The Multimedia and Writing of Dan Linehan
ArgentinaScience CommunicationsSpaceShipOne and Burt Rutan's Race to SpaceBio and ContactMy EventsLinehan PressAntarctica
Argentina
Science Communications
Spaceship Books
Bio & Contact
My Events
Linehan Press
Antarctica
The Princess of the Bottom of the World  [Series]  [Top News & Awards]  [Events]  [Videos]
Book Video Trailer
This book video trailer for The Princess of the Bottom of the World features penguins nesting, seal pups, whale tails, iceberg sculptures, blue ice, and calving glaciers from a voyage to Antarctica and the surrounding regions. [watch]
Multimedia Traveling Companion
Visit the Multimedia Traveling Companion to explore more of the sights and sounds from the episode of The Princess of the Bottom of the World, such as additional photos, video footage, music, maps, and other extras. [visit]
List of Episodes
Episode 1: The Journey to the Bottom of the World
Episode 2: Islands of Penguins
Episode 3: Glaciers, Bones, and Ghost Towns
Episode 4: Antarctica, Ho!
Episode 5: Patagonia and the World of Waterfalls
Episode 6: Course Corrections
Episode 7: When the Journey Never Ended
A Brief Status
I've devoted many years to creative solutions that address some of the worst problems faced on Earth. And I've also sacrificed much for this story. I'm hoping that The Princess of the Bottom of the World will make a big impact in our world. Episode 1 released on 3/1/19, and every four weeks afterward the remaining six episodes followed. The collection of all seven episodes as a complete series released on 12/13/19. [see series]
About the Multimedia Series
Based on true events from an expedition to Antarctica, a shipwreck, and a deadly storm, The Princess of the Bottom of the World tells the story of a man who must travel to the coldest and most remote place on Earth to warm his heart to love.

Scott Sullivan wants to save the world but in doing so has put his personal life on ice. He travels to Antarctica and other distant regions to study wildlife and the environment. But even with careful preparation, his encounters often far outdistance what he envisioned.

During the voyage he befriends a quirky Chilean crewmember. She begins the melting process on his heart. But they must go their separate ways once the voyage ends. When disaster strikes at sea, they are drawn together again. The outcome crushes Scott.

In the port city of Ushuaia, Argentina, his course changes when he meets an Argentine filmmaker traveling on assignment. And his adventures take yet another unexpected turn.
Excerpts and Related Publications
Poem "Constellation" from the series featured by Speaking Words on KZSC. It follows "Stranded," a longer poem of mine. Both were read by the DJ on 6/4/22.
"Fish, Frogs, and Alluvial Fans" in New York University's Caustic Frolic [more]
"Grytviken, South Georgia" in the Porter Gulch Review. Photos of South Georgia and Antarctica from my 2006/07 expedition are now added. [read]
"If not for Cosmos" and "The Other Side of the Comet" in the Homestead Review. [read]
"Surfing on Rocks of Ice" in Catamaran Literary Reader. [more]
"An International Scene" in Ping•Pong, the art and literary journal of the Henry Miller Library. [more]
"Beagle Channel" a poem from the series in Maria Loves Words: This is not a Love Poem - Blue Valentines. [read]
"Saratoga Outfitter to Retrace Shackleton's Trek," in Hilltromper, reveals the upcoming expedition commemorating Shackleton's epic self-rescue from Antarctica 100 years ago. [read]
A Little of the Story Behind the Story
Without a shirt on—because it was that hot—my expedition leader ascends a glacier-covered mountain to reach a lookout point for viewing Neko Harbour in Antarctica. (Photo by Dan Linehan)

Everyone’s life is connected one way or another to the lakes, rivers, and oceans. To the ice and rain. To the forests, plains, mountains, and farmlands. And especially to the very thin layer of breathable sky that encapsulates us all. But learning about these important interactions doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at the same time. Yes, climate change is an extremely serious matter. Until it is solved, it will always be one.

However, why not also celebrate the marvel and beauty that our world provides for us while still trying to protect it? Let’s shake things up a little.

For a long time, I’ve struggled with the fact that science, data, reason, and logic are not winning the climate change battle. I know this from firsthand experience on the front lines.

Going back deep into the last century, we have more than sufficient rigorously determined scientific results and evidence proving rapid, human-caused climate change from the emission of greenhouse gases, most notably carbon dioxide (CO2), by the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gasoline.

