Les Johnson
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Les Johnson is a husband, father, physicist, and author of science fiction / science fact. His latest non-fiction book about the new wonder material, Graphene, was reviewed in Nature, excerpted in American Scientist and Salon.Com. His next novel, Saving Proxima, with co-author Travis Taylor, will be released by Baen Books in hardcover in the summer of 2021. In his "day job" he works in the Science and Technology Office at the NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama where he serves as the Solar Sail Principal Investigator for NASA's first interplanetary solar sail mission, the Near Earth Asteroid Scout and the Principal Investigator of the Solar Cruiser mission.
Les is seen here holding a sample of solar sail material that may one day be used to send a spacecraft deep into the outer solar system using only the pressure of sunlight for propulsion.
SF and science fact from a universe of great storytellers and scientists - now on sale!
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Science Fiction from Baen
and Science Fact from Prometheus
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY says about Mission to Methone:
"The spirit of Arthur C. Clarke and his contemporaries is alive and well in Johnson’s old-fashioned first-contact novel, set in 2068. After Dr. Chris Holt discovers an anomalous object in the solar system, he is swept into a multinational mission, first to the artifact and then to Saturn’s tiny moon Methone, where alien intelligences dwell. The aliens, drawn to both his knowledge of science and his “difference in thinking” (clearly described but never named as autism), deliberately select him as the human ambassador and teach him about the ancient makers and destroyers who roam the universe to support or obliterate sentient life. Humans, on edge from the discovery of extraterrestrial life, may end up doing the destroyers’ work for them... Johnson, a NASA space scientist, includes plenty of realistic detail and puts fun new spins on familiar alien concepts... There’s a great deal here for fans of early hard SF." (Feb.)—Publishers Weekly
THE JOURNAL NATURE about Graphene:
"How can a material one atom thick conduct electricity or filter filthy water? Physicist Les Johnson and chemist Joseph Meany tell all about graphene, that wispy “tessellation of carbon atoms” finally coming into its own. Their primer is fittingly slim, but covers an impressive swathe of the science and its applications. Along with a lucid history of earlier carbon “miracle materials”, they follow the path from lab to production. The potential is vast, from making the material using waste carbon dioxide harvested from astronauts’ breath, to creating graphene-based transistors that detect harmful genes." (Jan.) - Nature
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Graphene: The Superstrong, Superthin, and Superversatile Material That Will Revolutionize the World
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Les's Popular Science Non-Fiction
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Solar Sails: A Novel Approach to Interplanetary Travel
Harvesting Space for a Greener Earth
On to the Asteroid
Travis Taylor & Les Johnson
It's the beginning of a new golden age of space exploration. Finally, humanity is taking the commercialization of space to the next level—mining asteroids. The new gold rush of the commercial space era has begun.
Another commercial venture, an attempt to put a hotel on the Moon, is seeking the space tourism gold of the ultra wealthy. And it seems as if the dream of sending people to Mars is finally going to happen using a ship propelled by a powerful nuclear rocket.
But space travel isn’t cut and dry, and there is nothing routine about it. In order to mine an asteroid the goal is to bring it closer to Earth, but orbital mechanics are tricky and close to Earth proves to be far too close for comfort—with looming destruction from space about to become a grim reality. Now astronauts, scientists, engineers, and people in all the burgeoning space businesses must team together to stop the asteroid before it is too late for humanity and the planet it calls home.
Rescue Mode
Ben Bova & Les Johnson
Booklist says Rescue Mode is "... a suspenseful and compelling narrative of the first human spaceflight to Mars." And, "…the narrative highlights many positive aspects of human nature, including the wonders of innovation in stressful situations and the fierce will to survive despite impossible odds."
The first human mission to Mars meets with near-disaster when a meteoroid strikes the spacecraft, almost destroying it. The ship is too far from Earth to simply turn around and return home. The eight-person crew must ride their crippled ship to Mars while they desperately struggle to survive.
On Earth, powerful political forces that oppose human spaceflight try to use the accident as proof that sending humans into space is too dangerous to continue. The whole human space flight program hangs in the balance. And if the astronauts can’t nurse their ship to Mars and back, the voyagers will become either the first Martian colonists—or the first humans to perish on another planet.
