Bolonkin held doctoral degrees in aviation and aerospace engineering in the USSR before defecting to the United States in 1988, and this volume covers the work he has done as a senior researcher for both NASA and the US Air Force. The author includes many of his own papers that outline his ideas for new concepts in aerospace and technology such as the controversial space elevator, electrostatic linear engines, the transfer of electricity in outer space and the utilization of wind energy at high altitudes. Students, researchers and practitioners will also appreciate Bolonkin's views on future developments such as the advent of the non- biological civilizations and the potential capabilities for artificial intelligence. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
