{"product_id":"tripping-toward-mars-a-deep-space-love-odyssey-9798900520827","title":"Tripping Toward Mars: A Deep Space Love Odyssey","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat happens when the co-commander of NASA's first crewed mission to Mars becomes a criminal defendant?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTripping Toward Mars\u003c\/em\u003e, a sharp-witted near-future science fiction satire, has the answer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAstronaut Addy Johnson was supposed to be the face of humanity's next great leap. Instead, he's standing trial in federal court.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAddy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThen, millions of miles from Earth, Addy makes a decision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDetermined 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWas he a reckless glory seeker-or a hero?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlending scientific authenticity with biting satire-and featuring a cast that includes amorous robots and a power-hungry space mogul-\u003cem\u003eTripping Toward Mars\u003c\/em\u003e explores ego, loyalty, marriage, and the perilous cost of being first.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause the greatest danger isn't Mars itself-it's the choices we make along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e River Grove Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 06\/09\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798900520827\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 294\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.87lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.66d","brand":"Richmond Scott","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52715631149237,"sku":"9798900520827","price":15.26,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/tripping-toward-mars-a-deep-space-love-odyssey-9798900520827","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}