Theoretical physicist Kaku (The Future of the Mind) wonderfully illuminates possible ways the human race could survive on other planets. Kaku, certain that "either we must leave the Earth or we will perish," begins with a brief history of humanity's space-faring efforts before turning to current efforts to return to the Moon and reach Mars, led by billionaires such as Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk. After discussing how Mars might be rendered livable, Kaku describes the possibility of reaching bodies beyond our solar system. Following these theoretical milestones, Kaku plots increasingly speculative ways that humans might reach further solar systems and eventually escape the end of the universe itself. The lengthy journeys required to reach such destinations prompt discussions of robots and AI, ways in which humans might become immortal, and the characteristics of advanced alien civilizations. Kaku generally keeps his concepts understandable (one notable exception is his use of string theory in explaining how we could travel to other universes), aided by pop culture references to Star Trek and science fiction novels. Given Kaku's track record of bestselling popular science books, this work, too, should go far. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

*Starred Review* Kaku, the noted theoretical physicist and popular-science writer (The Future of the Mind, 2014), takes us on an adventure of the imagination. Colonization of other worlds used to be the domain of science fiction, but, at an ever-increasing pace, it's becoming science fact. Leaving Earth, the author tells us, may no longer be optional, not if we want to survive as a species. In this deeply fascinating and energetically written book, Kaku explores how, exactly, we might go about colonizing other planets. Drawing on the work of a multitude of experts Murray Gell-Mann, Buzz Aldrin, Gregory Benford, Fritjof Capra, and Jared Diamond, to mention just a small handful Kaku lays out a detailed and entirely plausible plan for moving out into the solar system and even beyond into the stars. Kaku's writings have garnered a reputation for combining hard science with clever speculation, and his latest book continues that winning trend. A breathtaking voyage through what is almost certainly the next major period in the history of humanity.--Pitt, David Copyright 2018 Booklist

Enthusiastic scientific speculation on the future of space travel.Acclaimed science popularizer Kaku (The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind, 2014, etc.), the co-founder of string field theory, confines his expertise to physics, but the 226 experts listed in the acknowledgements have plenty to offer on a variety of scientific disciplines. Alert readers will notice that the stirring words "we are entering a new golden age of space travel when exploring the universe will once again become an exciting part of the national agenda after decades of neglect" are not the author's. That statement applies to China, the single nation with an active national manned space program and leaders eager to mortify the United States, its superpower rival. Having accomplished the feat of the Apollo moon landing in 1969, the U.S. government, it seems, feels no pressure to keep up with the Chinese. National rivalries aside, our current technology, writes the author, will get us to Mars. However, making Mars as habitable as Earth ("terraforming"), traveling to far planets and their moons, mining precious metals from asteroids, and voyaging to the stars will require technical advances that are well underway and a revolution in energy that, sadly, is not. Computer efficiency has increased astronomically since World War II, and rocket motor efficiency has perhaps tripled. Always optimistic and undaunted, Kaku delivers a fascinating and scattershot series of scenarios in which humans overcome current obstacles without violating natural laws to travel the universe. The author digresses regularly into related areas of study, including extrasolar planets, radical life extension, intelligent robots, and the details of settling other worlds.An exhilarating look at the future, although American readers may yearn for a Chinese bombshell ( la Russia's launch of Sputnik in 1957) to stimulate the U.S. government to achieve at least one marvel during their lifetimes. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Physicist Kaku (Henry Semat Professor of Physics, City Coll. of New York; Physics of the Future), cofounder of string field theory, has written a bold prediction on the survival of our species that includes both reflections on history and a road map toward the future. While Kaku agrees with fellow theorist Stephen Hawking that humans will need to leave Earth to survive, he is much more positive about the prospect. The author admirably accomplishes his goal of discussing visions on how to leave the planet, drawing on contemporary and past interviews and research. Along the way, he covers many details about the solar system and space technology, incorporating parts of the latest research (e.g., new information on Jupiter from the Juno spacecraft). Kaku's treatment spans near-future concepts such as the Deep Space Transport to far-future notions, including laser porting digitized human consciousness throughout the multiverse. He verges into the mystical with his space-time theory of consciousness, but his clear prose will easily hold readers' interest. Verdict This inspiring treatise on humanity incorporates solid physics in the impressive discussions and is sure to enthrall YA and adult readers attracted to topics about science and space.-Sara R. Tompson, Jet Propulsion Laboratory Lib., Archives & Records Section, Pasadena, CA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.