Topic: Space Exploration and colonization books (non-fiction)

[Mr. Hypergol]

This book might be a little dated but it's still a good read:

"Pioneering the Space Frontier", Bantam Books, 1986.

It is a report by a panel of space experts and astronauts appointed by Ronald Reagan to chart the future of space exploration.  Interestingly enough it was released after the Challenger accident.

Even though it's a little old, it is still one of the best, most in depth books I've read about what could be done over the next 50 years.  It goes into a lot of detail about advancing science, exploring, prospecting, and settling the solar system.  It begins with 9 rationales for space exploration.  The concepts in the book remain valid today, it's just that the shuttle won't be the vehicle used.  

[Erik Bethke]

Well if you are in the mood for some thick reading, buy the Near Earth Resources book by the Arizona Space Science series, and the Mars book is just amazing - and super hard to find!  Each of these tomes of space science weighs in at over $100.

There are others but surprisingly most people are letting Zubrin take the lead here.

Space can be achieved for far cheaper than it is now, it is just that we are letting others deprioritize it.

-Erik

[Toasty0]

Do you mean this one about Mars?    

[Toasty0]

Ok. I ordered the first two books on this subject a couple days ago.  Thanks all for your fine suggestions and I hope I get through all of them by years end.

Should I add the following title (if someone already suggested it I missed it, I apologize for that oversight) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/189652267X/ref=pd_cpt_gw_1/102-9947503-0084138

Thanks all.

Best,
Jerry