Welcome to Moonbase

Customer Reviews:

Prediction, maybe not fiction.......2002-08-04

Ok, everyone knows that we did not step onto the moon in 1999 and say "We're here to stay." So, that makes this fiction, right? Not necessarily.

Ben Bova is the former president of the National Space Society. As such, he writes 'Welcome to Moonbase' with as much scientific accuracy as fantasy, and the combination is wonderful to behold. Who is to say that 100 years in the future someone might read this book and wonder why the names and dates were wrong, but so much more was accurate.

This book was one of my biggest motivations to get involved in the space exploration society, and I'm hoping that many other people find it in their library and get involved because they want to be the ones to say that their son or daughter just got a job with Moonbase Inc.

Make it so!!!

when the day is done only Bova can resist FTL..........2000-12-25

And do it well. His books, new and older ones like this set a stage for things that COULD happen in the lifetime of the youngest readers today. No warp drives, no magic hyperspace, though he has written that sort of thing in his empire books, it is just solid workday exploration of the Sol System.

Want capt janeway??? read fantasy, want solid straight on SCIENCE-Fiction? Read Bova, Benford, Bear [sometimes], and few others that know that ink on paper does not contravene the laws of physics.

Inspiring.......2000-05-19

As is usual with Ben Bova and his peers(Asimov, Heinlein, Card, Clarke, etc.), Ben Bova shows the best sign of a true SF author: He doesn't guess, he predicts. Everything he wrote can/could be described as possible from when he wrote Welcome To Moonbase to this current day.

5 Stars all the way.......1999-01-21

Ben Bova has captured the America spirit and dream in his spectacular book, "Welcome to Moonbase". The details really brought this book alive. When I get a chance, I will read this book again.

I dislike this book.......1999-01-21

I must say, I did not like this book. It was a little child like and quite boring. I would recomend it only to the true space fanatic.

Average customer rating:

GREAT STORIES; AVERAGE STORYTELLING
A Big Disappointment
Betrayal and Turmoil on the new Frontier
Amazing
Cliche characters and nanotech as window dressing only

Moonrise
Ben Bova
Manufacturer: Avon Books (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

High Tech | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0380973022

Amazon.com

Ben Bova has a way of writing hard science fiction that can best be described as "definitive." While other writers introduce technology that could be developed under the right set of circumstances, Bova tends to write about advances that we're already capable of, if only we pursued them. In Moonrise he describes a future where space has finally been privatized and the moon is on the brink of becoming fertile commercial ground. But even as former astronaut Paul Stavenger seeks to turn a handful of leftover government moon shelters into a full-fledged moonbase, powerful corporate forces are aligning against him.

Book Description

There is a dream called Moonbase, nurtured by ex-astronaut Paul Stavenger and his wife, Joanna Masterson Stavenger, head of the powerful Masterson Corporation.

There is a future of astonishing possibilities and vital technological development waiting on a lifeless world of astonishing contrasts, where sub-frigid darkness abuts the blood-boiling light -- a future threatened by greed and jealousy, insanity and murder.

The Moon and its mysteries have captivated the Stavenger family, and it will continue to exert its pull upon subsequent generations. For all those who experience its magnificent desolation are haunted by it eternally. Some will be doomed by its pitiless aversion to human life.

And some can never leave.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT STORIES; AVERAGE STORYTELLING.......2005-03-11

I shall write of both "Moonrise" and "Moonwar."

These are the stories of Moonbase, a permanent lunar settlement built by an American corporation in the mid-21st century. These tales chronicle the political and societal tension wrought by unpopular scientific endeavors, and the unforeseen consequences thereof. The books portray a future wherein a new fascism creeps across the entire globe, embraced by a superstitious public, and at dire odds with the free-thinking scientists living on the Moon--men and women who journeyed there to escape the shackles of Earthside ignorance and fear. You will find intrigue, betrayal, villainy, sexual bartering, rugged individualism, and even love within these books' pages.

But Ben Bova's vocabulary is disappointing. His dialog is often uninspired and even predictable. His narrative, his pacing, his exposition, his character development, and even his plot development are all very Saturday matinee. Even worse, his understanding of relationships is shallow.

But what gets these books off the ground and keeps the reader till their last pages is Ben Bova's love of space exploration. The man fervently believes that space exploration will benefit all of mankind, and not just the bureaucrats or big business. When Ben Bova describes an exclusively astronomical scene, his passion is undeniable. In the first book, there's a scene wherein an 18-year-old walks upon the lunar surface for the first time, and it borders on epiphanous. Ben Bova brings the Moon's unique beauty into sharp focus; sometimes, you can actually feel the regolith beneath your boots. It's this passion, I believe, that makes these books worth reading--in spite of their shortfalls.

A Big Disappointment.......2004-11-01

I was in a mood for some "hard" science fiction when I was in the bookstore the other day. Remembering how much I liked Ben Bova's stuff in the past, I started looking through his newer stuff and settled on "Moonrise." Moon colonies and nanotechnology! What could be better?

Unfortunately, Bova manages to suffocate every ounce of suspense and mystery from these potentially thrilling topics with stilted dialog, boring board-room politics, contrived behaviors, and repetitive narrative.

- The first third of the book switches back and forth between the moon and earth without any obvious literary purpose, and I found this to be terribly annoying and even tedious.

- You know very soon that Greg is a murderer, so nothing he does is surprising. The only shocking aspect is how everyone lets him get away with it. For example,

- Joanna is supposed to be a savvy and disciplined corporate woman who is strong enough to edge her unbalanced son Greg out of the top position at the family aerospace corporation -- but not strong enough to do anything about the seven or eight people he's admitted killing by page 150. Then she practically lets Greg babysit her younger son Doug (the "good" one). You know, the one about whom Greg said, "Abort it!" and "Get rid of that monster you're carrying in your belly!" and so on. Joanna is not a "complex" characterization, just mind-numbingly random.

