Stewart Brand: "I’ll vouch for this exciting book in which scrappy grassroots startups liberate near-Earth orbit."
Bryan Johnson: "A fantastic read."
When The Heavens Went on Sale by Ashlee Vance is a gripping and thought-provoking book that explores the intersection of technology, space exploration, and human ambition.
In this captivating account, Vance takes readers on a journey through the rise of private space companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin. He dives deep into the personal stories of the entrepreneurs leading these companies - Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos - and their relentless pursuit of making space travel accessible to all.
Vance presents a fascinating narrative, highlighting the intense competition between these visionary leaders, their contrasting approaches, and the immense challenges they face. From the successes to the setbacks, he provides a candid and balanced perspective on the highs and lows of the space industry.
Moreover, Vance delves into the broader implications of privatizing space, examining the potential impact on government agencies like NASA, and the implications for the future of space exploration and colonization. He raises thought-provoking questions about the balance between profit-driven enterprises and public interest in this new era of commercial space travel.
With his characteristic engaging style and thorough research, Vance paints a vivid picture of the people, the technology, and the politics behind the quest for space domination. In When The Heavens Went on Sale, readers will be enthralled by the stories of innovation, determination, and the unyielding belief in the power of human potential.
Ultimately, this book serves as a timely and provocative exploration of the limitless possibilities that unfold when the heavens become a commodity, and the sky is no longer the limit.