Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood

by Alastair Storm Browne

Humanity's Future Beyond Earth Begins Here
What if the next great leap for civilization isn't on Earth, but above it?
In Building the Space Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood, Alastair Storm Browne explores how humanity can move beyond the dream of space colonization into the reality of living, working, and thriving off-world.
From industrializing near-zero gravity environments to mining near-Earth asteroids and building O'Neill habitats, Browne offers a clear, practical roadmap for the next space age. Alongside the technical possibilities, he tackles the social, legal, and ethical challenges of building a civilization beyond Earth, questions that will define humanity's future.
Inside you'll
How cis-lunar industry could reshape Earth's economy and politics.
The promise and risks of asteroid mining and orbital manufacturing.
The challenges of governance, law enforcement, and ethics in space.
Why today's space policy decisions will echo for centuries to come.
 For space advocates, STEM students, policymakers, and dreamers alike, this is a timely, visionary, and practical guide to the infrastructure that will carry humanity into tomorrow.

Genres: Science, Politics

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2025

Reviews

[Quan West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alastair Browne’s Building the Space Infrastructure is one of those rare works that manages to be both visionary and deeply grounded in practicality. From the very first chapter, it’s clear that Browne isn’t just speculating about humanity’s future in space, he’s methodically mapping out how it can actually happen.

What impressed me most was the balance between technical depth and readability. Browne explains complex ideas like orbital manufacturing, asteroid mining, and O’Neill habitats with remarkable clarity, making them accessible even to readers without an engineering background. Each concept is connected to a broader vision of a sustainable human presence in space, a “cis-lunar neighborhood” where industry, governance, and ethics evolve hand in hand.

The book doesn’t shy away from tough questions either. Browne dives into the legal and moral implications of off-world expansion, raising points about sovereignty, equity, and the environmental impact of space development. It’s refreshing to see a science-focused book that treats social responsibility as seriously as scientific progress.

I also appreciated how relevant this feels to our current moment. With private companies and national agencies racing toward the Moon and beyond, Browne’s insights into policy and long-term infrastructure feel urgently necessary. He makes you realize that the choices made today, about who builds, who benefits, and who governs space, will shape the next several centuries of human civilization.

Whether you’re a space enthusiast, student, or policymaker, Building the Space Infrastructure is an inspiring and thought-provoking read. It left me not just imagining humanity’s future beyond Earth, but believing we might actually get there, and do it right.

[Wilbur M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood is a thrilling and deeply informed look at the future that awaits humanity beyond our planet. Alastair Storm Browne masterfully bridges the gap between speculative imagination and hard science, presenting a future that feels not only possible but inevitable. His writing balances scientific rigor with accessible prose, allowing readers from all backgrounds to grasp the magnitude of what it means to build, govern, and thrive in the vast expanse between Earth and the Moon.

What impressed me most is how Browne grounds his futuristic vision in current technological realities. From the development of orbital manufacturing to the logistics of mining near-Earth asteroids, he presents clear, plausible steps that could transform the space industry from exploration into civilization. His discussions on O’Neill habitats and sustainable resource cycles make the book not just a work of science communication, but a manifesto for the next stage of human progress.

Beyond the technical aspects, Browne delves into the philosophical and ethical dimensions of humanity’s expansion into space. He raises profound questions about governance, social justice, and the moral responsibility that comes with extending human civilization beyond Earth. These sections elevate the book from a technological forecast to a work of visionary philosophy.

For readers who enjoyed works like Gerard K. O’Neill’s The High Frontier or Michio Kaku’s The Future of Humanity, this book is an essential read. Browne delivers a balanced, realistic, and inspiring examination of how we can build a future among the stars, not as conquerors, but as caretakers of a new frontier.

[Abigail Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alastair Storm Browne’s Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood is nothing short of visionary. From the very first page, I was captivated by Browne’s passion for transforming humanity’s relationship with space, from passive exploration to active habitation. He masterfully bridges the gap between imagination and engineering reality, laying out what it truly means to build a sustainable human presence beyond Earth. This book doesn’t just speculate, it educates, provokes thought, and inspires action.

What impressed me most was Browne’s balance between technical insight and accessibility. Even as a reader without a deep background in aerospace, I found myself drawn into discussions on orbital industries, asteroid mining, and O’Neill habitats. His explanations are clear and vivid, allowing complex ideas to unfold naturally. He paints the Cis-Lunar space as not just a distant dream, but as a tangible next step for human civilization.

Beyond the science, Browne delves into the human element, the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of moving off-world. His reflections on governance and resource equity are timely and necessary, raising important questions about how we define progress in this new frontier. It’s this thoughtful approach that makes the book stand out from purely technical works.

In the end, this book made me believe that our future truly lies among the stars. Browne offers a grounded, practical vision that feels both ambitious and attainable. Building the Space Infrastructure isn’t just for space enthusiasts,it’s for anyone curious about what comes next for humanity.

