The Consequential Frontier: Challenging the Privatization of Space

Description

An in-depth work of reportage that dares to ask what's at stake in privitizing outer space. As a new space race dawns, startup companies are readying their engines to head into the cosmos for the sake of privitization and profit. Journalist Peter Ward investigates how such endeavors could lead not to a new golden age, but a new era of colonialism. Sitting down with tech CEOS, inventors, scientists and politicians, Ward demonstrates how rushing into space could have disastrous results, and explores what is being done to explore space and utilize its resources while keeping it a universal resource.

Peter Ward is tech journalist who has written for GQ and Wired. This is his first book.

"Carefully researched. . . . Ward's book provides a detailed history of how control of space changed from a taxpayer-funded contest of national pride between Cold War superpowers to an emerging market fought over by CEOs, corporations and lobbyists."-Lincoln Michel, InsideHook "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: The Coming of the Global Citizen "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