Why is it that so many people—who happen to also heavily rely on science to produce the technological innovations (such as electronics, computerization, and advanced manufacturing) that are woven into almost every aspect of daily life—refuse to believe in unnatural climate change and the factors that cause it? Why do they continue to support the very barriers that prevent solutions?

As viewed from an icy lookout point on a mountain, massive crevasses form in a giant glacier at Neko Harbour, Antarctica. (Photo by Dan Linehan)

Back in the infancy of the scientific method, there are many examples of how scientific fact challenged outdated ideals, doctrines, and policies that were embedded in the societies of the time. Once, people believed Earth was flat because they didn’t use science to back up their beliefs. [more]
An Inconvenient Truth 10th Anniversary
An interview about my work's connection to An Inconvenient Truth by Participant Media, the filmmakers of the ground-breaking documentary that ignited public awareness about the climate change crisis. [watch]
Top News & Awards

National Steinbeck Center's Inspired Talk Series | Dan covers Steinbeck, his new book, and more [watch]

Multimedia Traveling Companion Honors | The Princess of the Bottom of the World wins three 2021 Communicator Awards for Environmental Awareness Website, Science Website, and Travel/Tourism Website from the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts [visit]


Screenplay Honors | The feature screenplay adapted from the novel The Princess of the Bottom of the World has earned 13 recognitions, including Nature Without Borders Int’l Film Festival “Outstanding Excellence,” Colorado Int’l Activism Film Festival “Most Thought-Provoking Script,” Worldfest-Houston Int’l Film Festival Silver “Remi,” Santa Barbara Int’l Screenplay Awards Honorable Mention, Tirota/Finish Line Social Impact Script Competition Quarterfinalist (top 25 of features), and official selections at film festivals in France and Spain.


A TV pilot screenplay, also adapted from the novel, has won Honorable Mention at Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards and is a semifinalist at Writing Climate: Pitchfest for Film and TV.


Individual Episodes | The free option is still currently available [grab them here]

Collection Publication | The seven-episode series published on 12/13/19 [buy now]


Videos | Check out videos of recent events:
National Steinbeck Center's Inspired Talk Series [watch]
Communicating Science and Climate Change [watch]
Fiction, multimedia, and unconventional stories [watch]
Legends stepping between fiction and nonfiction [watch]
In brief, how the multimedia series works [watch]
How to make a book video trailer [watch]
About social justice issues [watch]
About wildfires [watch]

Podcast | Cosmic book discussion on The Space Show [listen]

Literary Journal | The excerpt "Fish, Frogs, and Alluvial Fans" appears in NYU's Caustic Frolic [find out more]

Climate Strike | "Livermore Participates in International Climate Rally" in The Independent [read]

Great Films and More | In The Independent:
"Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival to Show for First Time in Livermore" [read]
"Climate Experts to Kick Off First Ever Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour at Livermore" [read]
My Upcoming Events — see changes due to pandemic
Want to schedule an event? [contact me]

Climate scientist panel kicked off Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour at Livermore. Following the panel, "Getting to Neutral" presentation covered a new carbon initiative for reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (photos: Jake Long and Terry Chang). [more]

5/28/23 11 am — online
For new Monterey chapter of Climate Reality Project, giving climate change presentation training
2/11/23 — online
For the third meeting of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Climate Literacy Champions, presenting "Critical Climate Communications Approaches and Strategies for TK-12" [watch Al Gore's message]

12/2/22 — online
"Communicating climate change with The Princess of the Bottom of the World" for International Teaching Artists Collaborative's "Climate Cafe" [more]
10/15/22 — online
For the first LAUSD Climate Literacy Champions Meeting, presenting "Basic Background of Climate Change for PK-12 Teachers" and "How Climate Change Creates Floods, Fires, Droughts, and Other Severe Weather" [watch Al Gore's message]
8/6/22 — online
"Climate Literacy and Action" Teacher Workshop with the Monterey Bay Aquarium [more]
7/6/22 — podcast
LAUSD Climate Literacy Resolution discussion on One World Podcast [listen]
My Past Events — see changes due to pandemic
The Ushuaia and gentoo penguins. Mermaid mural at the harbor in Ushuaia, Argentina. Dan in front of the Risting Glacial at the end of Drygalski Fjord.
The M/V Ushuaia anchored between icebergs and gentoo penguins, Booth Island, Antarctica (left), mermaid mural at the harbor in Ushuaia, Argentina (center), and on the deck in front of the Risting Glacier at the end of Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia Island (right). Photos: Dan Linehan.

