an amateur space enthusiast or anyone interested in why we have actually regressed in our space capabilities, this book gives most of the reasons why.

[David R.]

This is a powerful statement. However it is a little too strong and just a little too bitter. After a few chapters it becomes repetitive. I'm not sure I accept Klerkx' bureaucratic conspiracy. Nevertheless it is a thought provoker.

[Think-On-It]

If you'd like to know what I thought of this book, please contact me directly and I'd be happy to discuss it with you.

All the best,

- TB

[Michael]

Although a bit repetitive, Lost in Space will change the way you think about NASA, the Space Shuttle and any romantic notions about the current status-quo of space exploration.

Recommended.