In the compelling anthology 'Mars: Our New Home? - National Plan to Conquer the Red Planet', a fascinating collection coalesces around the pioneering ambition of human Mars colonization, bridging the gap between astrophysical research and legislative support. This volume provides a robust exploration of the multifaceted strategies devised by an unusual partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Congress. Highlighting a range of approaches from technological innovation to policy formulation, the collection stands out for its holistic view on the challenges and solutions in humankind's pursuit of making Mars our next habitat, embodying a significant convergence of science and governance. The backgrounds of the contributorscomprising esteemed scientists, engineers, policy makers, and legislatorsbring a rich tapestry of perspectives to the discourse on space exploration and colonization. This unique confluence of expertise underlines the anthologys alignment with both historical aspirations towards space exploration and the contemporary push for interplanetary habitation. The cooperative endeavor mirrors the broader societal, technological, and political movements advocating for sustainable and ambitious spacefaring objectives. This insightful compilation is recommended for those eager to delve into the complexities of planning interplanetary colonization. It offers a unique educational journey through the lenses of both the creators of space technology and the architects of its supporting policies. Readers will find in this anthology a rare opportunity to engage with the dialogue unfolding at the nexus of science and policy, enriching their understanding of humanity's next giant leap.

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. Now with the advent of a revolutionary new plan, all this has changed. Leading space exploration authority Robert Zubrin has crafted a daring new blueprint, Mars Direct, presented here with illustrations, photographs, and engaging anecdotes. The Case for Mars is not a vision for the far future or one that will cost us impossible billions. It explains step-by-step how we can use present-day technology to send humans to Mars within ten years; actually produce fuel and oxygen on the planet's surface with Martian natural resources; how we can build bases and settlements; and how we can one day "terraform" Mars; a process that can alter the atmosphere of planets and pave the way for sustainable life.

Addressing a field that has been dominated by astronomers, physicists, engineers, and computer scientists, the contributors to this collection raise questions that may have been overlooked by physical scientists about the ease of establishing meaningful communication with an extraterrestrial intelligence. These scholars are grappling with some of the enormous challenges that will face humanity if an information-rich signal emanating from another world is detected. By drawing on issues at the core of contemporary archaeology and anthropology, we can be much better prepared for contact with an extraterrestrial civilization, should that day ever come.