Harvesting Space for a Greener Earth
Greg Matloff, C Bangs and Les Johnson
A space-based solution to the pressing energy and environmental problems facing humanity.
Sky Alert: When Satellites Fail
Les Johnson
The book explores for the first time what our modern world would be like if we were suddenly to lose most, if not all, of our space assets. We are now dependent on space satellites -- what might happen to various aspects of our economy, defense, and daily lives if they were suddenly destroyed?
"Vital underpinnings of the global economy and U.S. national security, satellites are assets all too easily overlooked despite their constant presence overhead; this book seeks to spare us all the experience of appreciating them fully only through their loss." Checkout the Pittsburg Tribune's complete review of Sky Alert here.
Released March 31 2013 by Springer Books. The book is available from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or a book seller near you.
Going Interstellar Les Johnson and Jack McDevitt
"Exploration and discovery are alive and well in current science fiction. Jack McDevitt, a Nebula winner who needs no introduction in these pages, joins with Les Johnson, Deputy Manager of NASA’s Advanced Concepts Office, to bring us eight short stories and four nonfiction articles, all based on the best current physics ideas for travel between the stars. Analog readers will feel particularly comfortable in this volume.
First, the nonfiction. Dr. Gregory Matloff, a retired astronomy professor with a list of credentials that itself stretches halfway to the Moon, discusses antimatter starships in one article and fusion drives in another. Dr. Richard Obousy describes a proposal called Project Icarus, a real-world design study for an interstellar spaceship. Finally, Les Johnson gives the lowdown on solar and beamed energy sails.
The roster of SF writers is equally impressive, including such familiar names as Michael Bishop, Ben Bova, Sarah A. Hoyt, Jack McDevitt, and Mike Resnick, as well as relative newcomers Dr. Charles E. Gannon, Les Johnson himself, and Louise Marley.
All of the stories are enjoyable." ANALOG MAGAZINE (Jan 2013)
"Thinking about distant futures has often been categorized as ‘science fiction’ or the now more-popular ‘speculative fiction.’ Either way, this body of literature has faced twin perils. On the one hand, stories focusing on the technologies of human space colonization feel detached and inhuman because, of course, those technologies are only tools for the larger project of dispersing humanity from Earth. On the other hand, stories focusing on the human domain of space colonization can feel like a cop-out, ignoring the massive technical issues to replay ancient dramas of human relationships. Combining both elements to make a story that feels technically realistic but does not ‘lose’ humanity is a tall order.
Many of the stories in Going Interstellar fill that order. And as a bonus, the volume includes a number of exciting and clarifying popular-science essays on the technologies needed for dispersing humanity far out from Earth." SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN BLOG (June 15, 2012)
Some humans may be content staying in one place, but many of us are curious about what’s beyond the next village, the next ocean, the next horizon. Are there others like us out there? How will we reach them? Others are concerned with the survival of the species. It may be that we have to get out of Dodge before the lights go out on Earth. How can we accomplish this?
Wonderful questions. Now get ready for some answers.
Here is the science behind interstellar propulsion: reports from top tier scientists and engineers on starflight propulsion techniques that use only means and methods that we currently know are scientifically possible. Here are in-depth essays on antimatter containment, solar sails, and fusion propulsion.
And the human consequences? Here is speculation by a magnificent array of award-winning SF writers on what an interstellar voyage might look like, might feel like—might be like. It’s an all-star cast abounding with Hugo and Nebula award winners: Ben Bova, Mike Resnick, Jack McDevitt, Michael Bishop, Sarah Hoyt and more.
Released June 2012 from Baen Books. You may purchase an autographed copy from Leslie's Good Books in Amazon Marketplace. The book is also available from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or a book seller near you.
Back to the Moon Travis Taylor and Les Johnson
"For everyone who felt a shiver at Lovell's words on that long-ago Christmas, or who held their breath until Apollo 13 emerged from the far side; for everyone whose heart skipped a beat at Armstrong's first step and who still believes that July 20, 1969 was the greatest date in history -- Back to the Moon is a reminder of a lost era." ANALOG (May 2011)
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Decades after the last footprints were left on the Moon, the U.S. was preparing to return to the Lunar surface in a new class of rockets, when the mission suddenly became much more urgent. It would have to be a rescue mission.