- Booze and sex are sprinkled throughout awkwardly as if some editor said, "make this PG-13." All female characters are described primarilly by how attractive they are to men. The liquor "still" on the moon is referred to in the same cut-and-paste way every time.

- What I *was* looking for -- the "geek porn" of in-depth discussion of nanotechnology and the science of making a moon base -- was there in only the most stingy quantities, like chocolate syrup on a Weight Watcher's cookie.

- The whole anti-nanomachine movement is presented like the characters in the book: mono-dimensionally, with precious little explanation or discussion of their rationale. They oppose the technology because, well, they're ignorant luddites, what do you expect they would do? This isn't really thought-provoking at all, just shallow politician-bashing and religion -baiting.

Some reviewers found this book hard to put down. I found it hard to continue to the end.

Betrayal and Turmoil on the new Frontier.......2004-02-06

In Moonrise, Ben Bova writes a good story of what could be on the Moon in the future. While it is somewhat predictable, it's still a good story.

Masterson Corperation is working on exploring and mining the Lunar surface for solar power and other minerals, and it is the dream of Paul Stavenger, retired astronout and designer of one of the compainies most profitable products, the Clippership which makes travel around the world possible in less than an hour by ships which work above the atmosphere in low orbit.

The company is in turmoil as Gregory Masterson the second dies sudenly and under questionable circumstances, and Gregory Masterson the third expects to take his place as President of the company. However, the wife of the late president nominates Paul Stavenger, her lover and fiance to the position, setting forces in motion which could tear the company apart as Gregory the second rages and plots to regain his rightfull place.

The trials and triumpsh of Moonbase, and of Nanotechnology are closly linked. Nanotechnology is opposed by an extremist religious movement which organises protests and terrorism against any who use it, Moonbase becomes the last place where it is safe to use nanites. However, even this is in danger.

Joanna Masterson/Stavenger must walk a tightrope between her son, and doing what is best for him, and her new husband, and protecting him, and later her second son, Doug Stavenger, son of Paul, from the plots of her criminally insane elder son. However, we can see where a mother's love and protection can go too far in trying to protect one who should be locked up.

In the end, it's up to Doug to save his father's legacy and dream of a future on the Moon, even if it kills him.

Amazing.......2003-11-06

This book was excellent, I couldn't put it down. I'm in the middle of reading the sequel, which I am thus far unable to put down as well. I was amazed at the end of this book and found myself disappointed that I'd finished it, because that meant I wasn't reading it anymore. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was I thought the characterization could be a little better. I tried really hard to like Paul Stavenger, I really did, but I just didn't find his character to be all that sympathetic. I liked him just fine until he cheated on his wife with Melissa and it all went downhill from there. Doug was more sympathetic than Paul, but he really had the opposite problem. Paul was at least real to me, even if I didnt like his personal life. Doug is a great guy and all, but jeez, give this guy some flaws already! No one is THAT perfect. But despite the character issues, it was still a wonderful book.

Cliche characters and nanotech as window dressing only.......2003-07-11

The psycho son Greg was so boring killing everyone. I had to skim over half the book. I couldn't even finish this slop. What a waste of time? So unoriginal!!

Average customer rating:

GREAT STORIES; AVERAGE STORYTELLING
Murder and War between the scientists and the fanatics
Ben Bova at his best and worst...
Seedy, immature, sloppy
a pleasant read

Moonwar H
Ben Bova
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

High Tech | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0380973030

Amazon.com

Ben Bova can really turn out the space sagas. Moonwar, the sequel to Bova's popular 1996 Moonrise, continues the story of Douglas Stavenger, the Kennedy-esque scion of Moonbase's founding dynasty. Moonbase is flourishing under Stavenger's management, but its existence--and Stavenger's very life--depends on nanotechnology, outlawed on Earth in response to a wave of Luddite fear and violence. United Nations peacekeepers arrive on the moon to enforce the anti-nanotech laws, accompanied by intrepid network news reporter Edith Elgin, who promptly falls for Doug. In the meantime, Doug's mother Joanna chooses to return to Earth, but once there she's held hostage by the secretary-general of the UN, who wants Doug to surrender to his forces (and be killed). Smarmy politicians, beautiful TV babes, calculating corporate barons--it's like Washington in the space age, with nonstop action and cool technology.

Book Description

Moonbase rose up like the Phoenix out of the lunar dust-- a new society thriving on an inhospitable world battling the bitter enmity of powerful Earthside foes for the right to exist.

Now it's total war.

MOONWAR

This is our future.

Ben Bova sees it as dearly as if it were outside his window.

A Hugo Award-winning extrapolator--the best-selling explorer of Mars--Bova thrills us with the astounding possibilities of science and technology. But it's his humanism that sets Ben Bova's SF uniquely apart. His characters live and breathe, captivating us with their dreams, their foibles and their distinctly human crises. Armed with these potent weapons, he leads us into MOONWAR--the second book in his monumental Moonbase Saga for a life-or-death confrontation in the magnificent desolation of a harsh and airless world.

Seven years after the remarkable Stavenger family made Moonbase a reality, a substantial community lives, labors and flourishes under the leadership of Doug Stavenger, thanks to the wonders of nanotechnology--virus-size machines that can build, refine, cure, create. . .and destroy. But the science that sustains and supports the young off Earth colony has been declared illegal and immoral by the home planet's rulers. And one man with the power to dictate policy is launching war's madness across the heavens--determined to lay claim to Stavenger's peaceful city or obliterate it if necessary--forcing an isolated society with no arms or military to defend itself with nothing but ingenuity and the tools that built and maintain the settlement.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT STORIES; AVERAGE STORYTELLING.......2005-03-11

Murder and War between the scientists and the fanatics.......2004-02-06

Moonbase has expanded, and now is host to over two thousand employees and researchers. Doug Stavenger lives on Moonbase as Earth is too dangerous for him because the Luddite extreemist factions are out to kill anyone who uses nanotechnology.

