Space Professional Reading List 2024

Source: National Security Space Institute (NSSI)

"Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."

Okay, we are not quite there yet. But… “Space,” man! Space Force has a reading list. Were you just a little bit surprised?

Check out The National Security Space Institute’s (NSSI) Space Professional Reading List 2024, featuring a selection of books that explore the role of space in military strategy, technology, and global conflict. From the race to commercialize space in When the Heavens Went on Sale to the gripping future war scenarios in White Sun War, this list offers insights into how space is becoming a new frontier for innovation and conflict. Whether you're a military professional, space enthusiast, or just curious about the future of space exploration, these books provide key takeaways that are relevant to today.

• When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach By Ashlee Vance

• White Sun War: The Campaign for Taiwan By Major General Mick Ryan

• Chinese and Russian Perceptions of and Responses to U.S. Military Activities in the Space Domain By Alexis A. Blanc, Nathan Beachamp-Mustafaga, Khrystyna Holynska, M. Scott Bond, Stephen J. Flanagan

• Sun Tzu in Space: What International Relations, History, and Science Fiction Teach us about our Future By Gregory D. Miller

• Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space By John J. Klein

• Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World By David Epstein

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When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach

By Ashlee Vance

When the Heavens Went on Sale by Ashlee Vance is an exciting look at the race to commercialize space. The book focuses on the private companies and visionaries shaping the future of space exploration, breaking away from the dominance of NASA and government-run space programs.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: The book takes readers inside four pioneering companies: Astra, Firefly, Planet Labs, and Rocket Lab. You'll learn about their efforts to make rocket launches cheaper and more efficient.

• A New Space Race: These companies compete not just to explore space but also to turn it into a business frontier. Unlike space tourism ventures, they aim to launch thousands of satellites and rockets to improve how we monitor and connect on Earth.

• Real-World Challenges: Vance shares fascinating details about the chaos, risks, and breakthroughs in the space industry. This includes private jets, secret launch sites, espionage, and bodyguards protecting high-stakes ventures.

Key Takeaways:

• The book explores how space, once dominated by NASA, has become open for business, led by Silicon Valley.

• The companies featured aim to revolutionize space with cheaper and faster launches, impacting global connectivity and monitoring.

• Vance paints a vivid picture of the blend of innovation and danger in today’s space race.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: Ecco

• Pages: 528

• Release Date: May 9, 2023

If you’re interested in the future of space, technology, and business, this book is engaging and informative. It’s perfect for those curious about how private companies are transforming space exploration.

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White Sun War: The Campaign for Taiwan (fiction)

By Major General Mick Ryan (ADF)

White Sun War by Major General Mick Ryan is a gripping techno-thriller that explores a future conflict between the U.S. and China. Set during a war for Taiwan, the book imagines how high-tech warfare will play out on the world stage.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• Thrilling Storyline: The novel intensely examines a future war, showing the pace, fear, and consequences of conflict between great powers.

• Focus on Technology: Ryan highlights the role of futuristic technologies and how humans will partner with machines on the battlefield.

• Realistic Scenarios: With Ryan's military expertise, the novel offers a realistic and thought-provoking take on military tactics and strategy in the future.

Key Takeaways:

• The book follows the U.S. and China as they battle over Taiwan, with advanced technologies playing a major role.

• It challenges readers to think about the future of warfare and whether a war over Taiwan could be won.

• White Sun War gives insights into how military leaders may navigate high-stakes conflicts involving land, sea, space, and cyberspace.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: Casemate

• Pages: 312

• Release Date: May 31, 2023

This book is a great read for military enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone curious about how a future war might unfold. Its mix of realism and thrilling storytelling is both entertaining and sobering.

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Chinese and Russian Perceptions of and Responses to U.S. Military Activities in the Space Domain

Alexis A. Blanc, Nathan Beachamp-Mustafaga, Khrystyna Holynska, M. Scott Bond, Stephen J. Flanagan

This RAND Corporation report offers a deep dive into how China and Russia view U.S. military activities in space. It provides a comprehensive analysis of their perceptions and responses to key U.S. space events and policies.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• Unique Insights: The book analyzes how China and Russia perceive U.S. military space operations, using primary sources like government publications, military journals, and media.

