Space 2069: After Apollo: Back to the Moon, to Mars, and Beyond

by David Whitehouse

‘[A] skilful history of space exploration ' - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Nearing half a century since the last Apollo mission, mankind has yet to return to the Moon, but that is about to change. With NASA’s Artemis program scheduled for this decade, astronomer David Whitehouse takes a timely look at what the next 50 years of space exploration have in store.

The thirteenth man and the first woman to walk on the Moon will be the first to explore the lunar south pole – the prime site for a future Moon base thanks to its near-perpetual sunlight and the presence of nearby ice.

The first crewed mission to Mars will briefly orbit the red planet in 2039, preparing the way for a future landing mission. Surviving the round trip will be the greatest challenge any astronaut has yet faced.

In the 2050s, a lander will descend to the frozen surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa and attempt to drill down to its subsurface ocean in search of life.

Based on real-world information, up-to-date scientific findings and a healthy dose of realism, Space 2069 is a mind-expanding tour of humanity’s future in space over the next 50 years.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space

336 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2021

About the author

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Reviews

[Mazzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of space exploration, with a focus on the Moon and Mars, and a section on the gas giants, their moons, and asteroids and comets.
This was much more about what humans have done and are doing than I expected after reading the blurb (and the title). But Whitehouse writes engagingly, and I found it so fascinating that I not only did not mind, but was grateful for all the interesting information, which also facilitated the glimpse into 2069.

[John Wegener · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good review of the history of space exploration to date and the realistic expectations of what humans can achieve in the next 50 year, particularly with respect to landing on and colonising the moon and Mars. We have learned much about space, but we still know little when it comes to surviving space and living on other planets and moons.

I enjoyed reading the book.

[Caitlin Leverett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting look into the past, present and future possibilities of space exploration and travel. Covers a wide range of angles from politics, programmes and funding to technology, travel times and the limits of the human body. Overall an engaging read although I'd recommend having a map of the moon and Mars to hand for some chapters.

[Misrab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring and informative parts mixed together with sections of poorly written and pedantic prose. Still worth a read overall, but be prepared to skim some parts.

[Ruben Dhondt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars