Subscribe now

Space

A doe-eyed look at space exploration is inadequate for the zeitgeist

In highly politicised times, is living off-world something we should entertain, let alone do? Adriana Marais's futurist dream Out of This World and Into the Next feels tone deaf

By Christie Taylor

14 May 2025

EWXH9C THE MARTIAN (2015) MATT DAMON RIDLEY SCOTT (DIR)

The Martian’s Mark Watney (Matt Damon): on Mars, but not by choice

Moviestore Collection Ltd/Alamy

Out of this World and into the Next
Adriana Marais (Profile Books (UK); Pegasus Books (US))

Do you yearn to leave dusty footprints on the moon or prowl the rocks of Mars? Could a new life await you on future off-world colonies? Theoretical physicist Adriana Marais is convinced we are on “the brink of a new era” of humanity, where we will spread across the worlds of our solar system – and perhaps farther.

Out of this World and into the Next is Marais’s…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop