“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 …”
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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
Strap in for humanity’s wild dash to Mars in this hard-science-powered adventure.
“You’d like to be the first man on Mars, the next Neil Armstrong, wouldn’t you?”
Astronaut Addy Johnson and his wife, Bria, have beaten the odds—and dodged a media scandal—to snag spots on NASA’s first crewed mission to Mars, joining another couple who also happen to be their closest friends and bandmates.
Before launch, the foursome top the charts and lean on each other through personal drama and brutal training in Antarctica. But even months of frozen survival drills can’t fully prepare them for what awaits beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Propelled by cutting-edge nuclear thermal propulsion, the crew hurtles toward their destination at record-breaking speeds. But when Addy, eager to outrun the Chinese competition, defies Mission Control—and the wishes of Bria and the rest of the crew—he gambles not just with the mission, but also with their safety. All the while their two marriages become as cold and rocky as the Red Planet itself.
In this witty, high-spirited debut from Richmond Scott, Addy and his crewmates navigate the perils of deep space while dealing with amorous robots, reality TV absurdity, a power-hungry space entrepreneur with a secret agenda, and a newly elected anti-science President who wants NASA gone for good.
It’s one small step for humankind—and one giant leap into reckless ambition, riotous recriminations, and really bad decisions.