A Telegraph Best Science Book of the Year

“A witty yet in-depth exploration of the prospects for human habitation beyond Earth…Spacefarers is accessible, authoritative, and in the end, inspiring.”
—Richard Panek, author of The Trouble with Gravity

It’s been over fifty years since Apollo 11 landed on the moon. So why is there so little human presence in space? Will we ever reach Mars? And what will it take to become a multiplanet species? While many books have speculated on the possibility of living beyond the Earth, few have delved into the practical challenges.

A wry and compelling take on the who, how, and why of near-future colonies in space, Spacefarers introduces us to the engineers, scientists, planners, dreamers, and entrepreneurs who are striving right now to make life in space a reality. While private companies such as SpaceX are taking the lead and earning profits from human space activity, Christopher Wanjek is convinced this is only the beginning. From bone-whittling microgravity to eye-popping profits, the risks and rewards of space settlement have never been so close at hand. He predicts we will have hotels in low-earth orbit, mining and tourism on the Moon, and science bases on Mars—possibly followed (gravity permitting) by full blown settlements.

“Nerdily engaging (and often funny)…Technology and science fiction enthusiasts will find much here to delight them, as Wanjek goes into rich detail on rocketry and propulsion methods, including skyhooks and railguns to fling things into orbit…He is a sensible skeptic, yet also convinced that, in the long run, our destiny is among the stars.”
—The Guardian

“If the events of this year have had you daydreaming about abandoning the planet entirely, [Spacefarers] is a geekily pleasurable survey of the practicalities and challenges.”
—The Telegraph

“The best book I’ve read on space exploration since Isaac Asimov.”
—Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic

"Nerdily engaging (and often funny)…Technology and science fiction enthusiasts will find much here to delight them, as Wanjek goes into rich detail on rocketry and propulsion methods, including skyhooks and railguns to fling things into orbit, or maglev trains running around manmade orbital rings…He is a sensible skeptic, yet also convinced that, in the long run, our destiny is among the stars." - The Guardian

"Wanjek’s analysis of the commercial approach to space exploration adds an important perspective to the conversation about our future in space." - Science

"If the events of this year have had you daydreaming about abandoning the planet entirely, [Spacefarers] is a geekily pleasurable survey of the practicalities and challenges…This book should be given to all prospective space cadets." - The Telegraph

"A fascinating read for anyone interested in the practicalities of living away from Earth, and describes just how engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs are planning to expand humanity’s horizons." - BBC Sky at Night

"Engagingly readable…[A] delightful book." - Los Angeles Review of Books

"Of interest to anyone curious about space travel and the (possible) human colonization of outer space." - Complete Review

"Wanjek takes an optimistic look towards humanity’s future in space—not only on the Moon and Mars, but also on the asteroids and beyond…The great thing about this book is its balance between optimism and realism, between respect and frivolity." - E&T

"Charts the way to an intriguing, not-too-distant future…Though the childlike wonder that took ahold of Americans during the Apollo era seems gone, Spacefarers suggests that a future in space is within reach, inspiring wonder in an age of skepticism." - Foreword Reviews

"A welcome and timely addition to synoptic views of the future of human space exploration…Offers a solid basis to inform what is becoming an increasingly vital debate on the use and international deployment of space technologies." - Observatory

"Drawing on the science and history of space exploration, Wanjek paints scenes of future human activity across the solar system." - Science News

"Wanjek walks the reader through a realistic, scientific description of how humans could live enduringly in space in his engaging and informative book." - Strategic Studies Quarterly

"Wanjek's engaging style makes this a must-read for space enthusiasts, and for anyone who ponders our place in the universe." - Choice

"Wanjek addresses the challenges and possibilities of living in space in this inquisitive work…[He] opens up many intriguing possibilities in this wide-ranging survey." - Publishers Weekly