Two important factors have given rise to mankind's successful evolution into space: the first is that the possibilities are bounded only by our imaginations - if we can conceive it, historically it has been proved that we can do it, and in a predetermined timescale. The second factor is recognition of the evolving civilizations on the Moon and Mars as separate entities from Earth. Space, whether we or our children live in it or on the Moon or Mars, will be important to all of us, not only to aerospace engineers and cosmologists, because of the new opportunities for freedom and limitless growth it offers. Our continued prosperity and survival as a species will in part depend upon space exploration and the resources it provides for our industrial societies and for the markets it will create. The expansion of Earth's success in science and culture to the Moon, then Mars, and eventually the Solar System, can only strengthen mankind's core positive achievements: democracy, individual rights and equal opportunities for all. The significant topic of returning to the Moon, this time to stay, is a central part of space exploration. Concepts for lunar base structures have been proposed since long before the dawn of the space age. Suggestions made during the last 25 years are likely to form the pool from which eventual lunar base designs will evolve. Studies have intensified, both within NASA and outside national governments in industry and academe, since the days of the Apollo program, when it appeared likely that the Moon would become a second home to humans. Since then, science on the Moon, the economics of lunar development, and human physiology in space and on planetary bodies, as well as related policy issues have been studied as they are all needed to plant Man on the Moon in a sustainable and viable way. This book is written as a history book in the year 2169 - 200 years since the first men walked on the Moon. It presents a possible path for mankind as it becomes a spacefaring civilization. All aspects of what we need to do and what are the obstacles are covered. Human physiology and psychology. Engineering and science. Also 19 interviews with key players - including Neil Armstrong. Accessible to all with a basic education. No PhD required! A vision of our possible future. From the reviews: “Turning Dust to Gold presents a history of the space program as well as a retrospective of that history. … The interview with Neil Armstrong and a few of the others deserve wide circulation. This well-written book makes the case for space exploration and manned settlement of the moon and planets, and explains how these activities can be accomplished. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals, general readers, and all space enthusiasts.” (A. M. Strauss, Choice, Vol. 48 (2), October, 2010) “The book is essentially one long argument for the exploration, settlement, and economic utilization of Earth’s natural satellite. … The moon is the principle focus throughout … . Turning Dust to Gold makes a powerful case for the importance of lunar colonization, and outlines the steps human civilization is likely to have to make in order to achieve that goal. It contains much food for thought, and I recommend it highly to anyone with an interest in the future of human space exploration.” (Ian Crawford, The Observatory, Vol. 131 (1221), April, 2011) “If the fiction takes place on the Moon or Mars, the fiction reader will further broaden his or her views and better exercise his or her ability to create or at least dream. This is certainly the goal of this book … . a well illustrated book with many diagrams, artistic views, and photographs. … We see it best used in a creative writing class either as an example of science fiction or as a basis for discussion between students of science and literature.” (Gary J. Long, Belgian Physical Society Magazine, Issue 3, 2011) I very much enjoyed researching and writing this book. While it is based on our best knowledge, I have taken the liberty to extend the possibilities to the future in what I consider a reasonable path. The interviews with key players including Neil Armstrong are very interesting! Let me know what you think. I am pleased to announce (27 April 2012) that Turning Dust to Gold is the 2012 Engineering Sciences Book of the Year , as awarded by the International Academy of Astronautics. Our continued prosperity and survival as species will in part depend upon space exploration and manned settlement. This will provide resources for our industrial societies and create new opportunities and markets. This book is a journey into our potential future, as several nations today begin seriously to plan and build up their capabilites for manned space flight and settlement on the Moon and Mars. Professor Benaroya is a well-known aerospace engineer and scholar with a wealth of publications to his credit. He has researched this subject for over 20