First Space War

J. Furman Daniel III is assistant professor in the College of Security and Intelligence at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.T. K. Rogers is retired engineer and STEM educator.

The premise of this work is a hypothetical story set approximately 250 years in the future, following a robust human colonization of Mars. The authors present a fictionalized account based on past history and current scientific trends. The early chapters present the historical reasons for colonization (citing the Spanish and British interests of the 16th and 17th centuries), including the acquisition of energy, materials, information, and territory. The physical realities of living on Mars (reduced gravity, carbon dioxide atmosphere, and increased radiation) are then imaginatively presented, further projecting how putatively successful efforts at "terraforming" Mars would make it suitable for human habitation. The fable also considers the hypothetical outcome of humans being born on Mars, and the consequent development of a Martian culture that differs from the one found on Earth. The authors argue that Martian and Earth interests will inevitably diverge, which will lead to eventual conflict. The historical conflict between the American Colonies and the British is frequently cited as the reference model. The authors finally discuss the detailed mechanics and outcome of the projected war, including a hypothetical negotiated settlement. This book provides a fascinating and interesting perspective on human colonization of Mars, with a possible scenario for the near future. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

• Chapter 1: The Motives for Colonization: How to Not Go Broke Accumulating MoneyChapter 2: The Boogey Man in the Dark: Fear of Flying RocksChapter 3: The Gravity Well: Defining the High GroundChapter 4: Space Mining: a Lesson in the Periodic Table of WealthChapter 5: Humans or Humanoids: Why People are a BargainChapter 6: Terraforming: A Critical Step in the Recipe for Making MartiansChapter 7: Energy Production: the Nuclear and Solar OptionsChapter 8: Manufacturing on Mars: A Means of Taming Nature for SurvivalChapter 9: The One-Way Trip: Who Goes to Mars Stays on MarsChapter 10: The Inevitable Sources of Conflict: Lies, Misunderstandings, and Taxation Without RepresentationChapter 11: Earthlings Prepare to Invade: Going to War by the Public Transportation SystemChapter 12: Collaborators, Spies, and Panic: Nothing Focuses the Mind Like the Hangman's NooseChapter 13: Hollywood Strikes Back: Why the WW II Aircraft Carrier Model Doesn't Work for Outer Space BattlesChapter 14: Stealth: The Key to Survival?Chapter 15: Arming the Resistance: They're Coming for Us, Break out the PrintersChapter 16: Earth Invades Mars: A Strategic OverviewChapter 17: Physical and Cyber Counterattacks: Don't Mess with a Martian He Might Throw Rocks at YouChapter 18: Negotiations and Aftermath: What to Do with the Tories?