This book gives an overview of the current status of peaceful space utilization and applications, as well as an outlook on future developments. It is complementary to the large number of books available on space technology and to specialised volumes in specific application fields. It covers scientific space utilization, commercial, and technological applications in chapters written by leading specialists in the respective fields. The book is written on a level comprehensible to an educated but not specialized reader, with color illustrations throughout and only occasional use of mathematical formulae. It is intended to transmit to the reader, in addition to the factual information, some of the fascination attached to space activities.