Can we do better in space than we’ve done here on Earth? We’ve pinpointed the destination
refined the technology designed the habitat outfitted our space residents. Are we forgetting
something? A timely reminder that it’s not just rocket science this thought-provoking book
explores the all-too-human issues raised by the prospect of settling in outer space. It’s worth
remembering Erika Nesvold suggests that in making new worlds we don’t necessarily leave our
earthly problems behind. Accordingly her work highlights the complex ethical challenges that
accompany any other-worldly venture—questions about the environment labor rights and medical
ethics among others. Any such venture Nesvold contends must be made on behalf of all
humanity with global input and collaboration. Off-Earth thus includes historical and
contemporary examples from outside the dominant Western US abled and privileged narrative of
the space industry. Nesvold calls on experts in ethics sociology history social justice and
law to launch a hopeful conversation about the potential ethical pitfalls of becoming a
multi-planet species—and ideally to shed light on similar problems we presently face here on
Earth. Space settlement is rapidly becoming ever more likely. Will it look like the utopian
vision of Star Trek? Or the dark future of Star Wars? Nesvold challenges us to decide.
