The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

The Moon is used as a penal colony; most residents are criminals or exiles. After acclimating on the Moon, return to Earth is impractical. A single computer system manages the vast infrastructure of the Moon as well as lunar mining; it eventually gains self-awareness and helps the Loonies rebel against Earth's tyranny.

The novel won the 1967 Hugo Award.


(Original serialized publication cover)

Select an invention:

Adam Selene
A computer generates a human avatar for itself.

Alternate Computer Personality
A computer system that can take on complete, alternate personalities.

Computer Humorist
A computer acquires the ability to tell original jokes.

Cyborg Pilot - man plus machine
A combination of a human being (at least the thinking part) and a machine.

Ground-to-Orbit Ferry
A kind of space shuttle craft.

Hush Hood - privacy when you need it
A device that cancels noise, ensuring that others cannot overhear.

Lunar Greenhouse Tunnel
A multipurpose conservatory on the Moon.

Lunar Ice Mining - water on the moon
The practice of mining for ice on the moon.

Mass-Driver Catapult - mass driver for the Moon
An escape-speed induction catapult to launch material into orbit.

Mike (Mycroft Holmes - Fair Dinkum Thinkum) - artificial intelligence early on
A large computer that woke up - an artificially intelligent, self-aware machine.

Moon As Prison
The moon is a prison without bars.

Neuristor
A solid-state computer component that mimics the human neuron.

Specialized Prosthetic Arm
A set of prosthetics that provide different functionality in place of missing arm.

TANSTAAFL - and there isn't
There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.

 

Technovelgy.com is devoted to the creative inventions of science fiction authors and movie makers. Look for the Science Fiction Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary of Science Fiction Inventions, the Timeline of Science Fiction Inventions, or see what's New.
Find
new authors and technologies - Shop for yourself, your library and your lab.

 

 

 

 

Science Fiction
in the News

Drones Recharge In Mid-Air Like Jets Refuel!
re: Neal Stephenson
(6/9/2025)

Australian Authors Reject AI Training Of Llama
re: Anthony Boucher
(6/7/2025)

Is China Mining Helium-3 On The Moon's Farside?
re: Ray Cummings
(6/5/2025)

Maybe It's Too Soon To Require Autonomous Mode
re: Arthur C. Clarke
(6/3/2025)

Is Agentic AI The Wrong Kind Of Smartness?
re: Isaac Asimov
(6/1/2025)

Heat Waver - The First Ever Combo Solar Collector And Wind Turbine
re: Simpson Stokes
(5/29/2025)

Tesla 'Fleet Response Agents' Bolster FSD Autonomy
re: Charles Stross
(5/27/2025)

Mori3 Autonomous Shapeshifting Robot
re: Stargate
(5/25/2025)

Tesla Seeks 'Tesla Robotaxi' And 'Robobus' Trademarks Ignoring Prior Art
re: Gordon R. Dickson
(5/23/2025)

Scary Grid Safety Robots
re: Philip K. Dick
(5/21/2025)

Does AI Provide A Way Forward For Talk Therapy
re: Philip K. Dick
(5/19/2025)

Robotic Barber Programmed With a Number of Styles
re: Don Wilcox
(5/17/2025)

Humanoid Boxing Robot KO's Opponent - It's A Knockout!
re: Aldo Giunta
(5/15/2025)

Caterpillar Electric Mining Loader Not Yet Ready For Moon
re: Jack Williamson
(5/13/2025)

More SF in the News

Home | Glossary | Invention Timeline | Category | New | Contact Us | FAQ | Advertise |
Technovelgy.com - where science meets fiction™

Copyright© Technovelgy LLC; all rights reserved.