space-expansion
The idea that humanity must extend its presence into space to access infinite energy and raw materials and relieve environmental pressures on Earth.
2 chapters across 1 book
The High Road (1981)Ben Bova
The chapter argues that humanity must expand into space to address critical global challenges such as energy scarcity, environmental degradation, and overpopulation, emphasizing that raising global living standards is essential for population stabilization. It critiques the decline of the U.S. space program post-Apollo, highlighting missed opportunities to build permanent space infrastructure and the resulting stagnation amid worsening economic and social conditions. The chapter frames space exploration as a universal human endeavor and urgent long-term vision necessary to avoid civilizational collapse and secure a sustainable future.
This chapter provides an extensive index of key names, organizations, technologies, and events related to space exploration, energy, and geopolitical history, illustrating the interconnectedness of scientific, political, and industrial developments. It emphasizes the urgency of the current space race as a vital human endeavor to overcome global crises such as hunger, poverty, war, and death, advocating for a collaborative space program uniting technocrats and environmentalists to ensure humanity's survival through expansion into space.