6/21/22 — private event
Presenting "Critical Climate Communications Approaches and Strategies for K-12 Teachers of All Subjects" for Harker School, San Jose, CA
4/22/22 9:20 am and 10:40 am (Fri) — live event
Presenting "Advocating Climate Education: The Case of LA Unified" and "Strategies and Tactics of Climate Communication" for Earth Day Teach-in at the University of California, Santa Cruz [events] [talk info]
3/23/22 5:30 pm (Wed) — Zoom event
"Letter to the Editor Writing" workshop for Los Angeles Climate Reality Project [more] [watch]
3/19/22 1:30 pm (Sat) — live event
Reading for "Double Take" poetry and art gallery exhibition, Bankhead Theater, Livermore, CA [more]
3/6/22 5 pm (Sun) — Zoom event
LAUSD Climate Literacy Resolution presentation for Climate Reality Project California Coalition [more]
1/14/22 5 pm (Fri) — Zoom event
LAUSD Climate Literacy Resolution presentation for Youth Climate Action Team of Bay Area Climate Reality Project [more]
12/3/21 6 pm (Fri) — live event
Book signing for Holiday Season Lit Expo at Old Capitol Books, Monterey, CA [more]
11/24/21 (Wed) — podcast
Interview on Vienna Smart Citites Insititute's Smart Conversations podcast [1 min video] [15 min podcast]
9/12/21 3 pm (Sun) — Zoom event
Facilitator with Bay Area Climate Reality Project for Presentation Boot Camp [more]
7/10/21 to 7/18/21 — Zoom event
Mentor for Climate Reality Leadership Corps: Virtual Latin America Training [more]
5/23/21 1-3 pm & 6/6/21 1-3 pm — Zoom event
Facilitator with Los Angeles Climate Reality Project for Speaker Training Boot Camp [more]
12/18/20 12 noon (Fri) — Zoom event
Presentation for the Chowder Group (private), Carmel, CA [watch]
10/24/20 2-4 pm (Sat) — multiple platform online event
Partnering with Downtown Book & Sound and the National Steinbeck Center for its Inspired Talks Series, Dan to cover Steinbeck, his new book, and more [watch]
10/21/20 5 pm (Wed) — live, radio, and online
KRML's live Pub Talk (Alvarado Street Brewery, Carmel, CA), radio at 94.7 FM, or listen [online]
9/20/20 3 pm (Sun) — Zoom event
Facilitator with Bay Area Climate Reality Project for Presentation Boot Camp [more]
8/9/20 2 PM (Sun) — moved to Zoom event
Reading for Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium on Zoom [flyer] [watch video]
8/1/20 4 PM (Sat) — Zoom event
Facilitator with Climate Reality Project for Virtual Climate Speaker Series of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action [more]
6/16/20 (Sat) — moved to Zoom event
Presenting "Using Fiction and Multimedia to Drive Unconventional Storytelling" for California Writers Club Central Coast Writers Branch [watch video]
5/16/20 (Sat) — moved to Zoom event
Presenting "An Inside Look at Book Trailers and Other Multimedia" for California Writers Club San Francisco Peninsula Branch [watch video]
5/12/20 (Tue) 7 - 8:30 pm Pacific — podcast
Live guest on The Space Show for a cosmic discussion about my books connection to space [listen to podcast]
2/26/20 (Wed) 6 pm
Presenting "Climate Change Basics and Making Impacts" for Greenpeace NYC's "Mobilize to Get out the Climate Vote in NYC" campaign, New York City [more]
2/24/20 (Mon)
Presenting "Recycling and Environmental Outreach" for Greenpeace NYC, New York City
2/21/20 (Fri) 6 pm
Reading an excerpt at release party of Caustic Frolic for New York University's Dept. of Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement, New York City
2/15/20 (Sat) 2 pm
Presenting “Using Fiction and Multimedia to Drive Unconventional Storytelling” for California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch, Pleasanton, CA [more]
2/3/20 (Mon)
Presenting "Penguins, Penguins, and More Penguins" for Earth Heroes Day at LLESA Children's Center (preschool), Livermore, CA
1/27/20 (Mon) 7 pm
Reading for Poetry Express, Berkeley, CA [more]
1/24/20 (Fri) 5:45 - 6:20 pm
Moderating "Climate Scientists Discuss the Changing Climate" panel for Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour at Livermore, CA [films, schedule, and speakers]
1/8/20 (Wed) noon
Presenting "Journeying to Become a Writer," a student multimedia storytelling workshop, for Vineyard Alternative School, Livermore, CA
1/4/20 (Sat) 1 pm
Reading at Art and Wine Intertwined for "Worth a Thousand Words" gallery exhibition, Bankhead Theater, Livermore, CA [flyer]
11/16/19 (Sat) 1 pm
Reading at opening reception for "Worth a Thousand Words" gallery exhibition, Bankhead Theater, Livermore, CA [flyer]
10/19/19 (Sat) 2:30 pm
Book presentation for Indie Author Day, Pacific Grove, CA [flyer]
9/7/19 (Sat)
Keynote speaker, along with Congressman Eric Swalwell, at the Youth Environmental Action Summit of the Tri-Valley, Pleasanton, CA [program]
6/1/19 (Sat)
Reading for Homestead Review literary magazine, Old Capitol Books, Monterey, CA [more]
9/7/18 (Fri) Evening
Presenting for Climate Reality Project at Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland, CA [more]
4/8/18 (Sun) 2 pm
"Poetry from the Bottom of the World" for Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium, Old Capitol Books, Monterey, CA [flyer]
1/21/18 (Sun) 2:30 pm
Reading for Poetry at Ravenswood festival, Livermore, CA [flyer]
10/10/17 (Tue) 11:30 am
"Caught Between Antarctica and Argentina," a multimedia presentation for Lawrence Livermore Retiree Assoc., Livermore, CA [flyer]
7/13/17 (Thr) 1:30 pm
"Caught Between Antarctica and Argentina," a multimedia presentation for Armchair Travelers series at Livermore Public Library, Livermore, CA [flyer]
7/6/17 (Thr) 7 pm
The Princess of the Bottom of the World is featured for We're Talking Books! Club, Livermore, CA [more] [flyer]
10/29/15 (Thr) 5 pm
"Surfing on Rocks of Ice," reading excerpt at release party for Catamaran Literary Reader, Santa Cruz Art League [flyer]
5/15/15 (Fri) 6 pm
"Grytviken, South Georgia," reading excerpt at the Porter Gulch Review release party, at the Horticulture Center, Cabrillo College
4/7/15 (Tue) 7 pm
"Caught Between Antarctica and Argentina," a multimedia presentation at the Monterey Hostel. Click [here] for the flyer. The Monterey County Weekly had some fun announcing the event [read]. The presentation will be broadcast on community TV and streamed online by Access Monterey Peninsula. Click [here] to watch during time listed below.
4/29/15 (9 pm), 5/1/15 (7 am), 5/4/15 (3 pm), 5/5/15 (1 pm)
[more events]