[Rodney A.]

Alastair Storm Browne’s Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood is an extraordinary synthesis of scientific insight, policy foresight, and visionary imagination. It captures the thrilling moment humanity now faces, standing at the edge of a new era in space development, and explores with precision and depth how we can move from theory to reality in constructing an interplanetary civilization.

Browne’s strength lies in his ability to merge complex engineering ideas with broader social and political considerations. He doesn’t just talk about how to mine asteroids or manufacture in microgravity; he explains how these breakthroughs could reshape global economies, challenge current legal frameworks, and redefine national power dynamics. His treatment of international cooperation, ethical regulation, and long-term sustainability is both balanced and thought-provoking.

One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its optimism. Browne believes in the potential of human ingenuity and collaboration, but he doesn’t shy away from the challenges, from orbital debris and privatization concerns to equitable access to resources. His writing reflects a deep respect for science, a passion for innovation, and a clear-eyed realism about the politics of space.

For anyone working in aerospace policy, space law, or global development, this book is indispensable. It reads like a blueprint for the coming decades of human expansion, blending scholarly precision with the excitement of a grand adventure. Browne’s vision is bold, grounded, and profoundly inspiring.

[Roger F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alastair Storm Browne’s Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood is more than a technical treatise, it is a meditation on the moral and political dimensions of humanity’s expansion into space. With exceptional clarity, Browne examines not only how we can build in space, but how we should. His writing is rich, methodical, and profoundly reflective, inviting readers to think deeply about what kind of civilization we want to become.

Browne’s exploration of governance and law enforcement in orbit is especially timely. As private corporations and nations race toward lunar development, questions about ownership, resource distribution, and ethical accountability grow increasingly urgent. Browne offers insightful analysis on how international cooperation could either prevent or exacerbate conflict, proposing frameworks that blend practicality with moral responsibility.

He also approaches the subject from a humanitarian perspective, arguing that space should not repeat the mistakes of colonialism or unchecked capitalism. Instead, Browne envisions a cooperative, inclusive expansion, one guided by transparency, science, and a shared sense of stewardship. This ethical dimension gives the book a gravitas rarely found in works about technology and industry.

For readers interested in the intersection of ethics, policy, and space exploration, this book is indispensable. Browne reminds us that the real challenge of the space age is not merely reaching the stars, but building a just and sustainable society once we get there. A powerful, timely, and deeply humane work.

[Marvin V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood is a visionary yet grounded look at what comes next for humanity’s journey into space. Alastair Storm Browne succeeds in turning complex scientific and geopolitical ideas into an engaging narrative that reads as both a roadmap and a call for collective imagination. It’s a book that dares readers to think beyond the boundaries of Earth, and beyond the limits of our current thinking.

The author paints a vivid picture of the cis-lunar environment as the foundation for humanity’s expansion into the cosmos. From orbital manufacturing hubs to asteroid mining operations, Browne breaks down the technologies that could soon redefine our global economy. His prose is confident and lucid, filled with the enthusiasm of a pioneer who sees what’s possible before the rest of the world does.

Yet this is not blind optimism. Browne tempers his excitement with realism, addressing the political tensions, environmental risks, and ethical quandaries that will accompany the next phase of space development. He challenges readers to confront these issues now, before they become insurmountable, emphasizing cooperation and long-term thinking as keys to success.

What makes this book exceptional is its blend of technical detail and philosophical reflection. It reminds us that space development is not just about technology, it’s about humanity’s shared destiny. Browne’s work will leave readers both enlightened and inspired, convinced that the stars are closer than we think, and that our future among them can be bright if we build it wisely.

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood felt like taking a guided tour through the blueprint of humanity’s destiny. Alastair Storm Browne’s writing blends scientific precision with an infectious sense of wonder. He doesn’t just describe the possibilities of living in space, he makes you feel like you’re part of the planning committee for our future civilization beyond Earth.

The most powerful aspect of this book is its realism. Browne doesn’t romanticize space as an escape from Earth’s problems; instead, he presents it as a natural expansion of our species’ curiosity and ingenuity. The sections on asteroid mining and orbital manufacturing were particularly compelling, showing how economic incentives could drive progress while raising questions about resource ethics and international cooperation.

Browne’s attention to governance and law was another highlight. Few authors manage to blend technology and politics so seamlessly, yet Browne does it with clarity and purpose. His discussion on how space law must evolve to prevent monopolies and conflicts gives the book a moral depth rarely found in scientific writing. It’s a powerful reminder that technology alone doesn’t define progress, our values do.

By the end, I was both enlightened and inspired. This book is a wake-up call to dreamers, scientists, and policymakers alike. It challenges us to think big, act responsibly, and prepare for a future where Earth is no longer our only home. Truly a must-read for anyone who believes in humanity’s limitless potential.

[Mellissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alastair Storm Browne’s Building the Space Infrastructure delivers exactly what its title promises, a detailed, forward-thinking, and practical roadmap for developing the Cis-Lunar neighborhood. The book is a rare combination of technical foresight and philosophical depth. As someone fascinated by space policy and sustainable development, I found Browne’s work to be both informative and deeply motivating.

The book covers a wide range of topics: the mechanics of orbital construction, the promise of near-Earth asteroids, and the design of self-sustaining habitats in microgravity. Yet what sets Browne apart is his ability to make these subjects approachable without oversimplifying them. His analogies and examples make complex engineering concepts vivid and understandable, even to those new to the topic.

More than just a scientific manual, this book reads like a manifesto for responsible exploration. Browne challenges readers to think about who will build and benefit from these new worlds. His reflections on social structures, governance, and moral responsibility in space are thought-provoking and crucial as we stand on the brink of this new era. The ethical foresight he demonstrates makes the book feel as essential to policymakers as it is to dreamers.

In the end, Building the Space Infrastructure isn’t just about rockets and robots, it’s about humanity itself. It’s about our will to grow, adapt, and thrive beyond Earth. Browne’s vision feels both inevitable and inspiring. I finished this book filled with hope and curiosity for what lies ahead.

[Marvelous John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books manage to capture both the excitement and the responsibility of space development quite like Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood. Alastair Storm Browne’s writing is engaging, forward-thinking, and refreshingly honest. He doesn’t shy away from the challenges of living off-world, yet he maintains an unwavering belief in human innovation and cooperation.

From the discussion of asteroid mining to orbital manufacturing, every chapter builds a case for why the Cis-Lunar region is the logical next step for human progress. Browne makes a compelling argument that developing infrastructure in this region could revolutionize Earth’s economy and scientific capabilities. His perspective on industrial growth in microgravity environments was particularly fascinating, it truly expanded how I think about “industry” itself.

What I appreciated most was Browne’s understanding of the broader picture. He goes beyond technology to explore how societies might evolve when no longer bound by planetary limitations. His reflections on governance, law enforcement, and ethics are timely and essential, especially as commercial ventures begin to shape space policy in real time.

This book left me with a renewed sense of excitement about humanity’s potential. Browne doesn’t offer escapism, he offers vision and responsibility in equal measure. If you’ve ever wondered what it will take to turn science fiction into daily reality, this book will answer that and more. It’s a truly inspiring read that deserves a place on every futurist’s shelf.

[Arthur V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For students and professionals in STEM, Building the Space Infrastructure: Developing the Cis-Lunar Neighborhood is both an educational resource and a call to action. Alastair Storm Browne writes with the clarity of an engineer and the vision of a futurist, offering a comprehensive overview of how humanity can sustainably develop the space between Earth and the Moon, an area that may soon become the heart of a new space economy.

What stands out most is the book’s structured and methodical presentation of concepts. Browne explains complex subjects such as orbital mechanics, resource extraction, and energy transfer systems in a way that is deeply informative without ever being overwhelming. His real-world examples, from SpaceX’s reusable rockets to NASA’s Artemis program, ground the book’s ideas in the rapidly evolving present.

Equally compelling is Browne’s focus on the human side of technological progress. He discusses how education, workforce development, and ethical leadership must evolve alongside new space technologies. His insistence that humanity must approach space development with foresight and integrity makes this book not only technical but moral in its vision.

In the classroom or the boardroom, this book deserves a place. It inspires young scientists to think big, policymakers to act wisely, and readers everywhere to recognize that the next great leap for civilization begins with the choices we make today. Browne’s work is an inspiring contribution to the conversation about humanity’s destiny among the stars.

[Victor Praise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alastair Storm Browne’s Building the Space Infrastructure is the kind of book that makes you reimagine what’s possible. It’s an inspiring deep dive into the mechanics, ethics, and vision behind humanity’s expansion into space. From the first chapter, Browne captures the reader with his mix of scientific insight and human-centered optimism.

What stands out is how comprehensive the book is. It doesn’t just talk about rockets and space stations, it looks at the full ecosystem required to sustain life beyond Earth. Browne discusses resource extraction, orbital manufacturing, and the development of habitats in a way that feels grounded and achievable. Each topic is supported by logical reasoning and a keen understanding of both science and society.

Beyond the technical brilliance, Browne’s moral awareness shines through. He doesn’t shy away from hard questions, Who owns space? How do we ensure fairness in off-world governance? What happens when economic interests clash with ethical imperatives? These reflections add depth to the work, making it far more than a simple roadmap; it’s a philosophical exploration of our next great frontier.

By the time I finished reading, I felt a sense of optimism I haven’t felt in years. Browne’s message is clear: our future isn’t confined to Earth, it’s waiting in the skies above. This book is essential reading for anyone who believes in human ingenuity, innovation, and the boundless spirit of exploration.