In some regards, this book is brilliant. In others (and the reason for the 3-star rating), it is emblematic of why manned space exploration is stalled. The grand scope and long-term vision that Aldrin lays out can both inspire and cause a kind of fatigue. The feeling that, if we want to get to Mars we have to do A, B, C and D through Q, creates an impression of enormous costs and a realization of how unlikely that any organization funded by Congress is to be capable of it.
For my money, the second edition of [a:Robert Zubrin|983409|Robert Zubrin|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]'s [b:The Case for Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must|10203128|The Case for Mars The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must|Robert Zubrin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348793532s/10203128.jpg|2128996] is much more realistic and inspiring. ( )

Buzz lays out his plan for getting to Mars, which is basically, create a NASA-But-Only-For-Mars based on the legal framework for the International Space Station, and he comes back to this point again and again and again. If you can get past that, it's fine. ( )

A good overview of Aldrin's plan, but more usefully a starting point for research about various applicable technologies. ( )

This is a very good discussion of what would be required for a manned mission to Mars. However, it is not a blueprint. There are no spaceship diagrams, no settlement plans and no discussions of new technology. By his vision, he means the political, business and international aspects that would need to come together to make this happen. The recent National Geographic series borrowed from his ideas in many ways. ( )

In simple, clear terms, Buzz Aldrin lays out a realistic, achievable plan to get humans on Mars. He talks technology, technique, policy and human behavior. Buzz's excitement is infectious. He proposes that any plan for Mars should be permanent, not a "moon shot" flag planting, With lots of technical details and ideas, understanding parts of it can be difficult but, by and large, regular humans can understand it. Probably his most enjoyable part of the book is the "how" of a Mars landing. It's not as detailed as a Mary Roach "Packing for Mars", but sufficient to convince the average reader. Human behavior runs throughout. This book is unabashed promotion, advertisement, and advancement of the author's position. Once the reader understands that, it's an enjoyable book that makes sense and depends upon the American President of 2019. ( )