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When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach
Maybe someday
49
/100
I Index Overall Rating
Readers
80/100Critics
17/100Scholars
Author:
Ashlee Vance
Publisher:
Ecco
Date:
May 9, 2023
With the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 1 rocket in 2008, Silicon Valley began to realize that the universe itself was open for business. Now, Vance tells the unfolding story of this frenzied intergalactic land grab by following four pioneering companies--Astra, Firefly, Planet Labs, and Rocket Lab--as they build new space systems and attempt to launch rockets and satellites into orbit by the thousands.
What The Reviewers Say
Unfortunately, Vance’s story loses some of its shape, branching into loosely connected sections covering Planet Labs, the satellite company that Marshall started, and three rocket-launching companies.
The author provides finely observed portraits of the figures behind the aerospace companies.
Although some of Vance’s stories go on for longer than needed, he ably captures “the spectacular madness of it all.” With enthusiasm and solid research, this book is an entertaining, informative look at cutting-edge technology..