The UN is determined to stamp out use of Nanotechnology on the surface, but thier ulterior motives are to gain controll of Nanotechnology for use as they see fit.

Moonwar is a bit predictable, and the 'bad guys' are just way too disfunctional as people to have attained the positions of power in government they have achieved. The 'New Morality' which is quickly gripping the world in a theocracy, opposes nanotechnology, and will use Murder and terrorism to attain thier goals.

Soon, forces culminate into a battle at Moonbase, those in Moonbase thwarting two different attacks and flushing out suicide bombers. It's a bit too easy for them though.

Overall, a nice book if you've read the first one, but not as realistic as it could be, and not very beliveable.

Ben Bova at his best and worst..........2003-11-16

MOONWAR exemplifies Ben Bova at both his best and his worst. As a sci-fi thriller, it is near first-rate. Moonbase continues to face resistance from Earth's nano-Luddites-religious fanatics who fear the nano-tech used to sustain the luna colony-and from U.N. Secretary General Georges Faure, who has an agenda of his own. Bova keeps the action and suspense rolling, as the hero of both this and the previous Moonbase novel, Doug Stavenger, struggles to counter these overwhelming odds. Bova proves something of a master of page-turning suspense, keeping his reader on the edge of the seat. Unfortunately, Bova seldom develops his characters beyond anything more than the bare bones, one-dimensional heroes and villains in whom it is very difficult to invest emotionally, even when their lives are on the line. Faure remains a moustache twirling villain throughout the novel when he could well have been developed into a complex figure of real politick. Stavenger proves a near Christ-like entity, finding himself resurrected again and again thanks to the nano-bugs introduced into his system in the previous novel. Worse is Killifer, a vindictive former Moonbase employee, who becomes so monstrous in his actions that he rivals Greg Masterson, Doug's ludicrously evil half-brother from MOONRISE. It is frustrating that a writer with such a great sense of pace and suspense should indulge again and again in such unsatisfying plot devices. As a prose stylist, Bova has his strengths-terse and immediate at times, lavishly descriptive at others-but weaknesses, as well. His physical description of characters especially-laden with tried and stale observations-almost always make me wince. One female character is "vigorous and feisty" with "steel-gray eyes," another has "Texas cheerleader's looks," another is a "petit brunette with video-star looks." On the other hand, Bova's descriptions of the luna surface and of Moonbase's infrastructure are often masterful and enthralling, though there is more of both in the first novel than the second. Both Moonbase titles are quick, decent reads, but lack the sense of real wonder that Bova captures in his Mars novels.

Seedy, immature, sloppy.......2003-06-30

Very standard b-grade thriller fare, cf. Tom Clancy.

Maybe it has a big turnaround, but I couldn't push myself much past the first hundred pages.

Cardboard characters that are described as massively intelligent and resourceful, yet are lucky to exhibit the maturity and insight of adolescents. The arch-villain is supposed to be smart enough to have fooled basically everyone on earth to run a virtual world government, yet he's utterly transparent. Oh, and he casually hits on a sexy reporter, forcing her to sleep with him to get access to a story she wants - as if he's not actually handing her a much bigger story/blackmail threat. It's gratuitously playing to the seedy crowd.

The premise is that only our hero and his supporters on the moonbase understand that the new 'nanotechnology' - viruslike micro-organisms that can be used to build rocketships and furniture and cure diseases - is good, but the whole world has been fooled by the villain into thinking they're bad. It only works for that high-school Adrian Mole stage where you do still think that no-one understands except you.

Oh, and of course this nanotechnology gibberish means that Bova can suddenly pull out any magic trick - 'hey, they can make us invisible' - as if it's part of a coherent plot. As with fantasies where wizards can suddenly pull out spells we've never heard of at no cost, ultimately there is no suspense. And the only thing going for this book (no character, no humour, no insight, no wit - maybe he does good action that I never got to) is suspense (even down to titling each chapter as a countdown). The SF aspect just gives Bova a chance at a particular market - perhaps wise financially, but he abuses the genre to give more licence to sloppy plotting.

a pleasant read.......2003-06-06

Simply said: its enjoyable bedtime reading. The author presents interesting ideas and believable concepts without delving too much into _boring_ detail.

Moon Landings: Did NASA Lie? (An Orbis Enigma Book)

Average customer rating:

What are they teaching in school?
The author is part of a conspiracy
Severally Flawed and Silly Moon Hoax Book.
Good Job
Poorly researched drivel

Moon Landings: Did NASA Lie? (An Orbis Enigma Book)
Philippe Lheureux
Manufacturer: Carnot USA Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Conspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Aeronautics & Astronautics | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

History of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1592090419

Book Description

Moon Landings: Did NASA Lie? is a personal journey, one in which the author encourages each individual to arrive at his or her own conclusions. After spotting discrepancies in official photos of our lunar expeditions, technologist Philippe Lheureux began what seemed like an innocent study of NASA's public reports. Moon Landings is the result of his findings, a critical analysis of 225 photographs of the Apollo missions -- many from NASA's official website. It is destined to ignite strong reactions from scientists, patriots, the international media, and ultimately the reader. In a riveting in-depth investigation, Lheureux was astonished to find that his countless contacts managed to agree on only one point - that anomalies exist in the photographs NASA released to the press. Perhaps what is more astounding was why such inconsistencies were never publicly called into question - not by scientists, journalists, or even our former rival, the Russians. One by one, Moon Landings: Did NASA Lie? outlines the specific aberrations in the well-documented photographs and explains how and why the equations simply don't add up. However, the author makes a compelling point of not attaching himself to any one theory as to why. Instead, he identifies several interpretations that have been proposed as a means of arriving at the truth. Throughout the book, Lheureux stresses that it is not his goal to criticize NASA. In fact, he commends NASA for enabling the exploration of space and therefore, igniting the imagination and encouraging our right to dream. In the final analysis, though, he believes that the photographs appear enhanced and potentially altered in some way. So what if NASA's photos of the moon landings were staged? The author cannot answer that question -- and chooses not to. In fact, he maintains that it is far easier to raise questions than to find answers. This is the premise of Moon Landings.

