Beyond Spaceship Earth: Environmental Ethics and the Solar System

Library Journal

Given the U.S. space program's post-Challenger difficulties, a book on the environmental ethics of large-scale space exploration, exploitation, and colonization may seem premature. However, defining principles for the proper use of outer space and extraterrestrial resources is essential now to avoid future catastrophes. These essaysby professionals in a wide range of fieldssucceeds admirably in elucidating the environmental and ethical dimensions. They examine the technical, social, political, philosophical, and human aspects of large-scale space programs, setting forth issues that need to be addressed if we are to avoid such dire consequences as militarization of space, strip-mining on the moon, or a contaminated Mars. Recommended for academic libraries. Thomas J. Frieling, Bainbridge Junior Coll., Ga.