SPACE ON EARTH

How can technologies developed for space missions help us to address Earth’s problems?

Our planet is our spaceship, the authors observe; like astronauts, we must care for our resources in order to survive. Chapters on water, air, food, waste, and energy begin by explaining the issue on our planet, then look to solutions from space. Co-author and astronaut Williams—referred to as “Dr. Dave” throughout—offers anecdotes about his experiences in space. The prose is accessible, with a conversational, optimistic, and enthusiastic tone, lightened by occasional astronaut jokes and tales of astronaut ingenuity. Eye-opening graphics highlight fascinating facts, food waste stats, and “food footprints” (the equivalent of carbon footprints for what we eat). Specific examples of space technology applied on Earth, like waterless toilets, air purifiers, and hydroponic agriculture, offer hope. Each chapter ends with practical steps readers can take: turn off the tap while brushing your teeth; eat more plants; avoid single-use plastics. Suggested experiments are tailored to young scientists, who can try growing seeds on paper towels, building a simple solar distiller, or making an updraft tower. Graphics depict racially diverse people. A global perspective does not overshadow awareness that many problems, like food insecurity, are not remote but plague the United States and Canada. Budding engineers, astronauts, and environmentalists will all find a “mission possible” here.

A different angle on, and a wealth of information about, environmental issues.