After 1½ Years in Argentina...
Forty-day position as writer-in-residence at Residencia Corazon in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Creative writing and climate change classes. And climate change presentations to Green Drinks and the National University of La Plata. On location in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, for <i>Air & Space</i> Smithsonian.
Forthcoming: "Flying in Ushuaia and Antarctica" article in Air & Space Smithsonian magazine. The view of Ushuaia, Argentina, and the Beagle Channel after just landing on the top of Cerro le Cloche with a helicopter (top right photo).
Interviewed in "No bolsa, gracias" ("No bags, thanks") by Inés Sainz for El Blog de la Mamá for La Nación's OHLALÁ! [read]
"Recycling and Plastic Pollution" multimedia presentation and showing of documentary Bag It for Green Drinks Buenos Aires (7/22/14). [more]
Writer-in-residence at Residencia Corazon in La Plata, Argentina. Read "Constellations" and see "Imagine" photo. [read]
On 4/2/13, only two weeks into my writing residency, the city of La Plata was hit by the most deadly and devastating tormenta (storm) in its history. I gave a climate change class for Home Intercultural Learning and climate change presentations to Green Drinks La Plata and the National University of La Plata. [more]
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arcade Fire, Pixies, Nine Inch Nails, Sound Garden, and more rock out at first ever Lollapalooza Argentina, article in June 2014 issue of Relix music magazine. [read]
Writing and acting in Monica Lopez's Journey, a short film set in La Plata by Taiwanese filmmaker Eileen Song. [watch]
Three new articles about Argentina for an educational publishing company about yerba mate (Argentina's national drink), Eco Bici (the bicycle share program of Buenos Aires), and cartoneros (the cardboard people, as shown in photo to the right).
No bolsa, 		gracias.
Red Hot Chili Peppers at Lollapalooza 		Argentina.
Monica Lopez's Journey, a short film, set in La Plata, 			Argentina, by Taiwanese filmmaker Eileen Song.
Cartoneros, the cardboard people, of La Plata, Buenos Aires province, Argentina.

