Subject
Satellites -- Fiction Books
Best books
Theodore L. Thomas
Satellite Passage
"Satellite Passage" by Theodore L. Thomas is a science fiction novella written in the late 1950s. The story explores themes of tension and rivalry between nations as two satellites, one American and one Russian, find themselves on a nearly collision course in space, forcing the crews to confront their fears and uncertainties about the potential for conflict in the realms beyond Earth. The narrative follows three astronauts aboard the American satellite as they calculate their proximity to the approaching Russian satellite. As the tension mounts, they decide to remain stationary rather than alter their course, conscious of the political implications of appearing fearful. The men suit up and prepare for the pass, contemplating the possibility of interactions with the crew of the other satellite. When the two satellites finally draw near, an unexpected life-threatening situation arises as a Russian crew member becomes detached from their craft. Drawing on his sailing experience, one American astronaut successfully throws a line to save the floating Russian, leading to a brief moment of camaraderie as both parties wave to one another. The story concludes with a sense of bittersweet reflection, highlighting the unexpected connections formed in the face of potential disaster amidst the larger socio-political backdrop of the space race.
Ben Bova
A long way back
"A Long Way Back" by Ben Bova is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The narrative is set in a post-apocalyptic future where civilization is struggling to rebuild after a devastating war. The story centers around the theme of human resilience and technological hope, particularly focusing on the journey of the protagonist as he attempts to assemble a power-beaming satellite that could restore energy to a world plagued by destruction and despair. The protagonist, Tom Morris, is a former historian who becomes the unlikely pilot tasked with assembling the satellite in orbit. Facing numerous challenges, including intense cold and his own doubts, Tom works to connect the satellite’s components under the direction of his superiors, including the ambitious Jason. Throughout his mission, he grapples with questions about survival, the future of civilization, and the importance of human knowledge amid a backdrop of secrecy and fear of the outside world. Ultimately, as he completes the satellite, Tom is faced with a choice that weighs not only his fate but the fate of humanity itself—choosing to ensure the satellite's power beams down to a more promising area of Earth, forcing his companions to confront the necessity of reintegrating with the remnants of civilization.
Michael Shaara
The Sling and the Stone
"The Sling and the Stone" by Michael Shaara is a science fiction narrative likely written in the early 1950s. The book explores themes of warfare, space exploration, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in the context of military power. It delves into the psyche of a scientist caught in a high-stakes situation where his expertise could potentially lead to cataclysmic events. In the story, we follow Pyotr Diavilev, a Russian scientist brought aboard a new space station, where he discovers his role in a frightening plan involving the manipulation of a newly identified moonlet. As he grapples with the implications of turning this celestial body into a weapon of mass destruction against America, he experiences a transformation in his understanding of power and morality. Ultimately, Diavilev's internal struggle culminates in a fateful choice, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the ruthless intentions of the military leadership. The narrative juxtaposes the vastness of space with the destructive potential of human ambition, presenting a thought-provoking commentary on the consequences of scientific advancement and militarism.
Allyn Donnelson
Welcome to Paradise
"Welcome to Paradise" by Allyn Donnelson is a science fiction novel that likely falls within the mid-20th century. The story revolves around an ordinary civilian who unintentionally becomes involved in a top-secret government project related to space exploration. The book explores themes of destiny and the impact of government secrecy on individuals, as it examines the protagonist's unexpected adventure into the realm of advanced scientific discovery. The narrative follows Joe "Tuck" Peters, an unsuspecting spot welder who, after a fateful incident at work, finds himself transported to Lunette, a newly discovered satellite. Here, he meets military personnel who reveal that Lunette holds extraordinary healing properties due to its increased radioactivity. As Tuck learns about the groundbreaking implications of this discovery for health on Earth, he grapples with the ethical dilemma of government secrecy in medical advancements. With a sense of urgency, Tuck takes on the responsibility of bringing this vital information to Congress, hoping to advocate for transparency and the potential life-saving benefits of Lunette. Throughout his journey, Tuck's blend of humor, curiosity, and earnest civic duty add depth to this imaginative tale, ultimately revealing the importance of both personal and public responsibility in face of scientific progress.
