"A new space race has begun. But the rivals in this case are not superpowers but competing entrepreneurs. These daring pioneers are creating a revolution in spaceflight that promises to transform the near future. Astronautical engineer Robert Zubrin spells out the potential of these new developments in an engrossing narrative that is visionary yet grounded by a deep understanding of the practical challenges. Fueled by the combined expertise of the old aerospace industry and the talents of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, spaceflight is becoming cheaper. The new generation of space explorers has already achieved a major breakthrough by creating reusable rockets. Zubrin foresees more rapid innovation, including global travel from any point on Earth to another in an hour or less; orbital hotels; moon bases with incredible space observatories; human settlements on Mars, the asteroids, and the moons of the outer planets; and then, breaking all limits, pushing onward to the stars."--Publisher's website.

Introduction -- Part 1. How we can : Breaking the bonds of Earth -- Free space -- How to build a lunar base -- Mars : our new world -- Asteroids for fun and profit -- The outer worlds -- Reaching for the stars : worlds without limit -- Terraforming : bringing new Earths to life -- Part 2. Why we must : For the knowledge -- For the challenge -- For our survival -- For our freedom -- For the future -- What needs to be done.