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The Case for Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must Paperback – June 28, 2011

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 579 ratings
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Since the beginning of human history, Mars has been an alluring dream—the stuff of legends, gods, and mystery. The planet most like ours, it has still been thought impossible to reach, let alone explore and inhabit. But all that changed when leading space exploration authority Robert Zubrin crafted a daring new blueprint, Mars Direct. When it was first published in 1996, The Case for Mars became an instant classic, lauded widely for its game-changing perspective by those who would see the American space program rise to the challenge of Mars; Carl Sagan called Zubrin the man who, “nearly alone, changed our thinking on this issue.” Now, fifteen years later, Zubrin brings readers up to date in this revised and updated anniversary edition filled with spectacular illustrations, extraordinary photographs, and one-of-a-kind anecdotes.

Unlike the dead world of the Moon, the Martian landscape is filled with possibility, but humans must be able to survive there. In the grand tradition of successful explorers, Zubrin calls for a travel-light and live-off-the-land approach to Martian settlement. He explains how scientists can use present-day technology to send humans to Mars; produce fuel and oxygen on the planet’s surface with its own natural resources; build bases and settlements; and one day terraform—or alter the atmosphere of the planet in order to pave the way for sustainable life. As the landmark mission of the Mars Science Laboratory begins, Zubrin lays out a comprehensive plan to build life on a new world.
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  1. Print length
    416 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Free Press
  4. Publication date
    June 28, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    145160811X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1451608113
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert Zubrin, formerly a senior engineer at Lockheed Martin, is the founder of Pioneer Astronautics, a space-exploration research and development firm. Currently chairman of the executive committee of the National Space Society, Dr. Zubrin lives with his family in Indian Hills, Colorado.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Free Press; Revised edition (June 28, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 145160811X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1451608113
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 579 ratings

About the author

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Robert Zubrin

Robert Zubrin

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Dr. Robert Zubrin is the author of The Case for Nukes: How to Beat Global Warming and Create a Free, Open, and Magnificent Future, and The Case for Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must. He is an internationally renowned nuclear and aerospace engineer with four decades of technical experience. Formerly a Senior Engineer at Lockheed Martin, since 1996 he has been President of Pioneer Astronautics, an aerospace research and development company. In that capacity he has led over 70 highly successful technology development projects for NASA, the US military, the Department of Energy, and private clients. He holds Master of Science degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a doctorate in Nuclear Engineering, all from the University of Washington. He is the author of 14 books, over 200 technical and non-technical papers in areas relating to aerospace and energy engineering, and is the inventor of over 20 US patents, with several more pending. In 1998 he founded the non-profit Mars Society, and personally led it in building a simulated human Mars exploration station in the Canadian Arctic, some 900 miles from the North Pole. He remains president of the Mars Society today. Prior to his work in aerospace, Dr. Zubrin worked in areas of radiation protection, nuclear power plant safety, thermonuclear fusion research, and as a secondary school science and math teacher. He lives in Golden, Colorado with his wife Hope Zubrin, a retired Middle School science teacher. They have three daughters, Sarah, Rachel, and Oakley, all now out of the house, and a loyal Sheltie named Strelka and Siberian cat Luna, who remain at home.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
579 global ratings
Scientists Lose Their Objectivity - Trade it For "Humans to Mars at Any Cost" Advocacy
3 Stars
Scientists Lose Their Objectivity - Trade it For "Humans to Mars at Any Cost" Advocacy
This reviewer suggests readers will take more from this book more if, as they read, they keep these two questions in the back of their heads: "What have the authors proposed humans do on Mars in the search for life that smart robots couldn't do at least as well with far less risk and expense?" and "Would this be needed for a purely robotic mission?" That is where the entire 'humans to Mars' discussion must inevitably go. We've been through this 'humans in space no matter what' experience. It wasn't just the economics of the space shuttle that killed it. It was also - perhaps primarily - the loss of two crews and craft and public confidence in NASA's ability to safely conduct such missions. Those crew were mostly recovered and laid to rest. Lost Mars crews are unlikely to be recovered. Someone - maybe family members - will point out that their loss was unnecessary, and they will be right. What will then happen to public support for space exploration? To public trust in the science community and their humanity?
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Top reviews from the United States