• Strategic Perspective: It covers key U.S. space events, such as the Strategic Defense Initiative and the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty.

• Essential for Space Security: As space becomes more contested, understanding how potential adversaries think is crucial for shaping future U.S. space policy.

Key Takeaways:

• China and Russia are the U.S.’s main challengers in space, making their perceptions critical for future planning.

• The report examines how U.S. space operations, from military exercises to new policies, have shaped Chinese and Russian reactions over time.

• It offers important lessons for U.S. military and policy leaders navigating the complex space environment.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: RAND Corporation

• Pages: 80

• Release Date: October 11, 2022

This report is essential reading for military professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in space security. It provides vital insights into the strategies and perspectives of two of America’s biggest space competitors.

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Sun Tzu in Space: What International Relations, History, and Science Fiction Teach us about our Future

By Gregory D. Miller

Sun Tzu in Space blends history, international relations, and science fiction to explore future conflicts in space. The book draws on the wisdom of ancient strategies like Sun Tzu and applies them to modern space warfare.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• Unique Approach: The book connects Sun Tzu’s ancient military strategies with modern space warfare, using examples from history and science fiction.

• Insightful Analysis: It offers an examination of how past conflicts can inform our approach to future space conflicts.

• Relevant for Today's World: As nations prepare for future space conflicts, this book provides a new lens to understand the challenges and opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• The book combines insights from history, international relations, and science fiction to predict future space warfare.

• It applies Sun Tzu’s strategies to today’s space challenges, emphasizing the importance of preparation, strategy, and adaptability.

• Sun Tzu in Space gives readers a unique perspective on how science fiction can inform real-world strategies for future space conflicts.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press

• Pages: 376

• Release Date: April 15, 2023

This book is a fascinating read for those interested in space security, military strategy, and how lessons from the past can shape the future of conflict in space. It’s ideal for military professionals, historians, and sci-fi fans alike.

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Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space

By John J. Klein

Fight for the Final Frontier delves into the concept of irregular warfare in space, exploring how unconventional strategies will shape future conflicts in this new domain. Klein examines how lessons from irregular warfare on Earth can apply to space.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• Focus on Irregular Warfare: The book introduces the idea of irregular warfare in space, offering a fresh perspective on how conflicts could unfold beyond Earth.

• Strategic Insights: Klein uses real-world military tactics and applies them to space, making it a valuable resource for those studying military strategy.

• Relevant for the Future: As nations and private companies increase their presence in space, understanding these unconventional tactics will be critical.

Key Takeaways:

• The book explores how irregular warfare, including guerrilla tactics and asymmetric warfare, can be applied in the space domain.

• It highlights how unconventional strategies used in past wars on Earth may become vital in future space conflicts.

• Fight for the Final Frontier prepares readers to think about the unpredictable nature of warfare in space and how it will affect global security.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press

• Pages: 264

• Release Date: September 15, 2023

This book is for military professionals, space enthusiasts, and strategists looking to understand the complexities of future space conflicts. It offers groundbreaking insights into how irregular warfare could play out in the final frontier.

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Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

By David Epstein

Range challenges the idea that specializing early is the key to success. Instead, it explores how generalists—those with broad experiences and knowledge across multiple areas—are more likely to excel in today’s complex world.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• Debunks Specialization Myth: The book provides evidence that a wide range of skills and experiences can lead to greater success than early specialization.

• Real-World Examples: Epstein uses stories from fields like sports, science, and business to show how generalists outperform specialists in unpredictable environments.

• Applies to All Areas of Life: Whether you're in school, in your career, or pursuing personal growth, this book gives valuable insights into why breadth, not just depth, is important.

Key Takeaways:

• Generalists succeed by adapting to new challenges and connecting ideas from different fields.

• Specialists may thrive in predictable environments, but generalists excel when facing complex and unpredictable problems.

• Range highlights that developing diverse skills and experiences prepares individuals for success in a rapidly changing world.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: Riverhead Books

• Pages: 351

• Release Date: May 28, 2019

This book is a good choice for anyone interested in personal development, career growth, and understanding how broad knowledge can lead to innovation and success. It’s perfect for students, professionals, and lifelong learners.

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National Security Space Institute (NSSI)

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