Customer Reviews:

What are they teaching in school?.......2006-08-15

This book shows the laziness in students learning basic physics. Secondly it shows someone unwilling to do the reasearch of the equipment that is all over the internet. Finally, why should we assume things like lighting on the moon are so sinister. Personally I haven't been in an airless environment and how it affects ther perspective of mountains miles away. Send the author a science book!

The author is part of a conspiracy.......2006-05-14

This book was written to cover up what is REALLY happening:
NASA and the UN are secretly working on a plan, using the newest technologies (based on a combination of fibre optics, nanotechnology and genetic engineering), to cause the moon to be re-absorbed into the Earth from which it came. (I think the Pacific Ocean is where it came from, exactly, but maybe it's the Atlantic, I'm not sure.) Then they can found an Anti-Freedom State there, with a new combination of Extreme Islam, Communism, and Left Liberalism (this is where the genetic stuff comes in). It will be new land, you see. And then all that salt water will flood the United States. (Forget about that global warming stuff, the rising sea level has nothing to do with that.) Didn't you notice this guy has a French name?

Severally Flawed and Silly Moon Hoax Book........2006-01-17

In his book, Moon Landings: Did NASA Lie?, Philippe Lheureux claims to have reviewed a staggering number of 225 photographs from the nearly 25000 photographs taken by the Apollo astronauts during their mission to the moon (This does not include the photographs taken by Apollo 7 and 9 which orbited the Earth). After this extension and extremely thorough review he has concluded that NASA has lied to the public about the missions to the moon. To further validate this conclusion, he also looked at 250 photographs of the 1.8 million images returned by the Department of Defense's Lunar orbiter mission Clementine. I hope the reader can tell I'm being sarcastic, because as will be pointed out shortly, the author's lack of research is staggering and mind numbing.

The first photograph presented in the book is from the Apollo 12 mission and shows astronaut Alan Bean holding the Special Environmental Sample Container (AS12-49-7278). The author asks seven questions about this photograph and then a few paragraphs later states that "Thousands of scientists, including many from Russia, had seen these photos. Why were they silent about this? Was is not their responsibility as scientists to ask these questions?" I feel that at this point the author should have ended his book. If he felt he still wanted to write a book, he could have at least asked these leading scientist why they didn't come forward. The real answer of course is that ten of thousands of scientists and engineers have already answered these questions and have found that they no validity. In other words, they realize that the moon landings are real.

Here are the seven questions that Lheureux asks in his book. As an engineer, I give the reader the answer to his questions.

1) The space suit does not seem stretched by its internal pressure.

The space suit consists of two major layers; the inner layer is the actual pressure containment system and holds the pressure at about 4.0 psi, while the outer is simply a covering made up of thermal protection material to keep the astronaut cool. It is similar to putting a coat out in the winter. A simple internet search could have found the design drawings.

2) The camera is not protected against the hazards of the lunar environment (270 F in the sunlight and -240 in the shade, not to mention the harmful cosmic ray and the absent of atmospheric pressure). Why isn't it in a pressurized box?

Actually, the camera was protected from the lunar and space environments, by using several control methods. First, the camera was protected from the sun by the use of reflective metallic coatings, akin to wearing white clothing in the summer months. The film was protected by storing it a metal container when not it use. The final answer would be, why does the camera need to be stored in a pressurized box?

3) The stem of the reflector below the test tube does not appear to be attached to the upper section of the equipment.

The author makes an error typical of those who promote the moon landing hoax. That is, he used a low resolution scan of the photo instead of a high resolution scan (over 6Mb). In the high resolution scan, the wire connecting the container top (he mistakenly calls it a reflector) can easily be seen.

4) The astronaut is strongly lit while the lunar surface remains in darkness.

Again, the author uses the same low resolution scan to make his analysis. In the high resolution scan, the lunar surface and the astronaut's suit are nearly the same brightness.

5) The person taking the photo is lit from the front, while a companion is lit from the side.

In this photograph, Lheureux is describing the reflection of Pete Conrad in Alan Bean's curved helmet visor. Let's see, I'm guessing (I'm being sarcastic here) that Pete Conrad is standing in a different location than Bean and that he's facing the sun, while Bean's side is facing the sun.

6) The lunar surface visible in the helmet is brighter than the one in the background.

Again, the author uses the same low resolution scan to make his analysis. In the high resolution scan, the lunar surface in the helmet and the lunar surface in the background are nearly same brightness and color.

7) Why are the gloves black when the rest of the suit is white?

The gloves are made out a different material. The gloves need to be flexible in order to grip tools and rocks. Furthermore, the gloves became dirty after picking up rocks.

In summary, the author who the book states "specializes in computer technology" could have answered all these questions himself, if he had just spent some time looking for the answers, either on the internet or in a library. The remainder the section on Apollo follows the same general trend, little or no research followed by questions that he can't find answers to, so it his "logical" conclusion is that NASA must be pulling a hoax over the world.

Another example of the author's poor researching ability is his evaluation and description of the moon rocks. He asks why the moon rocks don't contain even a single new element. Answer, there are only 92 natural occurring elements and all have been found on Earth. That's elementary (or at least junior high) chemistry and physics. Next, he waxes poignantly about why no new materials have been found. Again, he shows his lack of research. Apollo 11, the first mission to the moon, brought back the mineral, Armalcolite, named after the Apollo 11 crew. He then makes the bold assertion that the moon rocks must have been fabricated in a lab and of course he provides no references to back up this assertion.