Randall Garrett
Beyond our control
"Beyond Our Control" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story explores the consequences of a technological mishap involving artificial satellites that control global communication. The plot centers around Satellite Number Four, which is rendered inoperable after an encounter with an unidentified object, leading to a crisis that could affect the entire Earth. In the narrative, James Fitzpatrick MacIlheny, the Operational Vice-President of Circum-Global Communications, grapples with the sudden loss of the satellite. As he and his team scramble to regain control, they discover the satellite has altered its orbit after the incident. Ultimately, they confront an extraterrestrial spacecraft that seems to have caused the satellite's malfunction. The alien, through a series of misunderstood gestures, exchanges an H-bomb for one of their weapons, suggesting complex interstellar diplomacy. The book weaves themes of technological reliance and the potential for unexpected contact with alien life, ending on an optimistic note regarding mutual understanding and trade rather than conflict.
H. B. (Horace Bowne) Fyfe
The night of no moon
"The Night of No Moon" by H. B. Fyfe is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story is set on the rough and hazardous planet of Boyd III, where the protagonist, Pete Guthrie, navigates the challenges of survival amid native customs and the unpredictable environment. The narrative revolves around themes of conflict, cooperation, and the clash of cultures when a spaceship crash lands on a treacherous world. The plot follows Pete Guthrie, a member of the Galactic Survey, as he attempts to adapt to life on Boyd III after being stranded. He encounters locals known as the Skirkhi, who have a perplexing belief in malevolent sky spirits, which affects their customs, including practices related to sacrifice. When another Terran, George Trent, and a woman named Karen Norsund arrive from a crashed ship, their differing attitudes towards the natives create tension. As storms approach and the Skirkhi prepare for their customs involving the "sky spirits," Guthrie devises a daring plan to escape the planet and send a distress signal, all while grappling with the surreal and harsh realities of his new home. The conclusion of the story reveals Guthrie’s ingenuity and critical thinking as he uses his knowledge and skills to aid both himself and the unsuspecting Trent and Karen.
Basil Wells
Raiders of the Second Moon
"Raiders of the Second Moon" by Gene Ellerman is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of adventure and memory loss set in a fantastical environment beyond Earth's celestial body, wherein a strange second moon named Sekk is home to a variety of human-like species and mythic creatures. The plot centers around the character Noork, who grapples with his lost memory while navigating the perils of this alien world. In the story, Noork, who has been stripped of his past, finds himself among the inhabitants of Sekk, particularly the golden-skinned people and the wild Vasads, a more primal race. He encounters Sarna, a captive golden-skinned girl, and learns of the oppressive regime of the Misty Ones, who are priests residing on a sinister island. As Noork sets out to rescue Sarna from a planned sacrifice, he discovers his own identity as Captain Dietrich, a pilot in pursuit of a nefarious scientist. The tale unfolds with action and intrigue as Noork and his allies confront various adversaries, ultimately leading to a climactic confrontation with both the Misty Ones and the villainous Von Mark, revealing a deeper connection to his own past and goals for the future.
John Brudy
If at First You Don't...
"If at First You Don't..." by John Brudy is a satirical science fiction novella likely written in the early 21st century. The book focuses on the bureaucratic and absurd challenges surrounding the fate of the satellite '58 Beta, which becomes a symbol of pride and contention among various stakeholders in the U.S. government and public. It delves into themes of nostalgia, historical significance, and the often comical nature of administrative decision-making in the face of trivial yet heated debates. The story follows Amos Jordan, the Secretary for Cislunar Navigation, as he is drawn into a chaotic political fracas regarding the fate of the aging satellite '58 Beta, which is on a collision course with the Earth's atmosphere. The narrative unfolds through Jordan's interactions with his assistant, Clements, and various political figures, including the obstinate Senator Darius, who insists on preserving Beta as a tribute to early space exploration. As public sentiment rises, leading to student riots and congressional debates, Jordan grapples with the absurdity of the situation, ultimately leveraging a little-known regulation to classify Beta as dangerous debris, allowing it to be decommissioned without further fuss. The finale humorously twists into a bureaucratic triumph with the successful re-launching of '58 Beta after taking into account numerous administrative mishaps, culminating in a reflection on the cyclical nature of power and historical preservation in a spacefaring age.
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