Unbeknownst to the rest of the world China had sent its own Lunar expedition. A manned expedition. Until a distress call was received, no human outside of China even knew that the mission was manned—or that their ship had crash-landed and couldn’t take off again.
Time was running out, and if the four Chinese astronauts were to be rescued, the American lunar mission would have to launch immediately, with a only a skeleton crew. Once the heroic U.S. astronauts were underway the army of engineers and scientists back home had the daunting task of deciding what equipment could be left on the Moon to permit the lunar landar to lift safely from the Moon with the two U.S. astronauts and the four stranded Chinese taikonauts! Could the U.S. mount such a mission succesfully—and would thousands of years of instilled honor “allow” the Chinese astronauts to accept a rescue?
Published December 2010 by Baen Books. You may purchase an autographed copy from Leslie's Good Books in Amazon Marketplace. The book is also available from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or a book seller near you.
Paradise Regained: The Regreening of Earth Les Johnson, Gregory Matloff and C Bangs
The environmental challenges facing humanity today are too serious to be resolved only by conservation and current technologies. Rather than losing heart, we need to recognize that the answer to these problems lies in the development of space. Not only will extraterrestrial resources avert a crisis, but they will also provide the basis for continued technological and societal progress. The resources of the Solar System will help us meet our projected industrial needs. Space-based power generation systems will work synergistically with Earth-based conservation. Paradise Regained shows how environmentalists and space advocates can work together to achieve a common goal -- the regreening of planet Earth.
Published in December 2009 by Praxis & Springer/Copernicus. You may purchase an autographed copy from Leslie's Good Books in Amazon Marketplace. The book is also available from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or a book seller near you.
WHAT THE REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:
"Paradise Regained ... is a scientifically informed voice of reason that addresses the environmental state of our world and how space technologies can improve it. It also might provide the intellectual stimulus needed for space and environmental activists to work together as one cultural movement to create a better future." (Ad Astra, The Magazine of the National Space Society, Spring 2010.)
“The daily news is full of global climate change stories. … This book is a welcome addition to the discussion - one that focuses on the prospect that space can be a restorative ingredient to Earth’s future. … There’s a very helpful chapter-by-chapter summary at the start of this book - making this book all the more accessible and enjoyable. The reader will find healthy sections on the use of raw materials found in space … . put together a potent, thought-provoking book.” (Leonard David, The Space Coalition, January, 2010)
Solar Sails: A Novel Approach to Interplanetary Travel Giovanni Vulpetti, Les Johnson, and Gregory Matloff
Solar sail propulsion will make space exploration more affordable and offer access to destinations within (and beyond) the solar system that are currently beyond our reach. This book describes solar sails, how they work and what they will be used for in the exploration of space in an easily readable manner which does not necessitate any prior knowledge of physics or solar sailing. It discusses current plans for solar sails and also describes how advanced technology, such as nanotechnology, might enhance solar-sail performance. Much has been accomplished recently to make solar sail technology very close to becoming an engineering reality and it will soon be used by the world’s space agencies in the exploration of the solar system and beyond.
Published in August 2008 by Praxis & Springer/Copernicus. You may purchase copies from The Missing Volume, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. Autographed copies are available from Leslie's Good Books.