After the section on the Apollo mission, Lheureux reveals his thesis. That is, the Apollo missions were faked, because NASA is hiding the fact that extraterrestrials have visited or are currently on the moon. To prove his point, he examines 250 photographs of the 1.8 million images returned by the Department of Defense's lunar orbiter mission, Clementine and presents some of his findings. In an attempt to prove his point, he reproduces some of the digital scans and gives his interpretation of the scan. He does this by presenting a side by side comparison. He presents the original photograph on the left side and the on right side he overlays some crudely sketched lines which he insists are signs of alien structures on the moon. Again, he does not to do any significant research and clearly fails to recognize three important facts. First, many the features he outlines are simply geological formations that can be found on Earth. Second, many of these supposed alien structures would be gigantic and would be dozens of miles across. Why would a alien spacecraft need a runway 30 miles in length and several miles in width? Finally, he does not compare any of the supposed alien structures with anything on Earth even though there are million of space based photographs of Earth based structures for comparison.

My major complaint about this section is his overlay analysis method. When he sketches his lines onto the Clementine photos, they are much thicker and straighter than those on the original. In other words, wavy lines which look like they were carved lava flows or landslides become straight lines. For example, a half oval shape on page 158 becomes a triangle, two intersecting arcs on pages 152 and 151 become a large Xs and on page 151 two very wavy lines become two straight lines.

In conclusion, Did NASA lie? No they did not lie. The author needs to do much more research

Did Lheureux lie? No, he did not lie, but he falls into the trap common to the moon hoax believers. That is, using low quality digital scans to make an evaluation, and not doing any research to undercover the engineering and science behind the Apollo and Clementine missions to the moon.

Good Job.......2005-11-02

It appears the government has accomplished what it has set out to do reading from all the broad-minded reviews.

Poorly researched drivel.......2005-03-29

Phillipe Lheureux claims to base this entire book on an analysis of 225 images of the Apollo missions. This is inadequate, since there are in excess of 20,000 images and several hours of film and TV footage. Lheueux clearly has not even glanced at any of the other material.

He asks how Armstrong descended the LM ladder with a camera attached to his chest. He implies that no effort was made by Armstrong to make sure he could get back up to the lowest rung of the ladder (a jump of about 3 feet) before calling Aldrin down. He asks how a picture that was clearly not taken by the type of camera the astronauts had could have appeared in the record.

All three of these are answered within 30 minutes of the start of the Apollo 11 moonwalk TV broadcast. Armstrong DID check he could get back up to the lower rung of the ladder. He did not have the camera strapped to his chest when he descended: it was lowered down on a line later. And Aldrin had set up a film camera (known as the Data Acquisition Camera) in the LM window to record the action from a different angle during the moonwalk. Lheureux's 'mystery picture' is from this camera.

In short, Lheureux has looked at a few pictures, seen some things he can't understand, and then concluded that it was all a hoax. No effort to try to find explanations was made. Since all this material is freely available if you bother to loko for it this is inexcusable.

Save your money and leave this book on the shelf.

The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Settlement (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration)

Average customer rating:

A Major Achievement
Best introduction to lunar development
immediate classic - ambitious primer with vision & scope
instant classic - ambitious primer with vision & scope
Some day this all might become true!

The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Settlement (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration)
David Schrunk , Burton Sharpe , Bonnie L. Cooper , and Madhu Thangavelu
Manufacturer: Praxis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aeronautics & Astronautics | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Astrophysics & Space Science | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

ASIN: 0387360557

Book Description

The Moon: Resources, Future Development and Settlement describes feasible human settlement of the Moon in the coming century. Small scale, tele-operated and autonomous robotic in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) projects are first, followed by electric power, communication, and transportation networks manufactured from lunar resources. These infrastructure networks are field tested an commissioned in the polar regions of the Moon, and permanent human settlements are then established. Through several phases of development, the utility networks grow, and the number of permanently inhabited bases increases to inculde all areas of interest on the Moon. The book stresses that the envisioned "Planet Moon Project" will link the technological and cultural expertise of humanity to the virtually limitless resources of space. From that beginning, the people of the Earth reap substatntial benefits from space, and the human species will evolve into a spacefaring civilization.

Customer Reviews:

A Major Achievement.......2004-09-28

As one of the contractors selected by NASA this year to design a lunar architecture, I can say this book provides an excellent and detailed inventory what is known about the Moon's challenges and ways that have been devised to overcome them. Peter Eckart is a hero of the lunar movement; if he were available, he would have a leading role on our lunar architecture team.

Best introduction to lunar development.......2001-01-16

This book is the best up-to-date introduction to lunar development, focusing on the primary technical infrastructure necessary to expand from an initial base via In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) to global development of what the authors term "Planet Moon". The book makes a clear case first for why we should do this, and then in quite detailed outline, how. While some technical components, such as remote robotic tele-operation, or lunar materials mining and processing, still require research and development work, nothing in this project is far from mundane things we already know how to do. The book isn't entirely self-consistent and the logical separation of topics sometimes seems a bit odd, but the range of material covered is satisfyingly broad: lunar topography and composition; railways, telecommunications and materials transport; requirements on construction and chemical processing equipment; human-suitable habitats, life support, agriculture, and "cislunar" transport and logistics, and more. Beyond the technical discussion of the physical, chemical, and engineering issues are several sections of the book dealing with lunar government, including a proposal for creation of a "Lunar Economic Development Authority" (LEDA) following a port authority model, which looks extremely promising. At least as valuable as the 10 main chapters are the 20 appendixes, to which over half the book's pages are devoted. These appendixes, based heavily on work published elsewhere, bring a lot of information together in one place available for ready inter-comparison. Perhaps the most interesting is also the longest, Appendix E, which thoroughly covers the proposed processes for lunar oxygen extraction and related chemical processing. This book is an essential guide for anybody hoping to work on lunar development and participate in, as the authors phrase it, the "Planet Moon Project".

