Once Upon a Time I Lived on Mars: Space, Exploration and Life on Earth

Kate Greene's memoir "The End of Everything" is a powerful reflection on life in isolation, in pursuit of the dream of Mars. She lived for four months in an isolated geodesic dome on NASA's HI-SEAS simulated Mars mission, gaining insight into human behavior and the nature of boredom, dreams, and isolation. Greene examines what it is to live on Earth and what space missions can teach us about ourselves and life on Earth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2021
Publisher: Icon Books Ltd

A captivating memoir that blends elements of escape and comfort, Kate Greene's book takes readers on a profound journey of reflection and introspection. Publishers Weekly praises it as a powerful exploration of life in isolation, particularly in the context of pursuing the dream of reaching Mars. In 2013, Greene embarked on NASA's HI-SEAS simulated Mars mission in Hawaii, where she lived in an isolated geodesic dome with her crewmates for four months. This immersive experience provided her with invaluable insights into the complexities of human behavior in close quarters, as well as the challenges and rewards of living in isolation amidst the promise of scientific progress and glory.

Drawing on her own experiences, Greene delves into the nature of boredom, dreams, and isolation that arise in the midst of a space mission. She explores the qualities that make an astronaut, the logistical challenges of freeze-dried eggs and time-lagged correspondence, and the emotional toll of shooting for a planet beyond our own. Through her captivating storytelling, Greene invites readers to contemplate the vastness of space and the intricacies of life on Earth.

In her thoughtful and well-crafted account of the mission, Greene reflects not only on the lessons learned from her time on Mars but also on the broader implications of space exploration for our understanding of ourselves and life on Earth. Physics Today highlights her ability to blend scientific insights with personal reflections, making her memoir a captivating and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the wonders of space and the human experience.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785786822