WHAT THE REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:
"Conceptually simple and romantic, solar sailing is an enchanting technological solution for space exploration. … Solar Sails: A Novel Approach to Interplanetary Travel is the latest book to explore this topic … . Aimed at undergraduates, the book convincingly captures the history of ideas about solar sails, their current state of play and their future promise. … Suitable for aerospace students and keen enthusiasts alike, this book may one day inspire some of them to build a solar-sail-powered vessel." (Stuart Clark, Nature, Vol. 452, April, 2008)
"You would … find a more knowledgable team to write a book titled Solar Sails: A Novel Approach to Interplanetary Travel (Copernicus, 2008), and it’s a pleasure to add that despite the sub-title, questions of interstellar significance receive solid treatment. … a title that needs to be on your shelf if you’re seriously interested in the next step as we move beyond rocketry." (Centauri Dreams, September, 2008)
"Solar sails have for decades promised to revolutionize in-space transportation. … In Solar Sails, Giovanni Vulpetti, Les Johnson, and Gregory L. Matloff try to serve both nontechnical and technical audiences by dividing the book into four parts. … The result is a book that provides does provide a comprehensive yet readable overview of how solar sails work and how they could be used in the near future." (Jeff Foust, The Space Review, October, 2008)
"This is a top-notch treatment of a propulsion concept that’s clearly innovative and a ‘must have’ capability to forge outward to the stars. Easy to read … the general reader will find that the authors care about you understanding the implications of harnessing solar sails. … Peppered with illustrative drawings and photos, as well as a glossary of terms, this book is a valuable contribution to the field and helps keep the sunlight shining on an important enabling technology for spacefaring societies." (Coalition for Space Exploration, October, 2008)
"The book is composed of two main sections, one of which takes a look at solar sailing development from a non-technical viewpoint, while the latter section is a technical look at solar sailing mechanics and engineering. … I would recommend this book … . this book has a lot to offer to both non-technical and technical readers." (Visual Astronomy, December, 2008)
"The book is divided into four major parts; the first three are directed towards non-engineers with formulas kept to a minimum, the language here is for entry-level space readers. The last part is slightly more advanced, aimed towards students of engineering and people with a more technical mind. … The book targets a broad audience who would be interested in an introduction to a new technology … . It’s a good choice for someone looking at a new technology and offers a modest price tag." (The Space Fellowship, December, 2008)
Living Off the Land in Space: Green Roads to the Cosmos by Gregory Matloff, Les Johnson, and C Bangs
Drawing parallels with the terrestrial pioneers who had to "live off the land" as they made their way across the face of the Earth, this book describes how space travelers will use the resources they encounter to sustain missions to the furthest reaches of the solar system and beyond. Many of the technologies and approaches discussed have little or no impact on the environment of space -- providing truly "green" roads to the cosmos!
Published by Praxis & Springer/Copernicus. You may purchase copies autographed by the authors at my favorite online book seller, The Missing Volume. Also available now from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or Target's online bookstore. Autographed copies are available from Leslie's Good Books.
Reviews:
Did you know that Les was the technical consultant for the movie Lost in Space?
Les and Greg Matloff first published together in the November 2006 issue of Analog Magazine -- "The Interstellar Conspiracy."
Rescue Mode
Ben Bova & Les Johnson
Booklist says Rescue Mode is "... a suspenseful and compelling narrative of the first human spaceflight to Mars." And, "…the narrative highlights many positive aspects of human nature, including the wonders of innovation in stressful situations and the fierce will to survive despite impossible odds."
The first human mission to Mars meets with near-disaster when a meteoroid strikes the spacecraft, almost destroying it. The ship is too far from Earth to simply turn around and return home. The eight-person crew must ride their crippled ship to Mars while they desperately struggle to survive.
UPCOMING APPEARANCES
Virtual Boskone 58 / February 12-14, 2021 www.boskone.org
NEWS
"The Confession" Les's story contribution to the Baen anthology, The Founder Effect - available now!
Saving Proxima, Les's next collaborative novel with Travis Taylor is now available for pre-order. It will be released by Baen Books in summer 2021.
Les was honored at the 2020 DeepSouthCon with the Phoenix Award - "A lifetime achievement award presented to a professional who has supported Southern Fandom. It's been given annual by DeepSouthCon since 1970"
Listen to Les' recent interview on THE SPACE SHOW (Sept 22, 2020)
Find out where solar sailing will take small satellites at the USU SmallSat Conference roundtable
Coming in December 2020: Les's story, "The Confession" will be published in the Baen anthology, The Founder Effect.
The mass-market edition of Stellaris: People of the Stars, edited by Les Johnson and Rob Hampson was published by Baen Books on August 25, 2020.
Les's article about nuclear in-space propulsion, atribute to Richard "Uncle Timmy" Bolgeo, is published in the Baen anthology, Give Me LibertyCon!
Les's February newsletter available now...
Audiobook versions of Mission to Methone and Back to the Moon are now available!
October 1, 6:30 p.m. Germantown, TN Les was part of the Community Library's for Big Read SF Panel and then lectured at Christian Brothers University.