Science Communications
  Revolutionary Large Synoptic Survey Telescope in Chile, appearing in Science & Technology Review. 
Science Videos and Animation
A collaboration between Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and NASA, the MiniCarb CubeSat (left) is set to launch in 2020 and will measure greenhouse gases. Once operational, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (right) will be one of the most advanced telescopes ever built. Among its many missions, scientists will use it to detect Earth crossing objects and to investigate dark matter.

The giant Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) laser operates within the even larger National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser to enable researchers to probe and create extreme states of matter found in stars. The animation (left) shows its operation, and the video (right) discusses how it is used.

For videos of a submarine, spaceships, and aliens, move down to [here].
Wildlife, Environment, and More Science
The Reintroduction Odyssey of the Yurok Condors, appearing in Bay Nature magazine. Evolution of atmosphere and climate models, appearing in Science & Technology Review.

"The Reintroduction Odyssey of the Yurok Condors" in Bay Nature magazine. For the first time in over a century, condors fly free in the Pacific Northwest due to efforts by the Yurok Tribe and their partners. [read]
"Return of the Condor Lets the Feathers Fly: Bullets and Bureaucrats Remain as the Greatest Threats to Recovery Efforts" in Homestead Review [read]
"Inspiring Science Careers Through STEM Stories," a story about student STEM day at LLNL [read]
Oscar-winner Charles Ferguson makes Time to Choose to offer solutions to climate change crisis [read]
Al Gore Fights the Harder and Faster Punches of Climate Change [read]
Fixing the Future documentary and Bill McKibben interview [read]
Sylvia Earle: Her Majesty of the Deep Blue Sea for Origin [part 1] [part 2]
Climate Change's Growing Impact on Glaciers [watch]
The fellowship of Doc Rickett's Lab on Cannery Row for Monterey County Weekly [read]
Uncovering an underwater mystery in a little yellow submarine [story and video]
Otter 501: A webStory, an online multimedia experience about the true life story of the survival of an abandoned sea otter pup, based on the film Otter 501 for Sea Studios Foundation [story, videos, and images]
TeamOCEAN and kayak stewardship for Sea Kayaker magazine [read]
"Plastic Planet," a letter from my 7th trip to the Middle East [read]
NOAA: Seals, Sea Lions, and Sea Otters [two photos]
"The Atmosphere Around Climate Models" in Science & Technology Review. Discover the connections between climate models, the Manhattan Project, accidental radioactive atmospheric releases, and the world's fastest supercomputers. [read]
"The Widest, Deepest Images of a Dynamic Universe" in Science & Technology Review. As the revolutionary Large Synoptic Survey Telescope breaks ground in Chile, Earth moves closer to solving mysteries throughout the universe in astronomical proportions. [read] [watch video]
"Tour Guides Put NIF’s Best Foot Forward" while giving students an inside look at the gigantic laser [read]
"Trashy Romance: How a Misdirected Love Story Speaks to the Crisis in the Pacific" [read]
"Not My Bag: Bag It Takes an Unlikely Hero on an Odyssey to Extract Plastic Bags from His Life," a film review [read]
Poem "Sea Otter" in Oil Addiction: The World in Peril by Pierre Chomat with foreword by Jean-Michel Cousteau
Poem "Sardine Fisherman" in The Anthology of Monterey Bay Poets
Poem "Stranded" in CSUMB's Otter Realm [more]
Otter 501 film review [read]
Argentine Stencil Graffiti (photos in Porter Gulch Review)
"Wildlife and the Environment at the Bottom of the World" presented to TeamOCEAN for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary [more]
"Antarctica, Arctic, Greenland, Argentina, and Global Warming" presented for Imagine College, CSUMB [more]
My photo of a seal choked by a fishing net in "Threats to Biodiversity: Entanglement" for Atlas of the Patagonian Sea: Spaces and Species [photo]

Severe weather due to climate change in Monterey County Weekly. Sardine Fisherman in Anthology of Monterey Bay Poets. Sea Otter in Oil Addiction: The World in Peril. Otter 501 webStory for Sea Studios Foundation. Fur seal entanglement in Atlas of the Patagonian Sea: Species and Spaces. TeamOCEAN and kayak stewardship for Sea Kayaker. Part 1 of Sylvia Earle interview in Origin magazine. Part 2 of Sylvia Earle interview in Origin magazine.