Kurt Walser
5.0 out of 5 stars Colonizing Mars is critically important
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2019
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I've always been intrigued with the idea of men landing on Mars. The robotic vehicles which explored and returned such stunning information and pictures captured my interest profoundly. I decided I had to know more about the space programs and what may lie in store. Then I saw a Netflix special of the pursuit of a manned mission to Mars. It blew my mind that actually landing men on Mars could possibility occur within a decade or two. One of the experts interviewed in the series was Dr. Zubrin. I looked him up and found his "Mars Direct" book. The book does not disappoint!!! His obvious excitement is contagious! His direct no nonsense approach to a Mars mission and his ability to break down every detail into precise calculations made me a believer. He can easily explain concepts to the average person as easily as to the professionals. I love how he relates man's historical growth and extrapolated it into man's future needs for the sake of the healthy continuation of mankind's quest for new frontiers. He convinced me fully that not only is Mars the next logical step for Mankind, but more importantly, a critical step for the health of future mankind. I can only hope that his book is read by more and more people, especially young people. If this happens, the prospect of a growing and healthy future in space is assured. Carl Sagan was right! Get science into the hearts and mines of the general populace, and nothing will stop its advance. Thank you Dr. Zubrin!
4 people found this helpful
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Justin Knutson
5.0 out of 5 stars Maybe you should join the Mars Society.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2020
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I was born in 1981. All I have ever known is the era of failure and stagnation at NASA. I saw the Challenger blow up, they showed it in most classes in America, because there was a teacher was on board. As a young man I would read Popular Science. I would complain to friends about NASA not progressing. That space exploration had died because lesser men had failed to understand what it had given us. This book was written at a time when the do nothing attitude at NASA was at it's worst. We once did great things. We knew that we had to create the future. It doesn't just happen. This book speaks to that pioneering instinct in some of us.It's a shot across the bow, a challenge to society. I found it excellent, hilarious, charming and very informative.
8 people found this helpful
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VIY
4.0 out of 5 stars A very inspirational book
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2011
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This is a very inspiring book that makes a strong case of beginning the Mars exploration right now with the nowadays existing technology. The book not only reveals a well thought plan how to reach Mars and how to establish a long term base there, but also gives very convincing reasons why it is vitally important for the human civilization to do this now. In the course of telling the future story of Mars colonization, the book gives a lot of educational information on chemistry, metallurgy, geology, and astrophysics. It is a wonderful reading for students from high school to college graduates. But the book goes beyond Mars. It talks a lot about human civilization, about the existence of life and the meaning of life - to continuously spread and colonize the universe. The life on Earths has started as a part of this colonization at bacterial level and has to be continued by the humankind.

The writing throughout the book is very temperamental, and the author has clearly a strong agenda to promote his position. While this is not a bad thing in general, sometimes the author goes too far in his single-sided opinion and believe that his way is the only true way to follow. Anybody who happened to express a different opinion is strongly, even sarcastically denied in the book. Going to Mars must be done in the Apollo type of style - in one single-minded effort in ten years by Americans alone, because, you see, the Americans are the only frontier nation on this planet, and since the American continent is fully colonized already, American nation has no other choice, but either find a new frontier or be extinct! We have to remember that US is not the only civilization on Earth, no matter how great it is at this moment of time. There are nations that have lived and are still pretty much viable and prosperous for millennia (not just 200 years) without continuously expanding and colonializing. Actually, settling on one place for generations these nations were able to create culture and wisdom build in their traditions, customs, architecture and folklore. America feels and continuously profits from these foreign cultures through the constant immigration from the whole world. Thus the thesis of concur or die is not quite a valid one to go to Mars. The Mars colonization is a too large and significant effort to be treated as a self-proving and ego-saving ordeal and should be undertaken by the whole humanity together - the way the ISS was build and is continued to be exploited - not the Apollo way. There should be a long term consensus, by the US congress and by the governments of other developed countries that such a colonization is timely. A ten year timeframe request to develop such a program is unrealistic. It sounds like, if we happened to have the right president for two terms, we can neglect all order issues and convince him/her to pay our visist to Mars on behalf of the whole nation. When we are starting a new course for the humankind, the whole civilization, which does not mean US only, has to be ready and determined to do it. Criticizing sarcastically the NASA administration, the Congress, and the US government for short-sighting in taking the present course of action (or inaction - according to the author) is not a very constructive behavior, to say the least. There is no need to be so ill tempered. Mars is on the list. NASA and the Congress, are obviously discussing and even practically working on the issue. And very likely, a lot of the ideas, presented in this book are closely looked at and may very well be exploited in a future Mars mission. But there are many other considerations too. Prioritization is important. The lack of a frontier (or the shortsightedness to see frontiers on Earth now), is not a tragedy and does not necessarily doom a civilization. Settling down for a while, may be actually a good thing. After such a rapid and exhaustive technological revolution comes time for a period of evolution, when the humankind needs to step back, calms down, get some wisdom from its achievements, may be get its house on Earth in better order, and then look to the next frontier.
3 people found this helpful
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Thomas Erickson
5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I bought Case for Mars. One of the very best
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2009
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I just got done reading Mars A Cosmic Stepping Stone ( I rate it 5 stars) and Kevin Nolan recommended The Case for Mars.Glad I bought The Case for Mars and took his recommendation.

Dr. Robert Zubrin one of the scientific leaders on Mars colonization and the author of The Case for Mars "Gets It" and does a great job describing the need to colonize Mars and how to get there.Some interesting illustrations and pictures of people interested in the Mars mission strategy. I strongly believe Robert's plan "Mars direct" to get 4 people to Mars and back is the most economical and safest way to go. Also it allows 1 1/2 years of on ground Mars crew exploration.

Hey the heavy hitters, Buzz Aldrin,Carl Sagan and Arther C Clarke had great stuff to say about Dr. Zubrin leading the field and liked his book. See back cover dust jacket.

