When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach by Ashlee Vance, Robert Petkoff, (2023)

Ashlee Vance’s When the Heavens Went on Sale is a thrilling deep dive into the brave new world of private space ventures, showcasing the entrepreneurs and risk-takers who are propelling the next frontier of human exploration. Vance, known for his incisive biography of Elon Musk, once again delivers a detailed chronicle of a tech revolution—but this time, the focus is on those operating in the shadow of Musk, the new generation of space pioneers trying to stake their claims in an increasingly crowded and competitive universe.

Vance’s narrative is vivid, filled with larger-than-life characters—misfits, visionaries, and eccentrics—who are determined to push the boundaries of human achievement. These are not the polished faces of NASA astronauts; they are rebellious innovators who believe that the future of space should be democratized and within reach of private hands. As Vance walks us through their stories, he taps into their passion, persistence, and often reckless ambition, making the reader feel both admiration and trepidation at the enormity of their quests.

Yet, where Vance’s narrative excels in energy and excitement, it sometimes falters in critical reflection. While the book is rich with technical detail and anecdotes about the challenges these new space players face, it occasionally fails to interrogate the broader implications of privatizing space. The ethical concerns about profit-driven exploration, the environmental impact of launching thousands of satellites, and the geopolitical ramifications of handing space to private corporations are largely sidestepped. In his admiration for these self-styled geniuses, Vance often downplays the darker sides of the space race—greed, corporate overreach, and the stark inequalities between those who can access space and those left behind on Earth.

Nevertheless, When the Heavens Went on Sale captures the zeitgeist of the moment: a space race fueled not by superpowers, but by billionaires, investors, and dreamers who are redefining what it means to reach the stars. It’s a fascinating, if sometimes overly enthusiastic, account of the modern space age—one that highlights the human drive to explore the unknown, while reminding us that this time, the heavens are not only the domain of governments but a free market waiting to be claimed.

Standout Quotes:

“Space used to be a thing for governments and empires. Now, it’s the domain of hustlers and misfits.”

Vance captures the seismic shift in who controls access to space, setting the tone for his portrayal of this new breed of entrepreneur.

“We’re living in a moment when the future of space is being written not in grand speeches but in tiny, overlooked warehouses where tinkerers are building the next rocket.”

This quote reflects the grassroots, almost guerrilla nature of today’s space pioneers, who operate far from the glitz and formality of traditional space programs.

“The goal is not to make space a faraway dream but to turn it into an everyday reality.”

A testament to the democratizing vision that many of these new space companies share, where space is no longer the exclusive domain of elites but accessible to the masses.

“They were the pirates of the new space age—unapologetic, reckless, and willing to go where no one else would.”

Vance’s romanticization of the modern space entrepreneurs as swashbuckling adventurers, defying rules and expectations.

“What happens when the heavens are for sale? Who decides what they’re worth?”

This line touches on a larger, unspoken question in the book: the implications of turning space into a commodity. What is the true cost of commercializing the stars?

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In sum, When the Heavens Went on Sale offers a captivating and energetic portrait of the space race’s unlikely heroes, but it sometimes reads like an endorsement of privatized space ventures without sufficient critique of the broader ethical questions. Still, Vance’s reporting is masterful, his characters unforgettable, and the book is an exhilarating snapshot of the cutting-edge innovations driving us toward a future among the stars.

Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys (1974)

Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys (1974) is one of the most notable memoirs written by an astronaut. Michael Collins, the command module pilot of Apollo 11, offers an introspective and honest account of his experiences at NASA, the historic lunar landing, and the emotional and physical challenges of space travel. Unlike other astronauts who focused more on technical or heroic aspects, Collins delves into the human and philosophical dimensions of his mission.

The highlights of this book:

1. Solitude in Space: Michael Collins spent much of the Apollo 11 mission completely alone in the command module "Columbia" while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is how Collins reflects on this solitude. He describes how, while orbiting the Moon, he was farther from any human being than anyone in history. Collins accepted this with calmness, experiencing not anxiety, but a sense of peace and responsibility toward the mission.