Spaceship Books More Events More Videos
SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History by Dan Linehan with foreword by Sir Arthur C. Clarke

SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History (2008)
Sci-fi legend Sir Arthur C. Clarke writes foreword for SpaceShipOne [more]
Video interviews on Wave Street Authors Show, AM Arizona, and BookTV [watch]
"Magic in the Mojave" a review in Air & Space | Smithsonian [read]
Review of SpaceShipOne by Alan Boyle makes front page of MSNBC.com [read]
SpaceShipOne hits #1 [more]

For more about SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History, including events, click [here].



Burt Rutan's Race to Space: The Magician of Mojave and His Flying Innovations by Dan Linehan

Burt Rutan's Race to Space (2011)
Burt Rutan's Race to Space: The Magician of Mojave and His Flying Innovations, with a foreword by astronaut Mike Melvill [full cover] [more details]
Click [here] for news and reviews
Learn about the design of SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo [more]
See photos from the official unveiling of SpaceShipTwo [more]
Praise for Burt Rutan's Race to Space
"With Burt Rutan’s Race to Space, Dan Linehan tells the dramatic story of Burt Rutan’s pioneering aviation work that has included building a racing biplane, the X Prize-winning SpaceShipOne and Voyager, the first airplane to fly around the world.

"Linehan gives Rutan the credit he is due as one of the architects of twenty-first century private space travel. As he did with his earlier book, SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History, Linehan also shows himself to be an engaging writer who combines scientific know-how with behind-the-scenes reporting that makes Rutan’s Race read like an adventure story."


—Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft
and co-winner of the Ansari X PRIZE


"I am honored indeed to have been asked to pen this foreword for Dan’s book. This book is an accurate history of Burt Rutan and his brilliant career. When you, the reader, have read these words and enjoyed the more than two hundred photos included in it, you will have a very complete knowledge of Burt’s almost unbelievable technical capabilities and of his fanatical sense of how technology can be used to change and improve aerospace, including some things that weren’t meant to fly at all."

—from the foreword by Mike Melvill, SpaceShipOne
test pilot and first commercial astronaut


"Dan has done a fabulous job of describing the incredible journey of one of the most accomplished aircraft designers of all time, Burt Rutan. If you weren’t impressed by Burt before now, you certainly will be after reading this absolutely fascinating story of the incredible journey of Burt Rutan—from a young model airplane champion to legendary aircraft designer among the ranks of Douglas, Heinemann, Lockheed, and Kelly Johnson.

"I personally read it from one end to the other and loved it. This is a book you will read from cover to cover without being able to put it down. What a fascinating story of the aircraft designer of our time, Burt Rutan. His accomplishments as an aircraft designer and builder revolutionized the way airplanes are made.

"Way to go Dan Linehan for creating a mesmerizing collection of stories!"


—Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Top Gun pilot
and 5-time Space Shuttle astronaut


“In Burt Rutan’s Race to Space, Dan Linehan takes you inside the world of Burt Rutan, providing insights as to why Burt’s been successful attacking some of aviation’s greatest challenges. When it comes to the sky, Burt knows no boundaries. He is always reaching beyond normal expectations. This book will help you understand what makes Burt tick. It answers the ‘why and how’ behind many of his designs and innovations.”

—Tom Poberezny, chairman of EAA
AirVenture and former EAA president


Burt Rutan’s Race to Space gives a wonderfully revealing glimpse into the mind of an aerospace genius. I got to know Burt well as he and his team competed for and ultimately won the $10M Ansari X PRIZE with SpaceShipOne. Burt’s innovative spirit and out-of-the-box thinking helped open the door to space travel for not just him but for all of us.”

—Peter H. Diamandis, MD, X PRIZE Foundation
chairman/CEO and Space Adventures co-founder


“Dan Linehan has produced an amazing narrative clearly explaining the technical evolution of how Burt Rutan founded two small aerospace companies that eventually lead to the capture the 10 million dollar X-prize awarded to the first company to shoot a manned, privately-funded spacecraft into outerspace twice within two weeks. I know. I was the lead structural analyst for Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne and witness to SpaceShipOne's construction, operation, and ultimate success. And now, the next generation SpaceShipTwo is designed to take passengers like you and me there.

