Space Business Podcast #129 - Kelly Weinersmith, Co-Author: A City On Mars
A City on Mars: Can we settle space, should we settle space, and have we really thought this through? – That is the title of a book published in late 2023 which then became an instant NY Times bestseller and went on to win a 2024 Hugo Award. My guest this week is Kelly Weinersmith, one of its two authors, together with her husband. The book is a critical, and humorously written, examination of the question of whether humanity should settle space. It touches on everything ranging from legal aspects all the way to having babies in Space. For me as a die-hard proponent of humanity settling in space, this was a fun and insightful conversation to have. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, too!
https://www.acityonmars.com/
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00:00 Episode Introduction
01:41 Podcast Introduction
02:16 Summary and Insights on 'A City on Mars' book
03:15 Challenges of Space Settlement
03:35 Becoming a Space Settlement Enthusiast
05:08 Concerns About Human Reproduction in Space
09:09 Environmental Control and Life Support Systems
13:18 International Law and Space Resources
22:28 The Race with China and Future Prospects
28:30 Military Funding for Space Infrastructure
29:37 Geopolitics and Strategy in Space
30:49 Technological Gaps and Innovations
32:57 Reproduction in Space: Fun and Challenges
41:41 Mental Health and Well-being in Space
45:44 Arts, Religion, and Community in Space
48:15 Future Updates and Books
54:23 Sci-fi
55m