immediate classic - ambitious primer with vision & scope.......2000-08-04

Take your pick of "must buy", "immediate classic", or "ambitious Primer with Vision and Scope". Not a few people have taken a hard in depth look at what it will take to establish a permanent outpost on the Moon - as if that was an end all and be all goal in and of itself. In this new volume, Schrunk and his team are clearly out to do more. Seeing the Moon in the much wider light as a world with considerable mineral resources and its strategic location on the shoulder of Earth' gravity well, they outline a feasible, realistic scenario for the coming century. Their goal is not "a" moon base. It is a global integration of the Moon into Earth's economy. Looking at the Moon's resources, where they are located, and at which parts of the Moon have special advantages, they take us from a first south polar outpost step by step into a future when humans will be busy all over the Moon, and making money doing so. Their vision is grounded on established technologies, never depending on developments or breakthroughs that may or may not ever happen. On the airless Moon, good old fashion electric railroads (eventually MagLev) will be the principal way of moving goods and materials from one part of the globe to another. Relying solely on solar power, they manage the long lunar nightspans by setting up grids that loop both poles at approximately 85° N and S, latitudes, depending on the terrain, of course. The Moon will produce power for Earth, and become the principal spaceport by which we open the rest of the Solar System and beyond. By the turn of the next century, hundreds of thousands of people, and maybe more, will live and work on the Moon. Profusely illustrated with B/W sketches, the authors take us through every well-reasoned and grounded step. For all of us interested in the Moon, this book is a must read. Do buy it!

instant classic - ambitious primer with vision & scope.......2000-08-04

Take your pick of "must buy", "immediate classic", or "ambitious Primer with Vision and Scope". Not a few people have taken a hard in depth look at what it will take to establish a permanent outpost on the Moon - as if that was an end all and be all goal in and of itself. In this new volume, Schrunk and his team are clearly out to do more. Seeing the Moon in the much wider light as a world with consi-derable mineral resources and its strategic location on the shoulder of Earth1s gravity well, they outline a feasible, realistic scenario for the coming century. Their goal is not "a" moon base. It is a global integration of the Moon into Earth1s economy. Looking at the Moon1s resources, where they are located, and at which parts of the Moon have special advantages, they take us from a first south polar outpost step by step into a future when humans will be busy all over the Moon, and making money doing so. Their vision is grounded on established technologies, never depending on developments or breakthroughs that may or may not ever happen. On the airless Moon, good old fashion electric railroads (eventually MagLev) will be the principal way of moving goods and materials from one part of the globe to another. Relying solely on solar power, they manage the long lunar nightspans by setting up grids that loop both poles at approximately 85° N and S, latitudes, depending on the terrain, of course. The Moon will produce power for Earth, and become the principal spaceport by which we open the rest of the Solar System and beyond. By the turn of the next century, hundreds of thousands of people, and maybe more, will live and work on the Moon. Profusely illustrated with B/W sketches, the authors take us through every well-reasoned and grounded step. For all of us interested in the Moon, this book is a must read. Do buy it!

Some day this all might become true!.......2000-04-25

I've been reading a lot of books about the moon and it's exploration lately. Some deal with the Apollo past but also some about the (near) future. This book gives a good overview of the aspects involved in developing a permanent base on the moon. It even deals with long term development of cities containing thousands of people. The concepts presented are viable although it presents some concepts that are to far into the future to my likings. It not only presents the theorectical concepts but also the work that has been done in relevant research areas and the problems encountered. It is not science fiction. Not only does the book cover the technical challenges but it also deals with economical and political aspects of a lunar base. If you want to get a clear picture of the current state of the art of lunar development this book is a very good starting point.

Average customer rating:

A Rousing Good "Alternate History" Yarn
Alternate History Thriller
If you can find it - enjoy it
Alternate history in near space
Not enough details on the alternative space program

The Tranquility Alternative
Allen Steele
Manufacturer: Ace Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0441002994

Customer Reviews:

A Rousing Good "Alternate History" Yarn.......2006-11-28

I have a soft spot for "alternate history" stories. Philip K. Dick's "The Man in the High Castle," which posits that the Axis powers win World War II and occupy the United States, and Len Deighton's "SS-GB," which looks at England under Nazi German occupation, are two of the best of the genre (Harry Turtledove's many such tales notwithstanding). Now I must add Allen Steele's "The Tranquillity Alternative" to the short-list of alternate history novels that I have most enjoyed.

The "space geek" will immediately feel right at home in Mr. Steele's alternate universe. This is a universe in which the first manned spaceflight, in Nazi Germany's "Amerika Bomber," takes place in 1944. It is a universe (in this way like our real one) in which NASA is in serious decline due to slashed funding, personnel cutbacks and the lack of a meaningful mission. And, most intriguing of all, it is a universe in which Dr. Wernher von Braun's early-1950's vision of a major space exploration program comes to pass. You'll find in "The Tranquillity Alternative" all of the hardware that Dr. von Braun conceived and presented to the American public via a series of stunningly illustrated articles in "Collier's Magazine" starting in 1952. The "Space Wheel" is here in all of its full rotating glory, along with the enormous three-stage reusable "ferry rocket," the "lunar reconnaissance vehicle" and the classic "moonship" that fans of Chesley Bonestell will instantly recognize. There is a U.S. lunar base under the Sea of Tranquillity. Ominously, it houses six "interplanetary" ballistic missiles, relics of the time when U.S. military planners thought that basing nuclear weapons on the moon would deter Soviet aggression on Earth (they really did believe this at one time). And there is even a nuclear-powered rocket straight out of George Pal's 1950 film "Destination Moon."

"The Tranquillity Alternative" features interesting, well-defined characters, realistic dialogue and a strong story line involving the pending transfer of the abandoned Tranquillity Base from the U.S. government to a private German space corporation. Mr. Steele keeps the action going at fever pitch as the scene shifts from Earth to the Space Wheel and on to the Moon. He throws in fascinating glimpses of everyday life that add depth and texture to his alternate universe. For example, the Kennedy Space Center is named after President Robert F. Kennedy. Elvis Presley is on tour with U2. Chuck Yeager pilots the maiden flight of NASA's giant new passenger rocket in 1956. And Irwin Allen's "Star Trek" is a top-rated television show for eight seasons between 1958 and 1966. These little throw-away hints of a very different universe from our own are jarringly unfamiliar but logically and internally consistent. They show well the amount of research, thought and hard work that Mr. Steele put into "The Tranquillity Alternative." This is fun stuff. I highly recommend it to all sci-fi readers and to anyone interested in exploring a little of "what might have been."