"If you long to someday visit space yourself, Burt Rutan’s Race to Space is a must read. It very accurately captures the early evolution of space travel that will someday be as common place as airline travel is today.”


—Dan Kreigh, senior structural engineer
at Scaled Composites and IFO inventor


“Burt will always be remembered as a visionary aircraft designer, his unique configurations a testament to his genius. However, a more subtle but undoubtedly key part of his success is his ability to make his unique visions resonate in those around him. If Burt’s only contribution were ideas he couldn’t communicate, he’d have executed on a couple and vanished into the background. His true genius is his capability to excite others, to make them believe in the unimaginable and to lead them on an unapologetic search for the unique. This book is sure to bring the reader along on that quest by detailing the unique concepts and the amazing stories behind them.”

—Matt Stinemetze, SpaceShipOne project engineer
and SpaceShipTwo program project manager

News & Reviews for Burt Rutan's Race to Space
"Private-Sector Space Age Turns 7" from Cosmic Log in MSNBC by Alan Boyle [read]
"A 'Must Read' for Fans of Burt Rutan’s Innovative Designs" in Airplanista by Dan Pimentel [read]
"Burt Rutan’s Race to Space — Book Review" from Travel for Aircraft in Seattle Post-Intelligencer by Joseph May [read]
"Burt Rutan’s Race to Space: A Primer for Things to Come" in Universe Today by Jason Rhian [read]
"Over the Transom: Burt Rutan's Race to Space" in The Internet Review of Books [read]
"Burt Rutan's Race to Space Available Now at EAA" in EAA News
"Space Case: Local author Dan Linehan’s new book explores the galaxy of private space travel" in the Monterey County Weekly [read]
"Book chronicles 'Race to Space'" in Monterey County Herald [read]
"P.G. writer takes a closer look at aerospace legend" in Carmel Pine Cone [read]
"Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books, August 19, 2011" in Library Journal [read]
"Review: Burt Rutan’s Race to Space" in The Space Review [read]
"Book Review: Book captures sense of Rutan's aviation genius" in North County Times [read]
"Book Review: Burt Rutan’s Race to Space – The Magician of Mojave and His Flying Innovations " for the Coalition for Space Exploration by Leonard David [read]
Dan and Harrison Ford, speakers at the 2011 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Dan and Harrison Ford, speakers at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

6/6/19 (Thr)
Presenting about SpaceShipOne for Experimental Aircraft Association, Livermore, CA
10/14/18 (Sun)
Facilitator for Climate Reality Presentation Boot Camp, San Francisco, CA [more]
12/3/17 (Sun)
Facilitator for Climate Reality Presentation Boot Camp, San Francisco, CA [more]
5/13/17 (Sat)
Facilitator for Climate Reality Presentation Boot Camp, San Mateo, CA [more]
4/4/17 (Tue)
Presenting "Critical Thinking and Climate Change" for Hartnell College, Salinas, CA
11/15/16 (Tue)
Presenting "Critical Thinking and Climate Change" for Hartnell College, Salinas, CA
11/7/16 (Mon)
Climate change presentation to Students for a Sustainable Stanford, Stanford University
11/1/16 (Tue)
Presenting "Severe Weather from Climate Change" for California State University, Monterey Bay
10/26/16 (Wed)
Presenting "Severe Weather from Climate Change" for Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA
10/7/16 (Fri)
Presenting "Climate Change Adventures between South and North Poles" for Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland, CA
4/20/16 (Wed) Earth Day
Climate Reality Project for California State University, Monterey Bay
1/21/16 (Thr)
Presenting "Severe Weather from Climate Change" for Cannery Row Rotary Club, Monterey, CA
11/17/15 (Tue)
Presenting "Critical Thinking and Climate Change" for Hartnell College, Salinas, CA
11/4/15 (Wed)
Presenting "Severe Weather from Climate Change" for Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA
10/22/15 (Thr)
Presenting "Severe Weather from Climate Change" for California State University, Monterey Bay
10/21/15 (Wed) 7:30 pm
Presenting "Severe Weather from Climate Change” for the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, Palo Alto, CA [more]
4/22/15 (Wed) Earth Day
Climate Reality Project for California State University, Monterey Bay
3/3/15 (Tue) 3 pm
Presenting "Climate Change and Taking Action" for California State University, Monterey Bay
2/20/15 (Fri) 1:45 pm
Presenting "Adventures of Story and Art" for Art Careers Academy of Monterey High School, CA

