While I grew up as an absolute disciple of the grand project of space exploration, I’ve recently become less enthusiastic as recent projects seem devoid of grand ideas of discovery, and primarily focused on personal vanity and economic gain. I thought I was alone in this increasing skepticism, however Prof. Mary-Jane Rubenstein’s new book “Astrotopia” has given me reassurance that I am not alone in re-examining the history of such exploration and reflecting upon how it is presently being undertaken.