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!

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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

Space Business Podcast #129 - Kelly Weinersmith, Co-Author: A City On Mars