Out of this World and into the Next: Notes from a Physicist on Space Exploration

About this book

For the first time in four billion years of life on Earth, we are preparing to step out among the stars, not just as lone astronauts or billionaire tech bros, but as a civilization. Dr Adriana Marais has dedicated her life to preparing form extraplanetary settlement, and here, she considers not just the scientific concerns of a multiplanetary existence (like terraforming and life-support systems), but also the ethical responsibilities we must carry with us as we explore new frontiers. In this extraordinary era of rapid technological development, Marais explores the fundamental questions at the heart of human endeavour: How did we get here - and where are we going next? Review A breathtaking journey from the Big Bang to the tantalising threshold of a general theory of life and its future (and ours) in the cosmos -- Bruce Damer, astrobiologist A fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of life, the universe, and the future of humanity. Immensely readable yet rigorously thought-through, the book tackles the pressing challenges facing humanity, and envisions a future shaped by clean energy, asteroid mining, and the potential for terraforming Mars. With a focus on the most profound questions of existence, Marais challenges readers to consider not just the scientific and technological possibilities but also the ethical responsibilities of our species as we confront existential threats and explore new frontiers: one can only hope that Elon Musk will pick up a copy. -- Jonathan Morrison About the Author Dr Adriana Marais is an award-winning theoretical physicist and internationally renowned advocate for off-world exploration. Her PhD and postdoctoral work in quantum biology focused on photosynthesis and the origins of the building blocks of life in space. She was Head of Innovation at SAP Africa between 2017 and 2019, and is currently a Director at the Foundation for Space Development Africa. In 2020, she was among 5 global finalists for Women in Tech's the Most Disruptive Woman in Tech Award, and was one of 100 candidates selected for Mars One.