September 6, 7pm book signing at the Huntsville, AL Books-A-Million (N. Pkwy)
September 3, 2019 from Baen Books, Edited by Les Johnson & Rob Hampson: Stellaris - People of the Stars.
Les will be talking about his books and humankind's future in space at the Vytah conference in Bratislava, Slovakia on March 20, 2019. Learn more here.
The paperback edition of Mission to Methone was released February 26, 2019 by Baen Books.
Les lectured about the real possibilities of interstellar travel at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France in January 2019.
Les' chaired the 2017 meeting of the Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop. Here are his opening remarks.
The paperback edition of On to the Asteroid was released August 29, 2017. Order your copy here.
Les and Joe Meany wrote about the new wonder material, Graphene, for Baen Books. The article is available here.
"New Oceans Becon for Solar Sail Technology," Les's latest non-fiction article, appears in the Winter 2017 issue of Room, The Space Journal
Les's short story, "Spreading the Seed" appears in the recently released anthology Science Fiction By Scientists.
Les is chairing the 2017 meeting of the Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop to be held in Huntsville, AL from October 3 - 6, 2017. For more information, visit: www.tviw.us
On to the Asteroid, Les's latest novel with Travis Taylor, was released (August 2016) in hardcover by Baen Books. Order your copy here.
Les was interviewed for Wired Magazine's March 2016 issue focused on space exploration.
Les is chairing the 2016 Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop Feb. 28 - Mar 2, 2016.
Les gave the AIAA Distinguished Lecture for Engineers Week in Manchester, TN (Feb 25, 2016)
Here's National Geographic's interview with Les about his NASA solar sail project
Bold Signals' interview with Les about solar sailing and interstellar travel is here.
The paperback edition of Rescue Mode was published by Baen Books September 29, 2015.
Les lectured at Google[X] September 9, 2015.
MORE NEWS
Les's latest popular science article for Baen Books is now live on their website.
Les was interviewed about solar sails on Bloomberg TV (5/28/2015)
Listen to Les's interview on PRI's Science Friday (4/24/2015)
Les, Michio Kaku and others explained how humanity may one day reach the stars on How The Universe Works: Our Voyage to the Stars
Released June 3 from Baen Books
Released April 30 from Springer Books
Did you catch Les on NatGeo's How to Survive the End of the World?
Les was the "Making it Real" speaker at EVE Online's FanFest 2014 in Iceland.
Les spoke at the 2013 TEDx Huntsville. His talk is available here.
Enjoyed Europa Report? Les was one of the technical consultants.
Les' talk at the Tamke-Allen Observatory in January 2014, "The Stars My Destination" is now available on YouTube.
Les was the "Making EVE Real" speaker at EVE Vegas 2013.
Les's talk at the 2013 Icarus Interstellar Congress can be found here (beginning at 1:19).
Les is featured in the January 2013 issue of National Geographic Magazine as an "Interstellar Explorer."
Check out Analog Magazine's review of Going Interstellar.
Catch Les in the NatGeo Special "Evacuate Earth."
Les' author site on Amazon is now active - please check there for his upcoming appearances and book signings.
Check out Les's books on Goodreads.
Les is now on Facebook and LinkedIn!
PAST EVENTS
October 9: Sierra Club of Middle Tennessee at the Radnor Lake Visitor Center (7:00 pm)
October 3-5: CONtraflow Science Fiction Convention in New Orleans, LA
September 18 - 21: 100 Year Starship Symposium, Houston, TX
August 29 - September 1: DragonCon in Atlanta, GA
July 11-13: ConGregate Science Fiction Convention in Winston-Salem, NC
June 27-29: LibertyCon Science Fiction Convention in Chattanooga, TN
May 1 - 3: EVE Online FanFest in Reykjavik, Iceland
April 11-13: Conglomeration Science Fiction Convention in Louisville, KY
October 4 - 6: Archon-37 Science Fiction Convention in St. Louis, MO
September 12: Les was the first Fall 2013 Cultural Awareness Program (CAP) speaker at Emmanuel College.
August 15 - 18: Icaurus Interstellar Congress, Dallas, TX
June 28 - 30: LibertyCon Science Fiction Convention in Chattanooga, TN
June 20: NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
June 16: Huntsville / Madison County Public Library
May 24 - 26: The Alabama Phoenix Festival in Birmingham, AL
Catch Les on The Science Channel series Deep Space Marvels (2012)
Les was an invited lecturer at the International Space University during the last week of June, where he talked about solar sails, space tethers, and going to the stars.
