Mankind Beyond Earth: The History, Science, and Future of Human Space Exploration (Signed Copy)

Claude A. Piantadosi

ISBN 10: 0231162421 / ISBN 13: 9780231162425

Published by Columbia University Press, 2013

About this Item

A rare SIGNED FIRST EDITION copy! A truly fine hardcover copy (square, bright, and unmarked) in a fine dust jacket -- crisp, bright, and tight -- which has NOT been price-clipped. First edition. Inscribed on the half-title page, "To Sid -- A great friend and colleague -- Claude Piantadosi." Suitable condition for presentation as a gift, or for adding to a library collection. By the retired pulmonologist, Professor Emeritus at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University, and longtime Chapel Hill resident. Ships from NC. All books are sealed in recycled plastic, packaged securely, and shipped promptly with tracking information. (J-7.).

Seller Inventory # 720210496

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mankind Beyond Earth: The History, Science, and Future of Human Space Exploration (Signed Copy)
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0231162421
• ISBN 13: 9780231162425
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • North Carolina
  • Mathematics, Science, & Technology

About this title

Synopsis

Seeking to reenergize Americans' passion for the space program, the value of further exploration of the Moon, and the importance of human beings on the final frontier, Claude A. Piantadosi presents a rich history of American space exploration and its major achievements. He emphasizes the importance of reclaiming national command of our manned program and continuing our unmanned space missions, and he stresses the many adventures that still await us in the unfolding universe. Acknowledging space exploration's practical and financial obstacles, Piantadosi challenges us to revitalize American leadership in space exploration in order to reap its scientific bounty.

Piantadosi explains why space exploration, a captivating story of ambition, invention, and discovery, is also increasingly difficult and why space experts always seem to disagree. He argues that the future of the space program requires merging the practicalities of exploration with the constraints of human biology. Space science deals with the unknown, and the margin (and budget) for error is small. Lethal near-vacuum conditions, deadly cosmic radiation, microgravity, vast distances, and highly scattered resources remain immense physical problems. To forge ahead, America needs to develop affordable space transportation and flexible exploration strategies based in sound science. Piantadosi closes with suggestions for accomplishing these goals, combining his healthy skepticism as a scientist with an unshakable belief in space's untapped―and wholly worthwhile―potential.

About the Author

Claude A. Piantadosi MD is professor and director of the F. G. Hall Environmental Laboratory at Duke University. Educated at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, he trained in undersea medicine and saturation diving in the U.S. Navy and in respiratory physiology and pulmonary medicine at Duke. He spent thirty years as a resource consultant to NASA. He is an author of more than three hundred scientific papers and The Biology of Human Survival: Life and Death in Extreme Environments.