Mining the Sky: Untold Riches from the Asteroids, Comets, and Planets

______________________________________________ Rating: A+ (ideas); A- (writing). An entertaining and visionary look at the future of humanity in a space-based economy. The idea of moving mining to space dates back at least to Russian space visionary Konstantin Tsiolkovski (1903). Robert Goddard's pioneering rocketry experiments in the 1920's were paid for by the Guggenheim foundation, with money from mining (Asarco). Goddard himself envisioned the migration of industry and people to space (1918). Mr. Lewis, Codirector of the Space Engineering Research Center at the University of Arizona, brings these speculations up to date for the turn of the 21st century. The resources available in the asteroid belt are truly staggering. Lewis estimates that there is enough iron there to cover the earth to a depth of one-half mile(!). At present-day prices, this iron would be worth about $7 billion for each person now alive. Add in nickel, platinum, copper, gold, uranium and so on, and the total exceeds $100 billion per person. Makes the "Limits to Growth" folks look pretty silly. Of course, there are a *few* steps to be taken before these resources become economic, not the least mustering the courage and imagination to take them. Yogi Berra reminds us that "the trouble with predicting the future is that it is very hard", but from an engineering standpoint, there's no reason why everyone can't become healthy, wealthy and very numerous. Just can't do it all *here*... review copyright 1998 by Peter D. Tillman Consulting Geologist, Tucson & Santa Fe (USA)

Dr. Lewis without a doubt deserves to be one of the most influential leaders in space development. I found Mining the Sky by accident in a hometown book shop while in high school and bought it because I had a few dollars. Five years later, I'm 9 months away from becoming an Air Force space officer with an astronautics degree. This book is that impressive. This book is the clearest and accessible book on the economic impacts space will provide the human race to date. Most of its ideas aren't fanciful and can be easily imagined as maturing in the next 20-30 years or sooner, given an effort. Maybe even sooner, as at least one private company was inspired by Dr. Lewis' writings. Dr. Lewis' positive outlook is tempered by a realistic engineering and economic approach to space. Keep in mind this book is first and foremost about space industrialization, not exploration. A true space enthusaist should know that one cannot be without the other. Dr. Lewis could not have given a better general survey of whats out there. A brief addendum concerning other reviewers' criticisms. This book could be made much more technical. However, this book was meant to appeal to a large, nontechnical audience. For more information, see Dr. Lewis' earlier book (and parent to Mining the Sky) Resources of Near Earth Space. It is the standard text for space materials prospects. Mining the Sky is a toned down version of RoNES meant to explain to a layman (me, when I first read Mining) the opportunities that await those courageous enough to reach out. Thank you, Dr. Lewis. And everyone even remotely interested in space and mankinds future in it, READ THIS BOOK!

Finally, a book by someone who knows what he's talking about! John S. Lewis has impressive credentials in the area of space resources, and he gives them to the reader in a concise, objective manner. This book is a far cry from other space authors' uses of hyperbole, criticism, or wild assumptions. The book also stays within the general realm of the believable, not straying too far from facts to speculate about "what could be done with this." While such asides are mildly entertaining, it is my belief both that the reader can imagine her own wild developments from space technology and resources; and that the real future will prove even today's best thought-out plans to be hokey and narrow-minded. John S. Lewis shows a rare mix of expertise, prose, and restraint, and makes this a must-have for anyone interested in this area.

This book is entertaining and mind-expanding. The opportunity for exploitation of near-Earth resources is apparent. Dr. Lewis supports his assertions with good science and broad foresight. This is a great job of presenting both the scientific and social benefits of using space resources.The future is built upon visionary ideas, not always immediately appreciated. This book makes a convincing case for advancing beyond the confines of this planet and how such an exodus is not only practical, but may well be profitable.

This is one of the greatest books I have read. You will be surprised at how many resources there are in space. If there is anyone who says that space is useless, and should solve problems on Earth first should get a reality check and read this book.