Tripping Toward Mars: A Deep Space Love Odyssey

By: Scott, Richmond

What happens when the co-commander of NASA's first crewed mission to Mars becomes a criminal defendant?

Tripping Toward Mars, a sharp-witted near-future science fiction satire, has the answer.

Astronaut Addy Johnson was supposed to be the face of humanity's next great leap. Instead, he's standing trial in federal court.

Addy and his wife, Bria, have secured coveted spots on NASA's first crewed mission to Mars, joining another married couple who happen to be their closest friends--and bandmates. Before launch, they navigate a surprise hit record, dodge a media scandal, and endure brutal survival training in Antarctica as they prepare for a journey powered by cutting-edge nuclear thermal propulsion.

Then, millions of miles from Earth, Addy makes a decision.

Determined to beat international rivals to the Red Planet, he defies Mission Control--and the warnings of his own crew--by taking a gamble that jeopardizes not only the mission, but their safe return home. Back on Earth, the fallout is swift and political, fueled by a reality-TV President eager to hurl NASA into a black hole. For Addy's jury, the question goes beyond whether he broke protocol.

Was he a reckless glory seeker--or a hero?

Blending scientific authenticity with biting satire--and featuring a cast that includes amorous robots and a power-hungry space mogul--Tripping Toward Mars explores ego, loyalty, marriage, and the perilous cost of being first.

Because the greatest danger isn't Mars itself--it's the choices we make along the way.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DFQPPN5N
• ISBN13: 9798886453089
• Release Date: February 2025
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Tripping Toward Mars is unforgettable and rises to the top of great reads.

Loved this book! When a book gives you a great story with love, laughter, thrills and spills, it checks all the boxes. The surprises sprinkled throughout are so entertaining, you'll find yourself wondering how the author got you again. It might be his first book, but it definitely won't be his last.