From Outer Space to Inner Space

The sixth man who walked on the moon shares his journey to the stars, into the mind, and beyond.

In February 1971, as Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell hurtled Earthward through space, he was engulfed by a profound sense of universal connectedness. He intuitively sensed that his presence and that of the planet in the window were all part of a deliberate, universal process, and that the glittering cosmos itself was, in some way, conscious. The experience was so overwhelming, Mitchell knew his life would never be the same.

For the next thirty-five years, he embarked on another journey, an inward exploration of the ineffable mystery of human consciousness and being. Mitchell left NASA to form the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). There he initiated research in areas of study previously neglected by mainstream science and constructed a theory that could explain not only the mysteries of consciousness, but also the psychic event — what spiritualists call a 'miracle' and scientists dismiss altogether.

Mitchell also created a new dyadic model of reality, revealing a self-aware universe not predetermined by the laws of physics, preordained by deities, or infinitely malleable. While human actions are generally subject to the laws of physics, these laws are also influenced by the mind.

From Outer Space to Inner Space traces two remarkable journeys — one through space and one through the mind. Together they fundamentally alter the way we understand the miracle and mystery of being, and ultimately reveal humankind’s role in its own destiny.

Previously published as The Way of the Explorer, this edition includes a new foreword by Avi Loeb, an afterword by Dean Radin, and a postscript chapter by the author.

'Edgar was a man very willing to go where no one has gone before.' — Avi Loeb, New York Times bestselling author of Extraterrestrial and chair of Harvard’s Department of Astronomy

'Edgar Mitchell has produced a miraculous book. He writes as both a scientist and a spiritual seeker. In sharing from his heart, Dr. Mitchell has provided us with a blueprint for revolutionizing our lives and our planet.' — Wayne W. Dyer, author of The Power of Intention

'Edgar Mitchell is one of those rarest of scientists — a true explorer. His journey into outer space has been matched by a lifelong journey into inner space, where he investigated the final frontier, the nature of mind, and returned with nothing less than an extraordinary new science of life.' — Lynne McTaggart, best-selling author of The Field and The Intention Experiment

'In the history of the human race, 12 people have set foot on the moon. Now one of them has written an important book, an account of a modern-day hero's journey. Astronaut Edgar Mitchell pursued a vision, ventured on a quest, risked great danger, and obtained uncommon wisdom. Now he has returned to share it. We would be wise to listen.' — Larry Dossey, MD, author of Healing Words

'Originally scheduled for the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, Mitchell, as told in this smooth blend of autobiography and exegesis, journeyed to the Moon in 1971. Within a few years, he had left NASA and founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences, aimed at the systematic study of the nature of consciousness. At the institute, he came to some fascinating conclusions, detailed here and based on principles of resonance, regarding a possible natural explanation for psychic powers. Mitchell isn’t afraid to go out on a limb; his contention that the universe ‘intended’ to evolve to higher levels, for example, goes against mainstream Western science. He grounds his ideas in data and reason, however, making this a strong offering for those who enjoy the books of Larry Dossey, Ken Wilber, and others pushing the envelope of the science/spirit paradigm.' — Publishers Weekly

'Apollo 14 astronaut Mitchell offers a vision in which technology and intuition are harmonized in pursuit of a more advanced consciousness.' — Kirkus Reviews