This timely book gives an overview of the current status of peaceful space utilization and applications, as well as an outlook into future developments. Chapters written by leading specialists in the respective fields cover scientific space utilization, and commercial and technological applications. The book is written on a level understandable by non-specialists, with color illustrations throughout and only occasional use of mathematical formulae, and transmits some of the fascination of space activities.

Inhalt
Space: Beyond the Horizon.- Space Utilization.- Access to Space the Prerequisites for Space Utilization.- Looking down: our Earth.- The Earth Surface.- Climate and Environment.- Weather Observations from Space.- Geodynamics.- Looking up: Stars and Planets.- Astronomy and Astrophysics.- The Solar System.- Between Space and Earth.- Communications.- Satellite Navigation.- Space as a Laboratory.- Fundamental Physics.- Materials Sciences.- Life Sciences.- Any Limits?.- Challenges and Perspectives.