“Tripping Toward Mars shines when illuminating the ethical dilemmas that crop up during space exploration … This is not just a story about reaching Mars; it is a reflection on human nature, the drive for discovery, and the sacrifices made in the name of progress.”
“The interpersonal chemistry of the cast is explored with potent humor and wit … An engaging speculative science fiction novel …”
Sign up for Richmond Scott's newsletter
About the Author
Growing up, Richmond Scott wanted to become a space scientist, but got stuck orbiting other high-tech worlds instead. He lives in Washington, DC. This is his first novel.
About the Book
Join humanity’s mad blast toward Mars in this rollicking near-future satire
“You’d like to be the first man on Mars, the next Neil Armstrong, wouldn’t you?”
Astronaut Addy Johnson and his wife, Bria, beat the odds (and dodge a publicity scandal) to be on NASA’s first crewed mission to Mars, along with another astronaut couple. The foursome are best friends and chart-topping bandmates in the runup to their mission, supporting each other as they grapple with personal conflicts and the rigors of training in Antarctica.
After the “Boeing Deepthrust” rocket launches the astronauts toward the stars, tensions run high when Addy, misjudging the impact of defying Mission Control—and the wishes of Bria and the other crew members—ponders a risky gambit to outrace their Chinese competition to the Red Planet. Facing a challenge that could end their deep space voyage, they experiment with the peculiar cargo someone smuggled onboard.
This big-hearted satire by first-time novelist Richmond Scott is a scintillating read for sci-fi fans. Addy and his crew share their adventure with a vibrant ensemble of characters including amorous robots and reality TV stars. Set in a not-too-distant future overrun by corporate sponsorships and a collective obsession with celebrity, Tripping Toward Mars takes you on a dazzling, high-spirited ride.