The Consequential Frontier, Peter Ward
The Consequential Frontier, Peter Ward
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The Consequential Frontier
Challenging the Privatization of Space

Author: Peter Ward

Narrator: Gary Galone

Unabridged: 7 hr 14 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/12/2019

Synopsis

This in-depth work of reportage dares to ask what’s at stake in privatizing outer space.Earth is in trouble—so dramatically that we’re now scrambling to explore space for valuable resources and a home for permanent colonization. With the era of NASA’s dominance now behind us, the private sector is winning this new space race. But if humans and their private wealth have made such a mess of Earth, who can say we won’t do the same in space?In The Consequential Frontier, business and technology journalist Peter Ward is raising this vital question before it’s too late. Interviewing tech CEOs, inventors, scientists, lobbyists, politicians, and future civilian astronauts, Ward sheds light on a whole industry beyond headline-grabbing rocket billionaires like Bezos and Musk, and introduces the new generation of activists trying to keep it from rushing recklessly into the cosmos.With optimism for what humans might accomplish in space if we could leave our tendency toward deregulation, inequality, and environmental destruction behind, Ward shows just how much cooperation it will take to protect our universal resource and how beneficial it could be for all of us.

About Peter Ward

Peter Ward studied journalism at the University of Sheffield before moving to Dubai, where he reported on the energy sector. After three years in the Middle East, he earned his master’s degree in business journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. His work has appeared in GQ, Bloomberg, The Economist, and Newsweek. He lives in New York City.

About Gary Galone

Gary Galone is an actor who has worked on numerous television, film, and theater projects, including the movies Black Mass and Spotlight. An experienced voiceover artist, he has narrated several audiobooks. He lives in Massachusetts.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Max on February 05, 2020

Overall solid and readable survey for general readers on the history, present and future of commercial space travel. I am casually interested in the topic and knew a bit, but there was a lot of solid information here, presented in a very readable and straightforward manner. Quick and worthwhile read......more

Goodreads review by Miska on February 20, 2022

I’ve heard a great conversation with the author about this book in a podcast and the topic seemed quite fascinating. Indeed, he describes very well the past and present developments of space exploration as well as the attempts to dominate space by private actors. However, contrary to the subtitle of......more

Goodreads review by Phoebe on January 20, 2020

*2.5 stars* This is a good jumping off point to getting some basic information on the rise of private space travel companies and efforts over the last few years. But overall I found it dry, and given the rapid growth and change in this industry its information will soon be outdated.......more

Goodreads review by R.M. on May 02, 2020

I read my wife's copy of this. Having paid a great deal of attention to space travel since I was a child, I was amazed at some of the new things I discovered in this book. The detail is considerable. I was particularly alarmed by indicators that the history of the world in terms of rapacious capital......more

Quotes

“Ward’s fascinating exploration of the possibilities of privatizing interplanetary activities comes at the perfect moment. … This savvy work gives readers valuable insight into the ramifications, good and bad, of allowing business into space.” Publishers Weekly

“Ward’s research is impressive, as in the breadth of his detailed resources, and readers fascinated by the exploits of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos will be particularly intrigued by his findings.” Booklist

“A lucid, bright, and essential work of reporting, analysis, and genuine care. Peter Ward has given us a new way to think about private endeavors in space. Superb.”⁠ Rivka Galchen, author of Little Labors

“A very useful primer for understanding the current state of space policy and the predicaments of its neoliberal turn.” Fraser MacDonald, author of Escape From Earth

“A deeply-reported and endlessly entertaining journey through the cosmic gold rush that will, one way or another, define commerce—and life—on Earth for generations to come.” Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, author of The Cosmopolites

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