Inside Iowa State
Feb. 7, 1997
ISU undergraduate is published book author
by Anne Dolan
When a guy named Paul opts for "nasa" for his e-mail address,
you suspect he has an interest in space exploration. Paul
Hardersen, a graduating senior this summer in geology and
political science, is so interested in space travel, he
already has published a book about it.
The Case for Space was published last month by ATL Press, Shrewsbury, Mass. It is in bookstores now.
Hardersen said he hopes he has written a general interest book for people who don't know how space travel affects their lives. He addresses both philosophical and practical reasons for putting time and money (and he pushes for more money) into space travel.
In the book, he summarizes products used by Americans today - - such as lightweight wheelchairs, vests and suits that efficiently cool people born without sweat glands and heavy- duty prostheses -- that are practical applications of NASA research. He also discusses potential projects, such as satellites that collect and send solar energy to Earth for consumption.
"Space is as valid an environment to travel in, as land or water. There's no reason to simply stay put," he said.
Hardersen has worked hard to promote his book, rounding up endorsements from Sen. Charles Grassley, former space shuttle astronaut Byron Lichtenberg and John Logsdon, director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University.
Hendersen will sign copies of his book from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in the University Book Store, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Memorial Union Browsing Library. He also will read from his book at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Big Table Books, 330 Main St.
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