What is the Goldilocks zone? Is space exploration a good value? Are stars and planets always visible? The Earth, Space and Beyond series answers these and many other thought provoking questions. It describes past, current, and future science missions and shows how astronomers and engineers are advancing our knowledge of Earth, the solar system, and the wider universe.

This book examines the benefits space exploration has brought to people and society - from medical advances and new consumer products to a greater understanding of our planet and its resources - and asks, "Is the cost worth it?