Alternate History Thriller.......2006-08-15

In this novel of alternate history, the United States has gone further in the exploration of space than in reality, yet at the same time has taken several steps back. The story is told through a series of interviews and news stories sprinkled throughout the events that occur as the US sends its last manned mission to the moon. Some different politicians have been elected, altering the course of history just enough to affect the space race.

During the Cold War, the United States built Tranquillity Base on the moon, mainly for scientific purposes, but there were also six nukes stashed a few miles away in another crater, called Teal Falcon. The government had managed to keep the nukes a secret for awhile, until outed by the media. The United States experienced a second wave of flak when it was discovered President Dole authorized their use during Desert Storm. In a symbolic gesture, just before the USA sells Tranquillity Base to a German company, it sends one last manned mission to the moon to fire the Teal Falcon missiles harmlessly into the sun.

Unbeknownst to the crew of the Conestoga, the rocket ship taking them to the moon, one of them is an impostor, his agenda unknown. While his identity is no secret, his back-up is another, unknown member of the crew. It's not Commander Gene Parnell, who had helped install Tranquillity Base all those years ago, but there is reason to suspect the two German astronauts who rendezvous with the Conestoga at a low orbit space station. Also suspect is second in command Cris Ryer, a lesbian who is being shoved out of NASA for her sexual preference, a cause of great bitterness. Along for the ride are an annoying team of journalists, Rhodes and Bromleigh, Leamore, the token Brit who works for the Germans, and Lewitt, who Commander Parnell takes into his confidence, as he can't seem to trust anyone else. Commander Parnell has only one chance to stop the unknown plot involving Teal Falcon from unfolding and creating unknown havoc, and makes a few mistakes until he figures out who his enemies really are.

Compared to other Steele novels I've read, the pace of this one is a little slow, merely meandering along until the Conestoga reaches the moon and then getting page-turningly exciting when things start to happen. It seems to be more of a sad commentary on what could happen if we lost our interest in space and its exploration than a story about bad guys trying to get their hands on nuclear weapons. Though not as gripping as some of Steele's others, this is still a good novel with a unique spin.

If you can find it - enjoy it.......2002-09-11

... It is one Steele's more gripping novels. It started slow for me - only in that I had to guide myself into Steele's alternative history and get used to Presidents McGovern and Dole. I had to convince myself that Neil Armstrong was NOT the first man on the moon. These were just minor distractions. However once I figured it all out, I became totally entrenched in this book. He breaks up each chapter with a newspaper article or television report that provides a chronological alternative history to the space program. I liked that idea. It gave it more believability. There were a few unexpected twists and turns toward the end, which I won't give away...

Alternate history in near space.......2000-08-30

As usual for Steele, this is a hard sf book of the exploration of near-Earth space. But unlike Orbital Decay and Lunar Descent, The Tranquillity Alternative is not set in the near future, but in an alternate history, where the American space program started in World War II and effectively ended after a joint US-USSR expedition to Mars in 1976. The story line is intriguing because of the close similarity to real history, which makes the deviations surprising (Nixon won the 1960 elections, Robert Kennedy became President after Nixon in 69, was shot in Dallas. McGovern became president in the 70s, Dole instead of Bush was Reagan's vice president and followed him as president).

What makes alternate history hard to swallow is that one the one hand America is depicted as a nation in decline without the will to pursue objectives in space anymore - Tranquillity Base is sold to a German company - much worse than in reality: Is this meant to be the consequence of higher spending for space in the alternate history?

Another disappointment is that of the 300 page story, about 250 pages are used to depict the scenery, and only for 30 or so pages there is some action. However, the descriptive parts are most interesting and thought-provoking.

Not enough details on the alternative space program.......2000-05-26

Sorry, I wasn't satisfied with TA. I was looking for more specifics about an alternative space program that started in the 1940's. Instead, I got a silly plot set ahead to the 1990's with a disappointing ending. If you are looking for hard details about an alternative NASA and its accomplishments, try Stephen Baxter's "Voyage".

Engineering, Construction and Operations in Space III: Space '92 Proceedings of the Third International Conference, Denver, Colorado, 31 May-4 June

Average customer rating:

A Fundamental Resource for Development and Colonization of Outer Space

Engineering, Construction and Operations in Space III: Space '92 Proceedings of the Third International Conference, Denver, Colorado, 31 May-4 June
Colo.) Space (Conference) (1992 Denver , Stein Sture , and Willy Z. Sadeh
Manufacturer: Amer Society of Civil Engineers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

A Fundamental Resource for Development and Colonization of Outer Space.......2007-07-19

This two volume set is the published proceedings of the conference named in the book's title. Over 200 papers were presented in 18 different technical areas. The conference was multidisciplinary with many international participants; despite the title, you can find papers dealing with lunar science, space law, and other topics. The major technical areas of the papers, organized into sections of the book are:
1) Planetary surface structures on the Moon and Mars;
2) Space resources and in-situ materials utilization;
3) Space energy;
4) Space mining and excavation;
5) Space automation and robotics;
6) Life support systems;
7) Lunar-based astronomy, and;
8) Space Education

The importance of the book lies in its value as a "snapshot" of what a broad segment of the space community was thinking about in 1972. The book is excellent for providing us with an overview of important topics and challenges that must be considered for future space development. Indeed, virtually all of the topics continue to garner significant attention and work across the space community, e.g., within NASA, other government space agencies, academia and industry. It is excellent for providing context for practical discussion of space colonization. I frequently refer to it in my own work at NASA

Lunar Bases and Space Activities of the 21st Century

Average customer rating:

A Nice Collection of Paper about the Moon and Moon Bases

Lunar Bases and Space Activities of the 21st Century

Manufacturer: Lunar and Planetary Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mars | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0942862023

Customer Reviews:

A Nice Collection of Paper about the Moon and Moon Bases.......2001-03-25

This softbound book contains a collection of papers from a conference held in Washington D.C. from October 29-31, 1984. These papers provide information about lunar geology, lunar science, construction techniques, transportation issues, base design, and various subsystem design (like, power generation, thermal control and life support) as well as many other topics. While the book contains many papers that provide a general overview of the lunar bases, many of the papers contain engineering formulae, which require knowledge of calculus and differential equations or even a specialization in a field of science or engineering.

