Dr. Donald Goldsmith discusses Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Space Exploration, SETI, Mars Colonization, Alien Evolution & Post-Biological ET Civilizations from his book "The End Of Astronauts" with Martin Rees.

In The End of Astronauts, Goldsmith and Rees explore the high costs and risks of human space exploration compared to the efficiency and adaptability of robotic explorers. While humans require extensive life-support systems and protection from space hazards, robots are steadily advancing in capability. Although robots currently lack the expertise of human geologists, this gap is expected to narrow by the time humans reach Mars.

Drawing on extensive research and expert interviews, the authors argue that robots are the future of space exploration. They also address the need to regulate spacefaring AI as private companies compete to commercialize space. While humans may eventually venture into space, these journeys will likely follow the paths first charted by robots.

Dr. Donald Goldsmith received his astronomy Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1969. After some years as a postdoc and assistant professor, he became a full-time popularizer of astronomy and related fields, with books and articles, plus working on documentary television programs that include Carl Sagan's "Cosmos," Neil Tyson's "Cosmos," "The Astronomers," and the NOVA program "Is Anybody Out There? with Lily Tomlin."

Dr. Goldsmith’s most recent book, written with Martin Rees, the British Astronomer Royal, is The End of Astronauts: Why Robots Are the Future of Space Exploration." He is currently at work on a book about the Hubble tension, which explores different methods of measuring the universe's expansion rate. Dr. Goldsmith lives in Berkeley, California.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

The End Of Astronauts (Harvard Press)
https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674257726

The End Of Astronauts (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/End-Astronauts-Robots-Future-Exploration/dp/0674257723

Other Books on Astronomy & Cosmology by Donald Goldsmith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-Goldsmith/author/B001ITVPB0

Donald Goldsmith (Planetary Society)
https://www.planetary.org/profiles/donald-goldsmith

Donald Goldsmith (IMDB)
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1350471/