The Bookshelf: Feb. 10, 2016

Trib+Water is joining with respected books authority Kirkus Reviews to bring you select reviews of books of note in the field of water studies. For more book reviews and recommendations, visit Kirkus.com.

THE VALUE OF THE MOON: How to Explore, Live, and Prosper in Space Using the Moon's Resources

by Paul D. Spudis

In the late 2000s, the news that the moon holds millions, possibly billions, of tons of ice at each pole stunned and excited the space science community. Ice is invaluable for two major reasons: it can be melted into liquid water, and its constituent parts (hydrogen and oxygen) can be harnessed and converted to rocket fuel. … In approachable if at times technical prose, Spudis argues that the moon has everything we need to build a permanent moon base and that doing so can lay the foundation of a space transportation network. In fact, he argues that a manned trip to Mars may only be feasible if we establish a launch pad on the moon. … A readable book sure to charm and thrill anyone interested in space exploration.

For the full review, visit kirkus.com.