2. A Technical Yet Accessible Perspective: Collins combines detailed descriptions of the technology and procedures of space missions with a writing style that is accessible to non-experts. He explains the workings of spacecraft, the difficulties of training, and the physical and psychological challenges of being in space. For readers seeking a technical understanding of space exploration without overwhelming jargon, Carrying the Fire is an ideal work.

3. The Crucial Role of Command Module Pilots: While most attention is given to the astronauts who walked on the Moon, Collins emphasizes the importance of the command module pilot's role, often undervalued. His task was vital to the mission’s success: ensuring that "Columbia" remained in lunar orbit, operating optimally, and was ready to rendezvous with the astronauts returning from the lunar surface. Collins highlights how this job required precision, attention to detail, and advanced technical skills.

4. The Importance of Teamwork: Although Collins spent time in isolation during the Apollo 11 mission, he emphasizes the value of teamwork. He, Armstrong, Aldrin, and the teams on Earth worked in perfect coordination. Collins stresses that the mission was the result of the collective efforts of thousands of people at NASA and other organizations, from engineers and scientists to technicians and support staff. This focus on collaboration and interdependence is a valuable lesson for any field.

5. A Philosophical Perspective on Space Exploration: Throughout the book, Collins questions what space exploration means for humanity. He reflects on the vast emptiness of space and humanity’s smallness within it. These meditations give the book unusual depth for astronaut memoirs, making it both philosophical and autobiographical. Collins ponders what the ability to reach and explore new worlds implies for the future of humanity, doing so with a contemplative and humble tone.

Some Reflections:

The Psychological Challenge of Solitude and Pressure: Although Collins did not land on the Moon, his role was crucial. One unique challenge he faced was extreme solitude during the mission, combined with the pressure of ensuring the successful reunion of the lunar and command modules. Carrying the Fire explores the psychological implications of this experience, emphasizing how Collins maintained composure and confidence despite being the “forgotten man” of the mission. For him, this solitude was an opportunity for reflection and self-discovery.

Humility in the Face of Greatness: Collins stands out for his modesty. Throughout the book, he never seeks to glorify his own achievements. Instead, he presents himself as a small part of a much larger effort: the collective work of NASA. This humility, despite being part of such a monumental achievement, serves as an important lesson about the role of the individual in collaborative projects that can change the course of history.

Humanity in the Age of Technology: Despite the astonishing technology that took man to the Moon, Collins focuses on the human emotions, fears, and reflections behind the mission. This balance between the technical and the personal offers a richer, more complex view of the space race, reminding readers that behind every technological achievement are human beings making it possible.

The Future of Space Exploration: Although Carrying the Fire was written in the 1970s, Collins anticipates questions that remain relevant today. He reflects on the value and purpose of long-term space exploration: Why should we continue to invest in pushing further into space? What does that say about human nature? These philosophical questions invite readers to consider humanity’s place in the universe and its drive to explore the unknown.

Interesting Facts from the Book:

The Astronaut Who Disliked Stardom: Unlike many of his fellow astronauts, Collins did not enjoy public attention or the limelight. After the Apollo 11 mission, he actively avoided roles where he would have to act as a public figure. Instead, he leaned toward administrative positions and even considered not writing a book, until he eventually decided to tell his story honestly and authentically.

Collins Turned Down the Opportunity to Walk on the Moon: Although he was part of the Apollo 11 crew, Collins had previously been selected for a potential mission that would land on the Moon. However, he gave up this opportunity by accepting the role of command module pilot in the historic mission, showing his commitment to the success of the mission as a whole, rather than his personal ambition to leave a footprint on the lunar surface.

A Literary Standout Among Astronauts: Collins is one of the few astronauts whose memoirs are praised not only for their historical content but also for their literary quality. His ability to write with depth, humor, and sincerity sets him apart from other accounts. Many critics and readers consider Carrying the Fire one of the best memoirs ever written by an astronaut.

 

In summary, Carrying the Fire is much more than a technical chronicle of a historic mission; it is a testament to human exploration and the role of the individual within monumental achievements. Collins offers a unique perspective, combining technical insight, humanity, and philosophical reflection in a deeply personal work.