When the Heaven Went on Sale

"Ashlee Vance's When the Heavens Went on Sale dives deep into the transformation of space exploration from a government-dominated realm to a groundbreaking entrepreneurial venture, marking a significant shift in how humanity approaches the cosmos.

With the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 1 in 2008, the space industry witnessed a paradigm shift, signaling the start of a new era where the universe became a playground for private companies.

Vance's book focuses on this transformative period, shedding light on four pioneering companies: Astra, Firefly, Planet Labs, and Rocket Lab, which have ventured beyond traditional space tourism to revolutionize rocket and satellite launches, aiming to make space more accessible and business-friendly.

The narrative is not just about technology and innovation; it's a vivid exploration of the human stories behind these ventures. Vance, with his unique access and immersive reporting style, brings to life the characters, challenges, and sheer audacity of those betting big on the final frontier.

The book details the behind-the-scenes drama, including top-secret launch sites, eccentric lifestyles, and the high-stakes gamble of new space companies.

It captures the spirit of Silicon Valley's intrusion into space, characterized by ambition, idealism, and sometimes, chaos.