Alcohol in Space: Past, Present and Future

by Chris Carberry

The production and consumption of alcohol has played a significant role in human society since the dawn of civilization. Will this still hold true when humanity is exploring and settling the outer reaches of space? This first book on the topic examines the history of alcohol in space, as well as dozens of companies and projects that are exploring the possibilities of alcohol production in orbit. Covering the long history of alcohol in human society, how alcohol has been addressed in science fiction, and space agriculture technologies, this book investigates a broad sweep of questions that bear on the manufacture of alcohol in space, as well as human space settlement in general.

Genres: Science, Technology

217 pages, Paperback

Published December 17, 2019

Reviews

[Pascal Scallon-Chouinard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores the connections between alcohol and space exploration—something that might seem like an unlikely combination at first. The author covers the scientific, technical, cultural, and even psychological challenges of producing and consuming alcohol in space. He also shares a number of historical anecdotes and offers some interesting thoughts on what drinking habits might look like for future residents of the Moon or Mars.

It brings together two of my interests: alcohol and space, so I was pretty much won over from the start. And I was not disappointed. The author does a great job of keeping the subject accessible by mixing more technical chapters with historical background, entertaining anecdotes, and more speculative discussions about the future. It's well researched without ever feeling academic or pretentious. I learned a lot, smiled more than once, and finished the book with a handful of fun and unusual facts to remember.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Alcohol in Space", Chris Carberry explores the science, technology, and culture of alcohol's place in humanity's history - and looks forward to the challenges and opportunities of alcohol in space. From a brief cross-cultural survey of alcohol's history on Earth and in space, to a fun tour through alcohol in science fiction, to cutting-edge innovations in space brewing, distillation, and agriculture, Carberry goes straight to the innovators and experts to shine a light on this fun topic. I particularly enjoyed the inside look at how alcohol lubricates human connections across cultures and in difficult environments. Looking forward to watching this innovation space ... and eventually enjoying it myself!