The traveler's guide to space : for one-way settlers and round-trip tourists /

To date, seven people have traveled as space tourists to the International Space Station at the cost of $20-40 million per trip. Due to the commercial success of companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic and given that the travel price may become significantly lower, there has been increasing interest in space tourism. Comins (physics and astronomy, Univ. of Maine) is a former NASA scientist who considers all aspects of space flight travel, as well as the different types of space experiences, which range from sub-orbital flights to orbiting spacecraft to travel to the moon or Mars. The author describes the physical and psychological exams people preparing for a trip need. Much of the material on preparing for space flight and adapting to microgravity is taken from the experiences of current astronauts. The effects of microgravity, cosmic radiation, and isolation are considered in relation to long-term trips. Each chapter has a section called "Science and Science Fiction," in which the author examines specific claims in light of scientific facts. Numerous halftone photographs illustrate elements of space travel and locations in space. Though the premise is interesting, most of this material is easily found in other works. Summing Up: Recommended. With the caveat above. All readers. --John Z. Kiss, UNC-Greensboro

Physicist Comins (What If the Earth Had Two Moons?, 2010) takes on the roles of travel agent and tour guide in this guidebook for spaceflight. Beginning with a primer on our solar system and its many different travel options, Comins then digs into the preparations and training needed to survive short and long stints away from Earth, whatever the destination. Whether on a quick suborbital jaunt or a long-term expedition to an asteroid or Mars, dealing with the physical and psychological effects of gravity, group dynamics, cosmic radiation, teeth vibration, blood flow, and other unexpected elements is key to surviving the harsh and unforgiving conditions of spaceflight. Plentiful pictures and diagrams supplement the narrative, which includes Fodor's-esque profiles of different celestial destinations and ends by envisioning the prospect of colonizing Mars. Along with Mark Thompson's A Space Traveler's Guide to the Solar System (2016), this makes an excellent primer for anyone, especially astronomy enthusiasts and budding astronauts, who can't afford a ticket to space and wish to visit in spirit.--Comello, Chad Copyright 2017 Booklist