This book is not super technical and you don't need a degree in astrophysics to enjoy it. Anyone interested in expansion of the human race and Mars colonization will enjoy this book. As a amateur astronomer for 40 years and someone wanting to see manned exploration of Mars, I give The Case for Mars my highest rating. After reading The Case For Mars (5 stars) read Mars On Earth also by Robert Zubrin.
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ggoess
5.0 out of 5 stars Uma visão alternativa de como explorar o planeta vermelho
Reviewed in Brazil on December 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
Durante os anos 90, Zubrin trabalhou na Martin-Marietta - empresa do ramo aeroespacial - e desenvolveu a arquitetura de missão da Mars Direct, uma hipotética viagem a Marte. Sua experiência com a Mars Direct e suas visões são transmitidas em The Case for Mars.

A tese central do livro é como a exploração e colonização de Marte é viável usando a engenharia e ciência do século XX juntamente com os recursos disponíveis em Marte. No imaginário coletivo de uma maneira geral, a viagem para Marte é frequentemente concebida como uma grande epopeia, requerendo grandes espaçonaves, grandes tecnologias e grandes avanços para ser viável. Zubrin pensa o contrário e é essa ideia que torna o livro tão legal de se ler.

Os capítulos contam com muitas estimativas numéricas e riqueza de informação a respeito de Marte. O capítulo 9, por exemplo, descreve as possibilidades de terraformação. Enfim, achei o livro divertido e bem original 5/5
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Amazon Kunde
5.0 out of 5 stars Großartig!
Reviewed in Germany on March 22, 2018
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The Case for Mars ist ein extrem spannendes Buch indem ein mit heutiger Technologie, relative geringem Entwicklungsaufwand und mit minimalen Kosten verbundenes Missionsszenario für eine bemannte Mission zum Mars detailiert erläutert wird. Die darin beschriebene Mission erscheint so simpel und logisch, dass man sich nur wundern kann, warum NASA, ESA, Roscosmos etc. es bis heute nicht geschafft haben Menschen auf den Mars zu schicken. Nach dem Lesen dieses Buches wird einem klar, dass die Zukunft der (bemannten) Raumfahrt in den Händen privater Raumfahrtunternehmen liegt.
3 people found this helpful
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Anthony Bianco
5.0 out of 5 stars This book will energize you
Reviewed in Canada on December 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
The book is awesome. It is a good mixture of scientific description and value theory. If you're into aeronautics, there isn't anything new for you, but for the layperson, it stumbles upon the perfect mix of science, exposition, and narrative. Dr. Zubrin's writing style is very inspiring, and will definitely spark some fire into your inner adventurer. The book goes beyond Mars in my opinion, and strikes at a desire to push the boundaries of human achievement. This book will motivate you.
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Andream
5.0 out of 5 stars Per andare su Marte!
Reviewed in Italy on March 6, 2017
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Per gli appassionati all’argomento Marte, questo libro è un must-read. Se da un lato libri come “Rosso Marte” di Giovanni Caprara forniscono una panoramica completa e aggiornata sull’esplorazione e su un possibile futuro sul Pianeta Rosso, dall’altro un libro come questo “Case for Mars” si entra più nello specifico circa l’esplorazione e la colonizzazione umana.

In particolare, “Case for Mars” mette nero su bianco il programma “Mars Direct” del dott. Robert Zubrin, scienziato e ingegnere americano, un piano che prevede l’arrivo dell’uomo su Marte in tempi relativamente rapidi sfruttando gran parte dell’attuale tecnologia e le risorse disponibili sul Pianeta Rosso, abbattendo così al minimo i costi del programma.

Personaggi come Robert Zubrin sono rari, una vera fonte di inspirazione. La sua convinzione in quello che scrive è esemplare e rende alla portata di tutti il sogno dell’esplorazione umana di Marte; un sogno fatto di grandi sfide ingegneristiche, scientifiche e, non ultime, umane. Marte è la nuova frontiera dei giorni nostri e Zubrin sta cercando di indirizzarci verso questa frontiera e verso nuove conquiste che porteranno con sé grandi innovazioni. Da non dimenticare che Zubrin non è un autore qualunque che fantastica sul Pianeta Rosso, ma è un ingegnere aerospaziale con diverse lauree e master, e ha lavorato per grandi aziende del settore aerospaziale come la Lockeed Martin.

Il libro si legge con estrema facilità, scritto in un inglese semplice ed efficace. Il contenuto viene esposto facendo ampi excursus di fisica e di chimica, rimanendo al contempo sempre comprensibile e mai noioso agli occhi di chi non è avvezzo a queste discipline. A volte, la convinzione dell’Autore è talmente forte che in alcuni punti il libro riprende più volte gli stessi concetti con grande fervore, quasi come un credo religioso, ma questo non inficia comunque il libro
2 people found this helpful
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Jhon Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars Its an excellent piece of art rather than a scientific book
Reviewed in India on October 27, 2016
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Its an excellent piece of art rather than a scientific book.. Anyone having interest in the subject of space exploration will definitely love this book. However those researching for Mars exploration will find this book as a very resourcefull one. Once you start it, I am sure you like to go though each paragraph. A must buy for space amateurs.
5 people found this helpful
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