Mission to Mars (novel)

Mission to Mars is a 1955 science fiction novel by Patrick Moore, published by Burke.

The action is set initially on Earth and then on Mars.

Plot synopsis

Maurice Gray, a young recently-orphaned Englishman, arrives at the Woomera Rocket base in Australia to meet his only known relative, Leslie Yorke. He learns that Dr. Yorke, a scientist at the base, left on an expedition to Mars some time before and that nothing has been heard from them.

Whilst listening in on the base radio, Maurice is the first to hear a message from the expedition in morse code. They have landed, but their ship is badly damaged and inoperable.

Because of his light weight and his knowledge of radio, Maurice is asked to join a rescue mission in the nuclear-powered ship Aries. The ship blasts off and travels to Mars. During the landing, they pass through the Violet Layer, a portion of the Martian atmosphere, which severely buffets them. They land, but their radar systems are damaged beyond repair.

With no other options, they suit up and walk for several days to the last known position of the first ship. On their way, they encounter two species of Martian lifeforms; carnivorous slug-like creatures and pterodactyl-like flying creatures. They arrive at the ship and find all members alive, but running short of supplies. Most of their equipment is beyond repair, but their radar is still usable.

They cannibalise the ship and return to the Aries. With repairs made, and despite the excess weight of its crew, the ship is successfully launched and returns to Earth.

Maurice, now fascinated with Mars, is invited to join the staff at Woomera.

See also

Novels portal

• The Voices of Mars (novel)