11/26/12 (Mon) 2:15 pm
Global warming lecture for Cal. State U. Monterey Bay
10/22/12 (Mon) 2 pm
Global warming lecture for Cal. State U. Monterey Bay
9/19/12 (Wed) 12:20 pm
SpaceShipOne and New Space talk for the Kiwanis Club of Monterey, CA
9/13/12 (Thr) 11:40 am
Creative writing lecture for Art Careers Academy at Monterey High School
9/6/12 (Thr) 2:00 pm
Creative writing lecture for International School of Monterey
8/8/12 (Wed) 2:30 pm
Plastic bag and pollution presentation the Carmel Foundation, Carmel, CA
7/24/12 (Tue) 6-7 pm
Plastic bag and pollution presentation at Eco Carmel, Carmel, CA
6/12/12 (Tue) 6:30 pm
"SpaceShipOne and What's Next" for EAA Chapter 499, Santa Maria, CA
5/30/12
Marine debris presentation for Stevenson School (3rd & 4th grades) at Carmel Beach
5/4/12
Plastic pollution presentation at Learning for Life Charter School (HS)
9/24/11 (Sat) 10 am - Noon
Climate change awareness walk for 350.org, Monterey, CA [more]
8/23/11 (Tue) 7-8 am
Commercial space presentation for Rotary Club, Monterey, CA
8/7/11 (Sun) 3-5 pm
Burt Rutan's Race to Space booksigning at The Works, Pacific Grove, CA [more]
7/25/11 - 7/30/11
Booksignings and presentations for Burt Rutan's Race to Space and SpaceShipOne at EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, WI [more]
7/23/11 (Sat) 12-4 pm
Rutan's Race to Space booksigning at Local Authors Live!, a benefit for local libraries, Carmel, CA [more]
7/18/11 (Mon) 5-8 pm
Rutan's Race to Space booksigning at Barnes & Noble, Palmdale, CA [more]
7/16/11 (Sat) 6-9 pm
Rutan's Race to Space booksigning at the San Diego Space Society's Space Travelers Emporium, San Diego, CA [more]
4/19/11
"Paper Bags, Plastic Bags, and the Third Party Candidate" for Sustainable Carmel, Carmel, CA
3/31/11
"Plastic Pollution and Solutions" for American Cetacean Society at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA
3/5/11
"SpaceShipOne and What’s to Come" at the Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos, CA [more]
2/26/11
"Plastic Pollution and Solutions" for Ventana Wildlife Society at Discovery Center in Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur
2/5/11
"Plastic Pollution and Solutions" at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Events for SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History from 2008 to 2011 [here]
Aboard the Antipodes for a yellow submarine expedition in Monterey Bay.
A yellow submarine exploration of Monterey Bay aboard the Antipodes [watch]

Dan discusses his first book SpaceShipOne, writing, and career on Wave Street Author Series.
Interviews about Dan's book, SpaceShipOne, and writing career: Wave Street Author Series [watch], Book TV on C-SPAN2 [watch], and AM Arizona [watch]

The Intergalactic Adventures of Professor Murk, a spec screenplay for an enviro-themed, animated TV series, by Dan Linehan.
The Intergalactic Adventures of Professor Murk, a spec screenplay for an enviro-themed, animated TV series [watch]
Other Stories
Yo La Tengo (photo in Relix)
Shakeup NFL Playoffs [read]
"Space Case," a last chance to see the Space Shuttle from the ground and other things spacey [read]
"Roger Waters Builds and Tears Down Pink Floyd’s The Wall," a concert review [story and videos]
"Abroad View," a letter from my 6th trip to the Middle East [read]
Poetry reading and discussion at the International School of Monterey for Poetry Month on 4/28/10
Clint Eastwood's Bird in "Soaring Talent" [read]
Reading for Litquake Lit Crawl in San Francisco on 10/17/09 [more]
Reading with Barbara Mossberg for The Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium at the East Village Coffee Lounge, Monterey, on 12/9/08 [more]


Copyright © 2005-2021 by Dan Linehan. All rights reserved.