The Lunar Base Handbook (Space Technology Series)

Average customer rating:

Start With This Book
The Latest Engineering Concepts for Lunar Base Development
Most used book with my MSc. thesis
Most used book with my MSc. thesis
The Lunar Base Handbook (Space Technology Series)

The Lunar Base Handbook (Space Technology Series)
Peter Eckart
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Primis Custom Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aeronautics & Astronautics | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Astrophysics & Space Science | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0072401710

Book Description

Lunar Base Handbook provides an overview about the Moon and its environment, the current status of lunar base design, tools we need to design a lunar base, checklists and flow charts that outline the design process, and technological requirements of a lunar base.

The main audience for this book is engineers, but it is also interesting for scientists, managers, lawyers, undergraduates, and high school students, and readable for the interested layman.

Customer Reviews:

Start With This Book.......2006-11-21

I started reading this book and nearly threw it down after just two chapters. There were numerous spelling and grammatical errors which initially made me question the validity of the material being presented. Fortunately I pressed on. This book, though not a masterpiece of English prose, is hands down the most understandable, comprehensive text on the subject that I have read. The book breaks down material from vastly diverse disciplines and explains them in a manner that a layman can understand. Prior to reading this book, I read Space Mission Analysis and Design (SMAD), also of the NASA Space Technology Series. I found that this book (The Lunar Base Handbook) presented the same topics as SMAD, but in a more understandable format. I found myself often reading a topic in The Lunar Base Handbook and then continuing my education in other books from the Space Technology Series such as SMAD. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in lunar development or space exploration.

The Latest Engineering Concepts for Lunar Base Development.......2001-09-10

In this book, Peter Eckart has assembled the collective writings of many of the leaders who are developing advanced engineering and science concepts for a return to the moon and the establishment of a permanent lunar base, which is capable of exploring the moon in great detail. These writings are not reprints from a conference or a previously published paper, but a detailed summary of the work to date on a variety of subjects from the site selection of a lunar base and the transportation means to get to the moon, to the details regarding advanced exploration and regenerative life support systems. The book also includes the more mundane systems needed to make a lunar base function, such as the thermal control system and the communication system.

While portions of this book maybe overly technical for some readers, there are numerous sections that provide a general overview of equipment, lunar exploration history, and transportation techniques. There are two sections, one written by Buzz Aldrin and one by Jack Schmidt that describe in great detail various aspects of lunar exploration. Typically, most astronauts authored writings found in books are simply a page or two. All in all, I couldn't find a topic that was omitted from the book.

I also conducted a comprehensive review of several sections of the book, which are related to my engineering area of expertise. Specifically, I reviewed the thermal control system, power system, EVA, and life support sections. In all these sections, I only found one error, which appeared to be a typo. The lone error leads me to believe that other sections were equally as error free.

In summary, I always enjoy reading books like these, because they show that even though the US government does not support going back to the moon, many individuals are still committed to returning people to the moon. Finally, regardless of your technical ability, you can learn a great deal from this book.

Most used book with my MSc. thesis.......2001-01-17

This book, which is not only extensive and exetremely usefull but also very easy to read, provides the only complete overview of aspects considering the moon from an engineering point of view. All aspects are explained and start with basics and summarizes all possibilities. My book is full of post-it notes where the parts are marked that I had to use frequently. It is the most used book from all my moon-related books I have, because it is so complete. The essays from lunar explorers around the world are a nice extra. It would be a good study object for a course.

Most used book with my MSc. thesis.......2001-01-17

The Lunar Base Handbook (Space Technology Series).......2000-12-15

This book is a MUST for eveyone seriously interested in lunar exploration. Since Wendell Mendells generatuion-inspiring lunar base document, this is the most complete overview on technical and non-technical aspects of the selenological adventure. One can start as an amateur: after having completed this large volume he/she will have an excellent interdisciplinary insight into our future on the Moon.

Average customer rating:

It's about Time!
SF manga with American grit

Earthlight Volume 1 (Earthlight)
Christopher Schons , and Stuart Moore
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1598167057
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Customer Reviews:

It's about Time!.......2007-02-20

This book takes Japanese manga where it needs to go with direct involvement of various cultures. I have been a fan of Japanese animation for almost two decades, and this book represents the cutting edge of the industry with a universal and coherent storyline, 5 Stars. Keep up the good work!

I am also looking forward to volume 2!

SF manga with American grit.......2007-01-26

I adore Japanese manga and Japanese culture. But their culture isn't ours. Earthlight manages to catch the best of both.

The lunar Earthlight colony is a multinational melting pot - 54 squabbling, troubled nations funded it, and sent some lucky few to live up there. The parents are busy 24/7, the kids ... are kids. Smart independent teens, but realistically written - they have problems beyond their ability to solve. The lunar environment is harsh, the cost of mistakes catastrophic. And worst of all punishments - the threat of being sent back to live on Earth, where life has gotten more and more difficult as the years have gone by.

This first volume started a little slow, in that the main human character hadn't arrived yet - we start out by meeting the environment, almost a character in itself. But then we get to the human characters, too, and it ended with a bang! I'm really looking forward to volume 2!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books