Going Interstellar, a science and science fiction anthology edited by Les Johnson and Jack McDevitt was released by Baen in June 2012.
The paperback edition of Back to the Moon is now available.
Sky Alert! When Satellites Fail will be Les's next popular science book -- to be published in late 2012.
Michio Kaku wrote about Les's work on solar sails in his new book, Physics of the Future. You can read an excerpt here.
Representing NASA, Les attended the 2nd International Symposium on Solar Sailing last July in New York City. The Symposium was covered by Discover Magazine, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Centauri Dreams.
“Discovering Alabama: Alabama in Space,” a nature television series produced for Alabama Public Television, (in which Les is one of several scientists featured) won an EMMY Award! The program may be downloaded for free from iTunes.
Constellation in Huntsville, AL
Contraflow in New Orleans
DragonCon in Atlanta
LibertyCon in Chattanooga
DeepSouthCon in Huntsville, AL
MidSouthCon in Memphis, TN
Lexington, KY Barnes & Noble on Pavilion Way
Atlanta Astronomy Club, Atlanta, GA (February 17 at 8:00)
Barnes & Noble GA Tech, Atlanta, GA (February 16 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm)
FenCon - September 23 - 25, 2011
Constellation - September 16 - 18, 2011
DragonCon - September 2 - 5, 2011
April 16, 2011: The Alabama Book Festival
September 17 - 19: Constellation in Huntsville, AL
September 2 - 6: DragonCon in Atlanta, GA
July 9 - 11: LibertyCon Science Fiction Convention in Chattanooga, TN
May 27 - 31: The International Space Development Conference
March 12 - 14: MidSouthCon in Memphis, TN was a great convention -- looking forward to next year already!
March 4: Les was the guest speaker at the Huntsville, Alabama National Space Society Meeting
January 31, 2010: Les was a guest on The Space Show with Dr. David Livingston.
Les appears on the "How to Build A Starship" episode of Michio Kaku's new Discovery Science Channel Series "Physics of the Impossible. The episode premiered on January 5, 2010.
Les was interviewed on Dr. Ginger Campbell's podcast "Books and Ideas" about his newest book, Paradise Regained.
Novelist Stephanie Osborn interviewed Les for PopSyndicate.
An article Les wrote for the Italian newspaper La Stampa is now online.
Les was the guest speaker at a meeting of the North Alabama Science Fiction Association (NASFA) on Saturday, October 17.
Constellation, Huntsville's own science fiction convention was a great time. I highly recommend it.
Les just returned from a great weekend at DragonCon.
Dr. Michio Kaku's interview with Les was broadcast nationally on Saturday, May 2 -- check his website to hear the interview.
Les was a guest at the LibertyCon science fiction convention during the weekend of July 10-12, 2009.
Les appeared in three episodes of the new Science Channel series Exodus Earth.
Astronomy and Space Magazine (June 2009) published a review of Solar Sails: "In their latest book, Vulpetti, Johnson, and Matloff argue the case for space sailing as a viable technology for travel within the solar system... All in all, Solar Sails is a handsome book and a good introduction to a technology whose time I feel is imminent - may the force be with it!"
2/5/2008: Solar Sails received Honorable Mention (First Runner Up) in the Cosmology and Astronomy category of the 2008 PROSE Awards, given out by the Association of American Publishers!
Les was interviewed on The Space Show March 31, 2009.
Les was a guest at the Alabama Bound Book Festival on March 28, 2009 at the Birmingham, Alabama Public Library.
Les was a guest at MidSouthCon 2009 from March 20 - 22, 2009.
The Huntsville Alabama L-5 Society invited Les to speak at their December 4 meeting held at the Huntsville Public Library.
Les and his colleague, Dan Thomas, just had a technical paper titled, "A Comparison of Lunar Lander Options for Robotic Exploration of the Moon" accepted for publication in The Journal of the British Interplanetary Society. It will be published in a few months.
Les recently signed his books at a regional meeting of the National Space Society held in Huntsville.
The 2008 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) Walk for a Cure was held on Sunday, October 19. THANKS to all who donated and especially to the folks at Constellation who allowed me to place a donation box in the art show.
Les was a guest at Constellation, Huntsville's annual science fiction convention held October 17 - 19, 2008.
Les was a guest at DragonCon 2008 from August 29 - September 1, 2008. What a great convention! Special thanks to Rain, the Space Track Chairperson. She did a great job.
Solar Sails: A Novel Approach to Interplanetary Travel is out!
A great weekend was had by all who attended LibertyCon 2008 in Chattanooga, TN.
Les was a guest at MidSouthCon in Memphis from March 28 -30.
Les was a guest of the Omegacon Science Fiction Convention in Birmingham, Alabama from March 14 - 16.
Les held a signing event on October 26 in Pablo's on Market bookstore (Athens, Alabama) during the annual Spirit of Athens Storytelling Festival,
Les attended the Constellation Science Fiction Convention in Huntsville during the weekend of October 12 - 14, 2007.
Les signed copies of his book, Living Off the Land in Space, at the Madison Street Festival on October 6. He was hosted by Hale Fire Glass at 112 Main Street in Madison, Alabama.
Les gave the Holladay Lecture in Physics at Vanderbilt University on September 6, 2007.
Les conducted a book signing at the Huntsville, Alabama Barnes & Noble on August 11, 2007.
The Oak Ridge, TN Tamke-Allen Observatory invited Les to speak on August 4, 2007 before a night of sky watching.
Les spoke at the Huntsville, Alabama chapter of the National Space Society on August 2, 2007.
On July 24 & 25, 2007 Les and co-authors Gregory Matloff and C Bangs were the guests of the Memphis, TN National Space Society. While in Memphis, they lectured at the Optimist Club and The Pink Palace Museum, received a private tour of the FedEx Institute, and conducted a signing at Barnes & Noble
UPCOMING EVENTS
For a complete list of Les' upcoming appearances, visit his Author Page on Amazon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HE SPACE SHOW (Sept 22, 2020)
Les was a guest on The Space Show - a 90 minute interview covering everything from his latest book, Stellaris, to solar sails and the search for extraterrstrial intelligence. Check it out HERE.
DRAGONCON BAEN BOOKS VIRTUAL ROADSHOW (Sept 5, 2020)
Join Les and other Baen authors as the discuss their most recent books as part of Baen Books' virtual roadshow at DragonCon 2020.
WHERE WILL SOLAR SAILING TAKE SMALL SATELLITES? (Aug 10, 2020)
Join Les and a panel of experts discuss the future of solar sailing at this virtual panel prepared for the annual Utah State University Small Satellite Conference.
HE SPACE SHOW (Sept 22, 2020)
Les was a guest on The Space Show - a 90 minute interview covering everything from his latest book, Stellaris, to solar sails and the search for extraterrstrial intelligence. Check it out HERE.
DRAGONCON BAEN BOOKS VIRTUAL ROADSHOW (Sept 5, 2020)
Join Les and other Baen authors as the discuss their most recent books as part of Baen Books' virtual roadshow at DragonCon 2020.
WHERE WILL SOLAR SAILING TAKE SMALL SATELLITES? (Aug 10, 2020)
Join Les and a panel of experts discuss the future of solar sailing at this virtual panel prepared for the annual Utah State University Small Satellite Conference.
THE SPACE SHOW (Sept 22, 2020)
Les was a guest on The Space Show - a 90 minute interview covering everything from his latest book, Stellaris, to solar sails and the search for extraterrstrial intelligence. Check it out HERE.
THE SPACE SHOW (Sept 22, 2020)
Les was a guest on The Space Show - a 90 minute interview covering everything from his latest book, Stellaris, to solar sails and the search for extraterrstrial intelligence. Check it out HERE.
DRAGONCON BAEN BOOKS VIRTUAL ROADSHOW (Sept 5, 2020)
Join Les and other Baen authors as the discuss their most recent books as part of Baen Books' virtual roadshow at DragonCon 2020.
WHERE WILL SOLAR SAILING TAKE SMALL SATELLITES? (Aug 10, 2020)
Join Les and a panel of experts discuss the future of solar sailing at this virtual panel prepared for the annual Utah State University Small Satellite Conference.